NOVA ONE

Set against a soundtrack of stylishly noir ’60s-inspired pop, Nova One sings evocative dirges that are equal parts tenderness and seduction. The work of Rhode Islander Roz Raskin, the project first appeared in 2018 and made its full-length debut with 2020′s Lovable, a collection deeply tied to issues of queerness, femininity, and sexuality.
Raskin first appeared as a solo artist under her own name in the mid-2000s, later fronting a sonically adventurous combo called Roz and the Rice Cakes. Although rooted in indie pop, her work with the band was an experimental fusion of styles that transcended psychedelia and prog-rock and won her a devoted fan base well outside of her native New England. After 2017′s Devotion, Raskin put the Rice Cakes on ice and focused on a new project with a hushed and moody sound that took its cues from vintage space pop of the ’60s. Lyrically, Nova One was focused on themes of gender presentation, self-acceptance, and sexuality. She made her debut with the 2018 EP Secret Princess, establishing the project’s initial dreamy tone. Two years later, her impeccably produced debut album, Lovable, refined this sound even further. ~ Timothy Monger