Meet Rose “Photobombshell” Mercado | Music Journalist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rose “Photobombshell” Mercado and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rose, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Photobombshell.media came about in 2020, born from the idea that independent musicians and artists needed someone on the ground floor, elevating good music and providing resources and information to help them not only get started in music creation but to be successful at it in whatever way the artist view success.

I come from a long line of independent musicians and creatives. Seeing the challenges and struggles of the previous generations when there wasn’t much access, reach, or network available to unsigned artists, I chose a path away from music as an adult. Even though I went into education professionally, music and visual media have always called to me. Despite starting in a different field, I always returned to the music scene.

Photobombshell.media brings all of that together. The website, which provides independent music news, artist interviews, marketing resources, and more, was born from my passion for music and keeps me in that space. It also (I hope) provides education, entertainment, and the elevation of great music!

What should our readers know about your business?
Photobombshell.media touts the tagline of being your explosive independent music source. The aim is to build up independent artists who are just starting or are just beginning to build momentum in the industry. Many publications, websites, and media outlets are available to artists already making big waves but Photobombshell.media is more interested in ANYONE who makes good music regardless of their following or social media clout.

The website stands out because I am really at the showcases and events. I am running those playlists. I am writing those articles and doing it all for the love of the art of music creation. The quality of our news articles, interviews, and educational information is top-tier and serves artists deserving of attention. We don’t wait for you to blow up to support you. We support you from the beginning! Because of the deep connection with the artists we highlight and work with, we are building a community, which is not something many online magazines, blogs, or media pages can say.

Was it easy? Nothing in life that is worthwhile will come easily. Similarly to building a music career, I have had to work overtime to build Photobombshell.media and its online presence. Along the way, I have learned what works and what doesn’t, which artist fanbases are responsive and which aren’t, and fine-tuned partnerships, strategies, and more. It’s an ongoing process that I don’t think I will ever be satisfied with because I always want MORE.

Photobombshell as a brand and Photobombshell.media are part of me, share my voice, and connect with artists authentically. It’s something I am very proud of. I hope that as the business grows and attention increases, I can maintain that authentic, boots-on-the-ground feel, connecting to artists from their initial stages through their successes and using those successes to help others do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Well, I’m in Jersey, so I would have to shout out the incredible nightlife and dining in Jersey City. There’s a great new coffee shop on Grand Street called Ko Cafe, which I am actually dying to check out that has an incredible menu and a space for creatives to hang out and create content! If it’s a nighttime vibe, check out The Ashford. The vibes are immaculate, and they always have great music.

Then, if you are that close to New York, you might as well have the ride and experience of your life and take the Path train to 33rd Street. From there, let the city be your guide and your muse. Just don’t stare at the tall buildings or walk slowly. We don’t have time for that!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Wow! So many people have poured into me, guiding me to build a fulfilling life while helping others. I could write an endless list of thank yous, and the people who work with me every day should know they land at the top of that list. I should mention someone who has been there from the beginning, someone who I rarely get the opportunity to highlight but whose story guides me in what I do.

I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mother, Lee Green, who allowed me to sit passenger seat on her journey through music. As a multi-generational musician, she learned solid music theory and foundations at home, yet found her path in performing rock music. Her story in the industry motivates me to uplift independent musicians in whatever way I can because there are few soft places to land in the music industry. As a parent, she always encouraged musical creativity and was the proudest choir and drama mom, doing anything to get the best picture of myself or my siblings performing. Although I am living in the music space without singing, as I started, I hope she is proud. She inspires me to keep going, to do it my way, and to share my gifts even when being creative is hard.

Thank you, Mom!

Website: https://photobombshell.media

Instagram: @photo_bombshell (personal) @photobombshellmedia (business) @shotbyphotobombshell (photography)

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosemercado/

Twitter: @photo_bombshell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photobombshellmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-cTynAi2idM6-MZprYx54g

Image Credits
VirgoCity Productions Damien Christopher Photography Fab Gula Ciph Boogie