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No Rome
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Key Information
Guendoline Rome Viray Gomez (born 30 August 1999), better known by his stage name No Rome, is a London-based Filipino musician from San Francisco del Monte. His 2021 single "Spinning", which featured Charli XCX and the 1975 charted at No. 94 on the UK Singles Chart. Gomez also cowrote the 1975's "TooTimeTooTimeTooTime", which charted at No. 26.
Life and career
[edit]Early life
[edit]Guendoline Rome Viray Gomez[1] grew up in the suburb of San Francisco del Monte within Manila.[2] His father was a former DJ and his mother a church singer, while his younger sister Gabriel performed under the name Aunt Robert and his older brother Zeon under the name U-Pistol,[3] short for Ulzzang Pistol.[4] He grew up listening to My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive, and later electronic artists such as Björk and Aphex Twin.[5] Growing up, he became interested in visual art after taking pictures with his father's camera, and spent extended periods on Flickr and later Tumblr, on the grounds that its contents were annotated with information for further research;[6] he was later inspired to start writing after reading books of poems by artists such as Frank O'Hara and Robert Frost.[7]
"When I was just starting, many people discouraged me, saying, ‘No, Rome, not in music; try something else.’ That stuck in my mind."
Gomez's first performances were as part of the band Rome and the Cats alongside his brother, who acted as his manager.[4] He then adopted the stage name "No Rome", based on a common response to him stating that he was starting in the music industry,[2] and with Zeon and Ethan Namoch founded Young Liquid Gang (YLG) in 2012, a collective of musicians, visual artists, photographers, managers, and graphic designers which ran until 2015.[3] One of YLG's members, Leon Ordinario, met Gomez by chance at a McDonald's outside their college, and would later become the programmer and drummer for Gomez's live shows; another bandmate, Chris, would flash moving images on Gomez using a projector.[3]
Gomez moved to London at the age of 18, after he was signed to Dirty Hit.[2]
Early releases, RIP Indo Hisashi, and Crying in the Prettiest Places
[edit]In 2013, he released the double A-side single "Dance With Me" / "United We Are"",[8] followed by the EP Fantasy, both on Number Line Records.[4] In 2014, he released "Heaven", a song inspired by recent bereavements,[9] and in 2015, he released "Know U" on Mermaid Avenue, about being ghosted by inopportune partners,[10] and the EP Hurry Home & Rest on Number Line Records.[4] The following year, fed up of carting his MIDI controllers around on buses, he took a job at a call center, staying in post for seven months, and used the proceeds to purchase a digital audio workstation, gear, and private transportation.[3] In January 2017, he released "Blue Jeans", a song about misinterpretation of his lyrics,[11] and the following month he released "Seventeen" on Ryan Hemsworth's Secret Songs label, a song about a friend's failed romance;[12] Wave Racer would cover the song in June 2021.[13]
Gomez then entered into correspondence with Samuel Burgess-Johnson and sent him his demos, who proceeded to share them with his flatmate Matty Healy, who invited him to London and signed him to his label Dirty Hit.[14] In 2018, Healy and George Daniel produced Rome's third EP, RIP Indo Hisashi,[15] which took its name from the Japanese painter Hisashi Indo,[6] and featured "Narcissist", a collaboration with the 1975,[15] who later adapted it for their own "TooTimeTooTimeTooTime",[16] which charted at No. 26 on the UK Singles Chart.[17] Healy and Daniel also produced Gomez's fourth EP, Crying in the Prettiest Places, the following year,[18] which charted at No. 14 on the UK R&B Albums Chart.[19]
"Spinning", It's All Smiles, and Blueboy Must Die
[edit]In January 2020, Gomez announced that he was working on Samantha's TV,[20] a mixtape, which took its name from the character played by Scarlett Johansson in Her;[14] following the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines, he was trapped in the country, having visited with the intention of performing at that year's Wanderland Music and Arts Festival.[14] After spending time at his parents' house, he moved to an apartment in Subic.[21] While there, he aborted the mixtape, and started afresh;[14] he told the Line of Best Fit in December 2021 that he found the lockdown conducive, as previously he had been "ADD-ing all over the place" and unable to focus.[6]
