Australian singer-songwriter Firerose, whose birth name is Johanna Rosie Hodges, developed a passion for music from a young age, growing up in Sydney in a family of symphony musicians. This atmosphere would inspire her to forge her own musical path -- though it wasn't without its challenges.
FIREROSE is a sobriety success story, and combined with her spiritual healing, these two facets are crucial to her musical pursuits. Her arduous journey has since led her on an admirable music path, sharing her messages of healing and persisting through song.
FIREROSE gained significant attention after collaborating with country music veteran Billy Ray Cyrus, as the two co-wrote and released their first duet, "New Day," in 2021. She has since performed with him live at venues including the Grand Ole Opry among others.
Her musical style fluctuates in the indie pop and country pop sphere, combining soulful vocals with candid, personal lyrics. Prior to her August album, SHINING ARMOR, she released solo singles such as "Fragile Handling," "Way Out," and "No Holding Fire." Her latest release is her music video for her single of the same name.
We got to chat with FIREROSE to learn more about her journey, her new music, and what's next.
What are three things people should know about FIREROSE?
God is at the center of everything I do, & music comes from the deepest part of my soul.
I almost died from addiction in my 20s, I'm nine years sober now by the grace of God.
I grew up in Sydney, Australia, and moved to the U.S. alone at 19 despite not knowing anyone here.
You recently released your new single and music video, "Shining Armor (Rise Again)." What can you tell us about the influence and inspiration behind this song?
"Shining Armor (Rise Again)" was born from the ashes of my life after years of abuse. It's the moment I realized no one was coming to save me, and that God's strength in me was enough. It's my rawest, most defiant and empowering work yet. A battle cry for every soul who's had to become their own hero, transforming pain into courage and unshakable faith.
FIREROSE
Do you find it to be difficult to be so vulnerable and open about your past in your songwriting, and how do you hope it resonates with your listeners?
To me, in music, especially with my lyrics, honesty and vulnerability is everything. As a songwriter, it's always been important to me to share the most painful parts of my story through my art, because music has the power to alchemize those scars into something beautiful that can reach others still in the darkness. That's always my hope, that my songs uplift those still struggling or stuck in similar horrific situations whether it be addiction, or domestic abuse in the case of this song.
Let's talk about the music video that you made. Can you discuss your vision for it and how it correlates to the song itself? Any challenges in trying to film it?
The song is all about liberation from captivity, and of course the visual of me being in literal chains, in the middle of Freedom Towel Square in NYC, was envisioned as a powerful juxtaposition to the shots of me in front of the Statue of Liberty, which of course represents ultimate freedom. Being trapped in an abusive relationship can often feel like you're the only person in the world to be experiencing something like that. It's only when you get out, and are free from that toxic abuse cycle, that you realize your experience is sadly far more common than you can even imagine.
What has been the most rewarding part of the process in making this single and/or video?
When I finally finished the music video edit! lol. I mean it took me a long time, as directing and editing definitely doesn't come to me as easily as writing and singing does, but each frame, choice and transition is so important as it's defining the storytelling and my vision as a whole. One of the most rewarding parts of being an artist for me, is creating something meaningful and impactful out of nothing. It's such a gift and I don't take that for granted for a second.
How have your songs evolved since you first started putting out music?
As I grow as a woman and an artist, my songs are also evolving and being shaped by my life as it's unfolding -- all the amazing and all the excruciating! Every part of my life all these years makes it into my songs in one way or another. Lyrically of course, and also the courage I've been given by God to sing them with my whole soul. I give all of me to each one, from writing, recording, performing and down to the raw emotions driving each note. Sometimes I have to relive my darkest moments while I'm recording vocals in the studio to do justice to the depths of the lyrics I wrote while in that place.
What are one or two pinnacle moments for you as an artist?
Performing at the ACM Honors with some of my musical heroes in the front row was one of those moments. Faith Hill literally sung along every word from the audience and it meant the world to me! She's incredible.
Recording for the first time with my now great friend multi-Grammy winning producer Tedd T was another moment like that. Collaborating artistically with such phenomenally talented producers whose work is on my personal daily playlists is something I'm extremely grateful for.
What does success as a musician and songwriter mean to you?
Success to me is when I hear from my fans that a song has inspired them, helped heal a part of them, uplifted their spirit or given them strength to overcome something difficult they're dealing with. I believe there's no limit to the power of what music can do. Songs can bypass our brains and trauma and go directly into our hearts, which is profound and divine. Sharing how I've overcome the hardest, darkest parts of my life through my music, and then witnessing it do the same in others lives is priceless.
What are some of your goals - whether musically or otherwise - for 2026?
I just launched my new podcast No One Asked Her, and I'm beyond thrilled with the response it's been getting! I've been blessed to have some extraordinary guests already, and many more I'm so excited for booked through the rest of the year and into 2026. I can't wait to dive deep into more entertaining and awakening conversations with all the amazing artists, directors, visionaries & spiritual leaders I have coming up on the show.
I'm also busy recording my next album to be released in summer 2026, and its first single comes out in January! These are truly my favorite, most empowering songs I've ever created, and I can't wait to share them with the world.
FIREROSE
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