The 401 TRENDSETTER
BY TESS LYONS
NOVA ONE is a kind of character you ’ ve created , right ? Or is it the band name ? NOVA ONE is a character , band and project . Once I designed the costumes , the character piece came into view . It ’ s almost like the music is the world NOVA ONE lives in . Or maybe the music is NOVA ONE ’ s thoughts and feelings . Or both .
PHOTOGRAPH : ( LEFT ) CHAD WEEDEN ; ( RIGHT ) COURTESY OF ROZ RASKIN / NOVA ONE .
Roz Raskin
The local musician reflects on the style and artistic influence behind their band , NOVA ONE .
Being a nonbinary person in any space is a big deal for representation . How does that make you feel ? Gender is such an individual experience . My feelings about my gender and the concept of gender at large tend to change from day to day . Being vocal about my gender / sexuality usually is empowering and if that representation can help others to feel more comfortable with themselves , that ’ s a big win for me .
What ’ s something you hope people take away when watching you live ? I hope they had a nice time , maybe giggled a little , danced a little , and felt seen .
What are your favorite local shops ? I really dig Olympic Records and Armageddon Shop . I mostly frequent Savers and Goodwill . I love a deal . I think there ’ s something special about stores like thrift stores that sell things other people don ’ t want , then people like me find those things and love them .
How does being a queer artist influence your style ? I think my absorption of gay history and influence has led me to be riskier in my fashion choices .
How would you define your style ? When I ’ m performing in NOVA ONE , I rock a retro futurist feminine look . Our costumes feel like a form of drag and performing feels like performance art . In my day to day , I tend to dress more genderfluid . I love a flannel and some short shorts with big ass boots and high socks .
What inspires it ? I find inspo all over the place these days but perhaps most directly from film , theater productions and other artists . Sixties girl groups like the Ronettes and the Supremes have been a big reference point for me , stylistically and sonically .
Fashion predictions for the future ? Hopefully endless experimentation . Follow Roz on Instagram at @ rozraskin . 🆁
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY I FEBRUARY 2025 29