In 2021, he, Charli XCX and the 1975 released "Spinning",[22] which charted at No. 94 on the UK Singles Chart in March 2021;[19] the following month, Forbes listed him on their Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2021 list,[23] and the month after that, he and Chase Atlantic featured on Elio's "Hurts 2 Hate Somebody", which appeared on her remix album, "Elio and Friends: The Remixes".[24] Later that year, Daniel and BJ Burton coproduced Rome's album It's All Smiles,[25] which he named ironically due to its sad lyrics,[26] and which he promoted with a zine comprising photographs taken by Gomez.[6]
In May 2023, Gomez featured on the Salute song "Run Away With You", which featured on their EP Shield.[27] Later that month, he released "Brother", which was inspired by "Plantasia" by Mort Garson and Rachel McKibbens' "Letter From My Heart to My Brain",[28] and in August 2023, he released "Deep Diving", a UK garage-inspired song also inspired by "Plantasia".[29] On 8 September, he released the Kurisu-produced mixtape Blueboy Must Die,[30] which had been delayed from 28 July 2023,[28] and on 15 December 2023, he and Ocho the Bullet cowrote Josh Cullen's "Get Right", which Gomez also coproduced.[31]
Critical reception
[edit]It's All Smiles received mixed reviews, and varying genre classifications, earning one out of five stars from the Guardian[1], four out of five stars from DIY Mag[32] and a 7.1 from Pitchfork.[33] The Guardian argued that Gomez's self-proclaimed genre, "shoegaze R&B," presented contradictory ideas about the role of vocals: Shoegaze is a genre in which "singers sink in quicksands of guitar", while R&B is a genre often dependent on the quality of the vocalist, and noted that his choice "to foreground his thin, trebly voice and treat it with endless effects [... owed] more to hyperpop than anything else." They also described the album's "A Place Where Nobody Knows" and "Everything" as chillwave, and described the album as a "hyperpop headache".[1] Pitchfork described the range of vocal styles presented in the record as "chameleonic," and called It's All Smiles, "solid pop with an experimental slant" that was "gratifying" and "ambitious" when cast against its pop counterparts, but ultimately "too safe."[33] DIY Mag cited a "clear desire to mess with pop convention."[32]
Personal life and influences
[edit]Gomez spent a period misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, for which he took antipsychotic medication; he later wrote the It's All Smiles album track "Secret Beach" about his experiences.[6]
In a December 2021 interview with Vice, he stated that It's All Smiles had been influenced by My Bloody Valentine, Nujabes, and the Avalanches,[34] and a March 2022 edition of Out of Print noted that his influences spanned the Deftones, jungle producer Goldie, and the light art pioneers Jenny Holzer and Nam June Paik, and that his "ultimate musical hero" was Kim Gordon.[3]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- It's All Smiles (2021)[35]
Mixtapes
[edit]- Blueboy Must Die (2023)[35]
Extended plays
[edit]- Fantasy (2013)[4]
- Hurry Home & Rest (2015)[35]
- RIP Indo Hisashi (2018)[35]
- Crying in the Prettiest Places (2019)[35]
- Some More Smiles (2022)[35]
Singles
[edit]- "Dance with Me" / "United We Are" (2013)[8]
- "Heaven" (2014)[9]
- "Know U" (2015)[10]
- "Seventeen" (2017)[12]
- "Blue Jeans" (2017)[11]
- "Do It Again" (2018)[35]
- "Seventeen" (re-release, 2018)[35]
- "Saint Laurent" (2018)[35]
- "Cashmoney" (2019)[35]
- "Pink" (2019)[35]
- "Talk Nice" (2019)[35]
- "Trust3000" (featuring Dijon) (2019)[35]
- "Hurry Home" (featuring Beabadoobee and Jay Som) (2020)[35]
- "1:45AM" (featuring Bearface) (2020)[35]
- "Spinning" (with The 1975 and Charli XCX) (2021)
- "When She Comes Around" (2021)[35]
- "I Want U" (2021)[35]
- "Brother" (2023)[35]
- "Deep Diving" (2023)[35]
Featured singles
[edit]- "Hurts 2 Hate Somebody" (Elio featuring Chase Atlantic and No Rome) (2021)
- "Shoegazing" (Misogi featuring No Rome) (2023)
