“[Selena] possesses a big, round voice, and she uses it superbly on self-written tunes both unflinchingly honest and patently humorous.”
Selena Rosanbalm is a celebrated singer-songwriter known for her clear, powerful vocals and captivating stage presence. Based in Austin, Selena has carved her own niche in the Texas music scene with a career that spans honky-tonk, Western swing, and Americana, combining timeless tradition with a drive to evolve.
Roots
Before diving into the live music scene, Selena’s roots were planted in musical theatre. Her standout role as Patsy Cline in the acclaimed TexARTS production of Always… Patsy Cline was a defining moment in her artistic journey. The role showcased her vocal talent and natural stage presence, earning her a nomination for an Austin Critics Table Award. This performance bridged the gap between her theatre background and her burgeoning music career.
Rosie and the Ramblers
In 2011, Selena founded Rosie and the Ramblers, a honky-tonk band that became a cornerstone of Austin’s live music circuit. As one of the original house bands at Austin’s iconic venue The White Horse, Selena and her group helped define the bar’s reputation as a hub for two-stepping and country music. In 2014, Rosie and the Ramblers released their acclaimed album Whatever You Need, showcasing Selena’s knack for heartfelt storytelling and vibrant melodies. The Austin Chronicle said “[Rosanbalm] possesses a big, round voice, and she uses it superbly on self-written tunes both unflinchingly honest and patently humorous.” Her vocal talent even earned praise from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin, who remarked, “Selena sings her ass off! She is a joy to listen to, and her songs always have at least one pay-off line.”
Her self-titled solo album, released in 2020, further solidified her reputation as a compelling voice in Americana music, blending classic country with a contemporary edge.
Western Swing
Selena’s versatility shone when she embraced Western swing and
joined the Hot Texas Swing Band. She has recorded six studio albums with that band, and earned the Western Swing Vocalist of the Year award from the Academy of Western Artists in 2021.
Collaboration and Drumming Evolution
A multi-talented artist, Selena expanded her musicianship by taking up the drums in 2021. She is a founding member of honky-tonk favorite Libby and the Loveless, contributing drums and vocals, and also joined Cotton Clifton (guitarist for the Kernal and Nikki Lane) as a drummer. Selena has performed alongside members of Asleep at the Wheel and The Texas Tornados as well as with Redd Volkaert, Jimmy Vaughn, and Miss Lavelle White. She has lent her voice to recordings by country artists Brennen Leigh and Kathryn Legendre and rock band White Denim, broadening her musical scope. Over the years, Selena has opened for legends such as Crystal Gayle, The Gatlin Brothers, Cory Morrow, and Silverada (formerly Mike and the Moonpies), further cementing her reputation as a standout performer.
Iconic Stages and Dance Halls
Selena has performed on some of Texas’ most iconic stages, from historic dance halls like Gruene Hall and The Broken Spoke to prestigious venues such as the Paramount Theatre, the Moody Theatre, and AT&T Stadium. Her ability to captivate both intimate audiences and large crowds speaks to her charisma and authenticity as a performer.
New Projects
Selena is preparing for the release of Libby and the Loveless’ debut album, to which she contributed three original songs, in early 2025.
Selena Rosanbalm’s artistry captures the heart of Texas music. Whether fronting a honky-tonk band, exploring Western swing, or sitting behind a drum kit, she brings passion, authenticity, and a timeless quality to every stage she graces. Her theatrical roots, combined with her musical versatility, make Selena a singular talent whose performances resonate deeply with audiences.
“Selena sings her ass off! [She] is a joy to listen to, and her songs always have at least one pay-off line.”