A Quick Chat with Rosalie Chilvers

Rosalie Chilvers turns heartbreak into high-gloss chaos with TINY TSHIRTS, an unapologetic pop rock anthem. The Boorloo artist leans into loud guitars, punchy hooks and sharp, sassy lyricism to capture the confusion and fire of moving on from a toxic past. At just 20, and fresh off her debut EP Don’t Play in Traffic, Rosalie continues to build on her sound with a track that is bold, messy and made for nights out with your friends. We caught up with Rosalie to talk about the single, the story behind it and what’s next.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

TINY TSHIRTS is literally about that weird, unhinged moment when the past reaches out and taps you on the shoulder when you least expect it. For example, the time my ex’s mum had been scrolling through my insta and accidentally liked a photo. HAHA it felt like a slap to my ego. I hadn’t thought about that whole chapter of my life in ages. I’m two years out, I’ve grown, I’m with someone who actually makes me feel hot and safe and like myself, and then suddenly I see that notification and it’s like I’m dragged back into this old version of me who felt small and picked apart.

It’s crazy how something so tiny can crack open all those old insecurities. For a second I was that girl again, overthinking everything, questioning how I look, how I exist, whether I’m “too much” or “not enough.” And the thing is, I’ve always wanted to be that girl who just wears the baby tee and the mini skirt and doesn’t care. I love that energy — soft but confident, a little chaotic, just fully herself. But for so long I felt like I had to shrink, like I couldn’t take up space like that without being judged. However, as you can tell now, I absolutely am that girl!

This song is kind of me snapping out of that spiral. It’s me choosing myself in real time. Like no, actually, I am going to wear a tiny tshirt. I am going out with my friends, laughing too loud, taking up space, being seen. It’s about reclaiming that version of girlhood that feels fun and free and a little messy, instead of something you have to overthink or earn.

At its core, TINY TSHIRTS is just about being a girl — but like, in the most real way. Not the polished, perfect version. The version that gets triggered, spirals for a second, then puts on a cute outfit anyway and goes out dancing.

Who are some of your influences, and why?

My influences are always those loud, unapologetic rock’n’roll women I lowkey build my personality around. Lately I’ve been obsessed with Hayley Williams, my goal is to have those absolutely unreal vocals. And CARR has this attitude that’s just so effortlessly cool, while Daisy Grenade feels like pure chaos in the best, sparkly, scream in your car way. And obviously Zara Larsson she’s just that girl, confident, polished, but still real.

I don’t just listen to them, I like… study them. The way they move, the way they take up space, the way they don’t apologise for being powerful or emotional or loud or sexy or whatever they feel like being that day. That’s the energy I want. Not just in my music but when I’m on stage too. I want people to feel something when they watch me, like that same spark that made me fall in love with performing in the first place.

And I think the biggest thing is I don’t want to copy them,I want to become my own version of that. Like take all that inspiration and turn it into something that’s mine. Something honest and a little messy and very me.

I really, really hope that one day someone looks at me the way I look at them. Like if I can be even a tiny part of someone else feeling braver, louder, hotter, more themselves, that’s everything.

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

The creative process for me is honestly different every single time, like there’s no formula, it kind of just depends on what I’m feeling and who I’m working with. But this year I’ve really been leaning into collaborating more, especially with producers and co-writers, which has been such a game changer.

On TINY TSHIRTS I worked with Reece Lenzo, and that was such a moment for me. I came in with the song basically there, like 90% written, but he just got it. He helped take everything I had and blow it up into this huge, pop rock explosion that feels way bigger than what I could’ve done on my own. It still feels like me, just… more alive.

I think that’s what I’m chasing at the moment — not losing the honesty, but letting it grow into something massive. Because at the end of the day, I just want to write about things that actually make me feel something. Love, anger, jealousy, confidence, sadness — all of it. The messy in-between stuff too, not just the obvious emotions.

If I’m feeling it, I want it in a song. No filtering, just real emotion, turned all the way up.

What do you think makes a great song?

I think a great song to me is something that worms its way into my head and I wouldn’t want it to get out. Take Midnight Sun by Zara Larsson. That moment at the end of the chorus where she just holds that run for what feels like forever?? It scratches something in my brain. It’s so extra in the best way possible.

I think that’s what I’m always chasing without even realising it. Those little moments that feel almost addictive. The ones that make a song not just good, but impossible to ignore.

Maybe what I really love, when it comes down to it, is just pure pop music. Big feelings, huge hooks, slightly unhinged in the most perfect way.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Putting this out into the universe… CARR. I love the music she makes. It's like rock, Sabrina Carpenter. The dirty tongue in cheek magic she has is something I’d love to try. Plus two powerful female performers, what can’t we do??

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

When I’m not working on music, I’m usually working so I can afford to do music… which is not very rock’n’roll for me, but also kind of is?? Like the grind never actually stops, it just changes outfits.

I do love crochet though, it genuinely helps so much, especially on those anxious days where my brain just won’t be quiet. Focusing on my hands, stitch by stitch, is like the only time everything slows down and I’m not spiraling over every tiny thing.

And lately I’ve been fully in DIY mode, sewing my own outfits for tour (which is starting very soon, which is both exciting and slightly terrifying). I really want my look to feel memorable, like if someone sees me once they know it’s me. It’s very intentional, grungy but cute.

If I had to sum it up in one word?
tutu.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

This list could go on forever but some of my favs are; Dullhouse, Elianie, Shorehaven, Navy June, Joan and the Giants, Lily Rawson, 3Fifteen, and so so many more!

Winter or summer and why?

As Zara Larsson said , ‘Summer isn’t over yet’.

What do you have planned for 2026?

My goal right now is to drop a few singles, but honestly? I just want to be on the road. Touring is the dream. The East Coast better get used to me because I will be there A LOT!!

I’ve got my eye on working with more producers too, especially up in Brisbane and Sydney. There’s such good energy in both places and I just want to throw myself into new rooms, and with new people see what happens.

And I’m so excited to start building my next EP. I can already feel it’s going to be angrier, maybe a little more unhinged (if that's even possible) There’s a lot I still want to say, and I’m definitely not done processing things.

So… watch out to anyone who’s ever done me wrong.
We’re going back in for round two.

'TINY TSHIRTS' Tour

Fri, May 8 – The Garage @ Rock Scholars, Perth (AA) | w/ 3Fifteen, Lily Rawson & Eva Short For Tax Evasion
Sat, May 9 – Rosemount, Perth | Supporting WAAX
Sat, May 16 – Cafe Gummo, Melbourne

Follow Rosalie Chilvers
https://linktr.ee/RosalieChilvers