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Morris, Damien (5 December 2021). "No Rome: It's All Smiles review – a hyperpop headache". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d Lo, Ricky. "No Rome is a 'gender-blind' singer". Philstar.com. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "Growing Up With Rome Gomez — Out of Print". outofprint.ph. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "On Ways of Remembering: Reacquainting with No Rome on "1:45 AM"". The Rest Is Noise PH. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Dork (6 August 2018). "No Rome: "The album has always been on the way, it keeps changing"". Dork. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "No Rome is unrestrained by the shackles of genre". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ "Filipino Artist No Rome Headlines a Show in New York City". Paper. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ a b Finlayson, Ray (22 February 2013). "Listen/Download: No Rome – "Dance With Me" / "United We Are"". Beats Per Minute. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Listen: No Rome - "Heaven"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b "Watch: No Rome – "Know U" [Premiere]". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b Fernandez, Denise (24 January 2017). "We Teamed Up With No Rome and Made a Music Video for "Blue Jeans"". Scout Magazine. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b "No Rome's "Seventeen" Will Make You Remember Your First Love". The FADER. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Gallagher, Alex (29 June 2021). "Listen to Wave Racer cover No Rome's 'Seventeen'". NME. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d "No Rome: thriller from Manila". The Face. 29 May 2020. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ a b Daly, Rhian (24 May 2018). "Listen to new song from Matty Healy's 'muse' No Rome, co-produced by two of The 1975". NME. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "The 1975 – TooTimeTooTimeTooTime Hottest Record". BBC Radio 1. 15 August 2018. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2021.
- ^ "The 1975". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ "No Rome: It's All Smiles". Pitchfork. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ a b "NO ROME". Official Charts. 18 March 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ "No Rome is 'working' on his first album, 'FYI'". Dork. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ Daly, Rhian (29 November 2021). "No Rome: "Shoegaze R&B" master designing a new world of invention and unity". NME. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ Graves, Shahlin (5 March 2021). "Must-listen: No Rome feat. Charli XCX & The 1975 - 'Spinning'". Coup De Main Magazine. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Singh, Surej (20 April 2021). "BENEE, Jackson Wang, No Rome and more featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list 2021". NME. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
- ^ "ELIO links up with Chase Atlantic and No Rome for 'hurts 2 hate somebody'". DIY. 10 May 2021. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ Daly, Rhian (3 December 2021). "No Rome – 'It's All Smiles' review: an immersive debut well worth the wait". NME. Retrieved 18 November 2023.
- ^ Savillo, Lia (7 December 2021). "No Rome Just Wants You to Feel Like You Belong". Vice. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ Rodriguez, Krystal (18 May 2023). "Ahead Of Their EDC Las Vegas Debut, Rising DJ/Producer Salute Talks New EP 'Shield' and Taking Their 'Fast, Soulful House Music' Worldwide". Billboard. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ a b "No Rome announces mixtape 'Blueboy Must Die'". DIY. 26 May 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ Murray, Robin (9 August 2023). "No Rome's 'Deep Diving' Inhabits Its Own Realm | News". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ "No Rome: Blueboy Must Die review - returns with a sprawling selection of tracks". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
- ^ "Josh Cullen teams up with No Rome and Ocho the Bullet on new single 'GET RIGHT' – listen". Josh Cullen teams up with No Rome and Ocho the Bullet on new single 'GET RIGHT' – listen | Bandwagon | Music media championing and spotlighting music in Asia. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ a b "No Rome - It's All Smiles". DIY. 3 December 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ a b Gray, Julia. "No Rome: It's All Smiles". Pitchfork. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ Savillo, Lia (7 December 2021). "No Rome Just Wants You to Feel Like You Belong". Vice. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s "Spotify – Web Player". Spotify. Retrieved 25 November 2023.
