Bio

Selena Rosanbalm made her debut as a professional performer in 2007 at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Austin. The show was Big River, written by a man who’d later have a profound influence on Rosanbalm’s musical sensibilities: Roger Miller.

After earning a BM from Oklahoma City University, Rosanbalm spent some years pursuing a career in musical theatre. She performed locally with Zach Scott Theatre, Zilker Theatre Productions, and other companies. She was nominated for an Austin Critics Table Award (Best Actor in a Leading Role) for her portrayal of the legendary Patsy Cline in 2009. She even did a stint in New York City, auditioning for Broadway and touring shows. After returning to Austin, Rosanbalm decided her creative life needed a jolt. She started a band.

You may recall Rosanbalm’s honky tonk group Rosie and the Ramblers, founded in 2011. In addition to touring the western US, recording two EPs, and releasing a full length all-original record, they became a crowd favorite in Austin’s two-stepping scene. The Ramblers shared billing with Austin favorites Kelly Willis, Mike and the Moonpies, and Brennen Leigh.

Her own music is not the only thing keeping Rosanbalm busy. She’s helped keep the tradition of Western Swing alive, singing and recording four albums with Hot Texas Swing Band over the last 9 years.

In Fancy, a cover band featuring women’s country music from the 80s and 90s, she shares the spotlight with fellow singer-songwriters Beth Chrisman and Christy Hays, both of whom also belong to the Austin music scene. She’s recorded backup vocals for other artists, perhaps most notably as a member of a quartet featured on Brennen Leigh Sings Lefty Frizzell.

Whatever You Need, the 2014 release from Rosie and the Ramblers, was met with critical acclaim. “[Rosanbalm] possesses a big, round voice, and she uses it superbly on self-written tunes both unflinchingly honest and patently humorous” (The Austin Chronicle).

Rosanbalm stepped away from music for about two years after the sudden death of a loved one. Taking the time to grieve properly allowed her to process the loss fully, which in turn fueled her writing. Her songs are more open and honest than ever. Her perspective has broadened and changed. The trauma reshaped the way Rosanbalm experiences the world, reconstructed her view of it, and revealed many things she once thought important as inconsequential.

Rosanbalm’s new self-titled album was recorded in February 2020. It reflects the many sides of her personality, the songs ranging from heartbreaking candor to classic country shuffle to rock anthem.