No Rome
View on GrokipediaLife and career
Early life
Guendoline Rome Viray Gomez, known professionally as No Rome, was born on August 30, 1999, in San Francisco del Monte, Metro Manila, Philippines.[6] He grew up in a musical family in Manila, where his father, an ‘80s new wave enthusiast and former DJ, introduced him to synthesizers and beat-making by sampling his and his brother's voices.[7] His mother contributed to his early exposure to music through singing at church events, fostering an environment rich in folk, gospel, and Christian artists like Don Moen and Hillsong.[7] Gomez's siblings also pursued music; his older brother Zeon (of U-Pistol and moon mask) and younger sister Gabriel (of aunt robert) later collaborated with him in creative endeavors.[7] During his teenage years, Gomez immersed himself in Manila's indie-electro scene, attending local shows at venues like Cubao Z and events organized by Number Line Records.[7] In 2012, at age 13, he co-founded the music and arts collective Young Liquid Gang (YLG) with his brother Zeon and friend Ethan Namoch, which included musicians, visual artists, and photographers and served as a platform for experimental projects until around 2015.[7][8] He also formed the band Rome and the Cats around the same time, releasing the House Party EP in 2012, and began his solo endeavors with a high school cover band before transitioning to original music.[8][9] In 2013, under the No Rome moniker, he released the double A-side single "Dance With Me" / "United We Are" and the EP Fantasy via Number Line Records, marking his initial forays into dance-pop production.[7] At age 18 in 2017, Gomez relocated to London to pursue his music career more seriously, motivated by online recognition from producers like Ryan Hemsworth and an opportunity to sign with the Dirty Hit label after sharing demos.[10] The move followed a farewell concert in Manila, but he faced initial adjustment challenges, including living with collaborators like The 1975 in a "nice creative space" while still feeling nervous and continually learning the ropes of the international scene.[10][11]Early releases, RIP Indo Hisashi, and Crying in the Prettiest Places
After relocating to London at age 18, No Rome signed with the independent label Dirty Hit in 2017, marking his entry into the professional music industry.[12] Prior to this deal, he released his second independent EP, Hurry Home & Rest, on July 15, 2015, via the Manila-based Number Line Records, featuring tracks like "Adore" and "Rest_Less" that showcased his early DIY approach to alternative R&B. His debut release on Dirty Hit, the EP RIP Indo Hisashi, arrived on August 31, 2018, and explored themes of teenage romance and melancholy through synth-pop and R&B elements, with standout tracks including "Narcissist" featuring The 1975 and "Seventeen."[13][14][15] The follow-up EP, Crying in the Prettiest Places, was released on May 3, 2019, also on Dirty Hit, and co-produced by The 1975's Matty Healy and George Daniel; it included singles such as "Cashmoney" and "Pink," continuing his blend of introspective lyrics and electronic production.[16][17] No Rome initially generated buzz through self-recorded uploads to SoundCloud starting around 2014, which caught the attention of industry figures, and he began performing at small venues in London shortly after his relocation, building a local following before his label-backed releases.[18]"Spinning", It's All Smiles, and Blueboy Must Die
In 2021, No Rome achieved a commercial breakthrough with the release of his single "Spinning", a collaboration featuring Charli XCX and The 1975, issued on March 4 via Dirty Hit.[19] The track, which drew from No Rome's longstanding affinity for UK garage sounds, marked his first entry on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 94.[20][2] Building on the experimental foundations of his 2018–2019 EPs, No Rome delivered his debut studio album, It's All Smiles, on December 3, 2021, through Dirty Hit. The 10-track project, recorded in a small apartment in his hometown of Manila, explores themes of hyperpop-infused emotional vulnerability, including hopeless romanticism and melancholy reflections on love and nightlife, across songs like "I Want U" and "When She Comes Around".[21][22][23] No Rome's collaborative ties with The 1975 extended to songwriting, as he co-wrote and co-produced their 2018 track "TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME" from the album A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, which reached number 26 on the UK Singles Chart.[24][25] In 2023, No Rome followed the album with the mixtape Blueboy Must Die, released on September 8 via Dirty Hit, incorporating experimental elements that blend synth ballads, UK garage, and raw introspection across its seven tracks, including the single "Brother".[26][27] This period also saw No Rome gain his first major live exposures through supporting The 1975 on their 2019 world tour for A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships, including dates across North America and the UK, as well as performances at festivals like Coachella and Reading.[28]Recent releases and collaborations
In 2023, No Rome issued the solo single "Deep Diving" on August 8 through Dirty Hit, ahead of his mixtape Blueboy Must Die later that September, a track that delves into themes of introspection and emotional vulnerability, capturing the complexities of relationships during personal reflection.[29] Earlier that year, he contributed vocals to MISOGI's "SHOEGAZING," released on June 8 as part of the album ESCAPE ARTIST, blending shoegaze aesthetics with electronic production to evoke disorienting, pattern-emerging experiences.[30] In December, No Rome collaborated with Filipino artist Josh Cullen and producer Ocho the Bullet on "Get Right," an upbeat single dropped on December 15 via Sony Music Entertainment Philippines, fusing pop, hip-hop, and dance elements to convey high-energy partying and rhythmic momentum.[31] Building on prior affiliations like those from his It's All Smiles era with The 1975, No Rome's collaborative output continued into 2024 with a feature on "Tokyo Night Dreaming," a track by BMSG POSSE alongside SKY-HI and REIKO, released on November 22 as part of the compilation TYOISM Vol.1, which portrays nocturnal Tokyo escapism as a remedy for lovesickness through animated visuals and multilingual verses. His most recent involvement came in 2025 with a feature on boylife's "Baby Chop" alongside Keshi, issued as a single on July 25, promoted via official audio streams and social teasers emphasizing its summery, collaborative vibe.[32] Post-Blueboy Must Die, No Rome has maintained a lower profile on live performances, with no major festival appearances documented alongside The 1975 in recent UK events, though his role as a pioneering Filipino artist in such contexts persists from earlier affiliations. As of November 2025, he remains affiliated with Dirty Hit Records, with no tours announced but ongoing activity in selective features.[33][34]Personal life and influences
Personal life
No Rome, born Guendoline Rome Viray Gomez in Quezon City, Philippines, experienced significant mental health challenges early in his adulthood, including a misdiagnosis of schizophrenia that led him to take related medications. This period profoundly affected his emotional well-being, prompting him to channel his experiences into songwriting as a form of therapy; for instance, the track "Secret Beach" features distorted vocals intended to evoke the internal voices he perceived during that time. He later recognized the diagnosis as incorrect, gaining a clearer understanding of his condition, which marked a turning point in managing his mental health.[35] As a Filipino immigrant who relocated abruptly from Quezon City to London in 2018 after signing with Dirty Hit Records, No Rome has spoken about the isolating aspects of this transition, including feelings of loneliness exacerbated by the demands of a new environment and international touring. These struggles manifested in issues such as anger, heavy drinking, and drug use during his early years in the UK, culminating in a broken arm from an incident on tour and inspiring reflections on solitude in his work. Additionally, he has described dealing with performance anxiety, which heightens his nervousness before shows but also motivates him to safeguard his creative output.[11][28] During the COVID-19 pandemic, No Rome returned to his family home in the Philippines, where the lockdown provided a space for introspection and continued songwriting as therapy, influencing themes of nostalgia and growth in his music.[1] No Rome maintains a strong sense of cultural identity as a Filipino artist navigating the UK music scene, expressing pride in his heritage through personal connections rather than professional obligations. He has highlighted excitement about performing for Filipino audiences and collaborating with fellow artists of similar backgrounds, underscoring a personal affinity for his roots that informs his worldview without dictating his career choices.[28][11] Following his move to London, No Rome has kept details about his relationships and family life largely private, focusing public discussions on his artistic and emotional journeys instead.[28]Influences
No Rome's musical influences draw from a diverse array of artists and genres that reflect his eclectic creative approach. He has cited shoegaze pioneers My Bloody Valentine as a significant inspiration, particularly for their innovative guitar textures and atmospheric production techniques.[1][36] Similarly, experimental pop artist Björk has shaped his appreciation for unconventional structures and emotional depth in electronic and orchestral elements.[37][38] Punk and noise icon Kim Gordon, of Sonic Youth, serves as a key figure for No Rome, influencing his interest in raw energy, gender fluidity in performance, and non-traditional instrumentation like bass as a creative tool.[7][39] Beyond individual artists, No Rome's work is informed by broader genre inspirations, including UK garage for its rhythmic propulsion and club-oriented vibes, which he encountered through London's underground scenes.[2] Filipino music traditions further ground his worldview, from OPM (Original Pilipino Music) to contemporary local acts, which he has highlighted as enduring touchstones amid his international career.[40][41] These influences stem from early exposures that fostered No Rome's genre-blending style. Growing up in a musical family in Quezon City, where his father played instruments and Christian artists like Don Moen filled the home, he developed an initial foundation in melody and spirituality-infused songwriting.[41][7] Relocating to London amplified this through immersion in the city's vibrant music ecosystem, including garage nights and indie labels, allowing him to weave global threads into a cohesive, personal aesthetic.[42][2]Artistry
Musical style
No Rome's music is characterized by a fusion of alternative pop, R&B, and electronic elements, often infused with shoegaze and hyperpop influences that create a dreamy, immersive soundscape.[23][43] This genre-blending approach draws from shoegaze R&B, as No Rome has described his style, incorporating widescreen synth-scapes and ethereal textures that evoke a sense of otherworldliness.[44] Early works on SoundCloud, such as the EPs Fantasy and Hurry Home & Rest, showcased a raw, DIY electronic aesthetic with experimental pitched vocals and ambient undertones, reflecting his self-taught production roots.[45][46] Thematically, No Rome's artistry personifies teen love, melancholy, and vulnerability, weaving personal narratives of nostalgia and emotional introspection into his tracks.[47][48] Songs often explore hopeless romanticism and the ache of youth, delivered through crooning vocals that heighten a sense of intimate fragility.[23] This emotional core is amplified by synth-driven arrangements that No Rome has termed "sonic sorcery," blending futuristic club vibes with post-punk and new wave echoes for a melancholic yet euphoric tone.[46][45] Over time, No Rome's sound has evolved from lo-fi, independent electronic experiments to more polished, collaborative pop structures, particularly following his signing with Dirty Hit in 2017.[45] His debut EP RIP Indo Hisashi marked a shift toward refined production while retaining eccentric elements like kaleidoscopic vocal effects, leading to fuller genre hybrids in later releases such as It's All Smiles. This genre-bending approach has persisted in his post-2021 singles and collaborations as of 2025, maintaining the fusion of alternative R&B, electronic, and shoegaze elements.[44][46][49]Production and songwriting
No Rome began his production journey through self-taught experimentation, learning the basics of music production software from his father, a former DJ and instrumentalist, starting at the age of 12.[46][50] He spent much of his childhood tinkering with instruments and equipment at home, honing a natural aptitude for creating music independently.[50] This hands-on approach defined his early works, where he self-produced releases like the EPs Fantasy and Hurry Home & Rest, blending synthetic pop elements with personal flair to craft cohesive tracks entirely on his own.[46] As his career progressed, No Rome's production evolved to incorporate key collaborations with established producers, including George Daniel of The 1975 and BJ Burton, known for work with artists like Bon Iver and Charli XCX.[51][1] These partnerships marked a shift from solitary bedroom sessions to shared studio environments, often conducted remotely via tools like FaceTime, where stems and ideas were exchanged to refine arrangements.[51] For instance, on his debut album It's All Smiles, Daniel contributed bass lines and structural ideas, while Burton added layered textures, allowing No Rome to expand his sound beyond initial demos.[1][39] No Rome's songwriting process emphasizes personal introspection, drawing from lived experiences such as heartbreak, mental health struggles, and a search for belonging to create vignette-like lyrics that blend vulnerability with irony.[1] He often writes in isolation, locking in for extended periods—sometimes months—to channel raw emotions, as seen in tracks like "Secret Beach," which confronts personal illness.[39] Co-writing opportunities, particularly with The 1975, have integrated his introspective style into collaborative efforts; he contributed lyrics and melodies to their track "Sincerity Is Scary," marking the first external input into their typically self-contained process.[52] Technically, No Rome employs synths to build ultra-modern, melancholic atmospheres, layering them with hazy shoegaze influences and experimental samples for depth.[46] His use of garage beats evokes early-2000s UK sounds, providing rhythmic foundations that support soulful, roomy textures in studio settings.[53] This experimental layering—focusing on "crazy textures and details"—transforms basic demos into maximalist compositions, as in evolving a string-heavy sketch into a guitar-driven piece through added sonic elements.[51] In featured tracks, No Rome often provides vocal contributions that enhance emotional intimacy, such as his backing harmonies on The 1975's material, while suggesting arrangement ideas to align with his introspective themes.[36] Conversely, on his own songs like "Narcissist," he integrates guest vocals from collaborators like Matty Healy, using them to layer harmonies and refine the overall structure during joint sessions.[54]Critical reception
Album and EP reviews
No Rome's debut EP, RIP Indo Hisashi (2018), earned praise for its melancholic synth-driven sound and futuristic R&B-pop fusion, which captured the complexities of teenage romance amid a somber tone. The four-track release was highlighted for its clean, warm production that blended emotional vulnerability with addictive, polished hooks, positioning it as a promising introduction to the artist's style.[55][56] The follow-up EP, Crying in the Prettiest Places (2019), was commended for its sonic playfulness and raw lyrical honesty, delving deeper into themes of melancholy and personal turmoil through a mix of genres. Reviewers appreciated the six tracks' emotional depth and innovative production, which expanded on No Rome's earlier work while showcasing greater lyrical introspection and genre-blending ambition.[57][58] No Rome's 2022 EP, Some More Smiles, served as a remix extension of his debut album, reinterpreting its themes of love, loss, and emotional release through fresh sonic variations that maintained the project's immersive and heartfelt essence. The release received favorable user reception for preserving the original's artistic coherence while offering new layers of texture.[59] The debut studio album It's All Smiles (2021) elicited mixed-to-positive critical responses, with reviewers focusing on its maximalist production and exploration of heartbreak and party scenes through melancholy-tinged love songs. Pitchfork rated it 7.1 out of 10, praising the restless blend of whirring synths, glitchy beats, and distorted guitars that evoked relational chaos, though noting occasional inconsistency in songwriting focus. The Guardian awarded 1 out of 5 stars, critiquing the shoegaze-R&B hybrid as an exhausting and overly tricksy hyperpop experience that prioritized experimentation over accessibility. In contrast, NME gave 4 out of 5 stars, lauding its immersive, hug-like world-building that encouraged emotional catharsis amid bittersweet pop elements. DIY Magazine also assigned 4 out of 5 stars, emphasizing how the record's dance-oriented framework provided space for poignant reflections on love, pain, and loss. The Line of Best Fit scored it 7 out of 10, highlighting the distorted, less airy sound that foregrounded the artist's raw emotion and life episodes, including lockdown influences.[23][43][60][61][62] No Rome's 2023 mixtape Blueboy Must Die marked an experimental evolution, drawing acclaim for its refusal to adhere to a single style and its bold shifts between vulnerability and distortion. DIY Magazine rated it 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing the seven tracks' acid-like, distorted elements as lush and exciting, though requiring repeated listens to fully absorb the trip. The Line of Best Fit gave 7 out of 10, applauding the crammed explorations from synth ballads to UK garage influences, which created a sensory yet cohesive progression in No Rome's artistry.[63][27]Single reviews and overall acclaim
No Rome's 2021 single "Spinning", featuring Charli XCX and members of The 1975, was praised for its energetic synergy among the collaborators, who shared a common musical language blending upbeat, danceable pop with emotionally layered lyrics.[2] Described as a "fizzing pop concoction", the track highlighted their mutual appreciation and outsider perspectives in pop music, produced remotely across continents.[2] The 2023 collaboration "Shoegazing" with Misogi earned acclaim for its dream pop vibe and genre-defying production, incorporating glitchy elements like 808s and church bell noises to create an alluring, addictive sound.[64] Critics noted the track's soft alternative indie style as a standout discovery of the year, showcasing No Rome's ability to fuse with innovative electronic textures.[64] No Rome's "Deep Diving", released in 2023 as part of his mixtape Blueboy Must Die, was lauded for its adventurous, rule-free production that inhabits a unique sonic realm, drawing from UK garage and ambient influences like Mort Garson's Plantasia.[65] The single, co-produced with Kurisu, emphasized a process of creative discovery with eclectic elements that cohesively explore themes of introspection.[65] In 2024, No Rome's feature on BMSG POSSE's "Tokyo Night Dreaming" with SKY-HI and REIKO received positive notes for its high-quality 3D animated music video and cultural celebration of Tokyo's neon-lit identity, marking his debut collaboration with Japanese artists.[66] The track quickly amassed over 50,000 views in four days, highlighting No Rome's vocal versatility in an international context.[66] The 2025 featured appearance on boylife's "Baby Chop", alongside keshi, emerged as an early fan favorite for its high-pitched vocal delivery and collaborative energy, enhancing the track's pop appeal within the album jones.[67] Overall, No Rome has garnered recognition as a rising star on Dirty Hit, where he was hailed as a key signing and creative "muse" to labelmates like The 1975, shaping the future of experimental R&B for the next generation.[52][68] His inclusion in Forbes' 30 Under 30 Asia list for 2021 underscored his status as a Gen-Z figure in entertainment, notably as the first Filipino artist to perform at Coachella alongside The 1975.[69]Discography
Studio albums
No Rome's debut studio album, It's All Smiles, was released on December 3, 2021, by Dirty Hit.[4][22] The album consists of 10 tracks, including "Space-Cowboy," "How Are You Feeling?," "I Want U," "ITS N0T L0V33 (Winter In London)," "When She Comes Around," "Secret Beach," "Remember November / Bitcrush Yr Life," "Prune," "Issues (After Dark)," and "A Place Where We Don't Have to Be Sane."[70][71] Recorded primarily in a small apartment in Manila during the pandemic, it builds on the emotional and stylistic elements explored in his earlier EPs, such as vulnerability and hyperpop-infused R&B.[21] It was made available in digital formats via streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, as well as on vinyl, including limited-edition clear and standard pressings.[71][72] The album did not achieve notable chart positions on major international rankings.[73] As of November 2025, It's All Smiles remains No Rome's sole studio album, with subsequent releases classified as mixtapes or EPs.[74]Mixtapes
No Rome released his debut mixtape, Blueboy Must Die, on September 8, 2023, through Dirty Hit Records.[26] The project consists of seven tracks and serves as a follow-up to his 2021 debut album It's All Smiles, continuing his exploration of eclectic pop sounds with a more experimental edge.[75] It was made available digitally, with a limited edition orange vinyl pressing also issued.[76] The mixtape was co-written and co-produced by No Rome and Chris Thomas (also known as Kurisu), with additional production contributions from George Daniel and ghost orchard on select tracks.[27][75] Spanning genres from synth ballads to UK garage influences, the release features guest vocals from Sally Cobain on the track "97RAGER."[27]Track listing
- "FULLMOONBABYSH*T"
- "Elevator Music (OMG)"
- "Hackney Bounce"
- "97RAGER" (featuring Sally Cobain)
- "Deep Diving"
- "Brother"
- "180"[26]
Extended plays
No Rome's extended plays span his early independent work to label-supported releases, marking his evolution within indie pop and alternative R&B. His debut EP, Fantasy, was self-released in 2013 and served as an introduction to his sound during his formative years in the Manila indie scene.[77] It captured youthful experimentation with electronic and pop elements, establishing his artistic persona.[53] The follow-up, Hurry Home & Rest, arrived in 2015 via the independent label Number Line Records, preceding his major label signing.[77] This pre-label project highlighted his growing songwriting confidence and dreamy production style. No Rome's first release on Dirty Hit, RIP Indo Hisashi (2018), comprised 4 tracks co-produced by The 1975's George Daniel and Matthew Healy, dedicating the project to Japanese painter Hisashi Indo.[78] It blended R&B-infused pop with synth elements, signaling his integration into the label's roster.[15] Crying in the Prettiest Places (2019) featured 5 tracks, including collaborations with The 1975 members, and explored introspective themes through hazy, atmospheric soundscapes.[79] Released on Dirty Hit, it built on his established production partnerships. In 2022, Some More Smiles emerged as a 5-track EP on Dirty Hit, acting as a companion to his debut studio album It's All Smiles with remixes and new material that extended its upbeat, nostalgic vibe.[80] These EPs collectively trace No Rome's path from grassroots indie releases to polished, collaborative efforts paving the way for full-length albums.Singles as lead artist
No Rome's singles as lead artist span his independent beginnings to label releases, reflecting a blend of alt-pop and R&B influences, often previewing larger projects.| Year | Title | Album/EP | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Dance with Me / United We Are | Non-album singles | Self-released |
| 2014 | Heaven | Non-album single | Self-released |
| 2015 | Know U | Non-album single | Self-released |
| 2017 | Seventeen | Non-album single | Self-released |
| 2017 | Blue Jeans | Non-album single | Self-released |
| 2018 | Do It Again | Non-album single | Self-released |
| 2019 | Cashmoney | Crying in the Prettiest Places | Dirty Hit [36] |
| 2019 | Pink | Crying in the Prettiest Places | Dirty Hit [81] |
| 2019 | Talk Nice | Crying in the Prettiest Places | Dirty Hit [82] |
| 2021 | When She Comes Around | It's All Smiles | Dirty Hit [83] |
| 2021 | I Want U | It's All Smiles | Dirty Hit [84] |
| 2023 | Deep Diving | Blueboy Must Die | Dirty Hit [29] |
| 2023 | Brother | Blueboy Must Die | Dirty Hit [85] |
