The simple power of DRAMAé's musical expression is matched only by that of their work ethic. The Chicago-based duo have bootstrapped a subtle rise on their own terms, self-releasing several EPs and mapping multiple tours with Midwestern grit. A multicultural collaboration between producer Naé'el Shehade and vocalist Via Rosa, the project plays to the complementary dynamics of their unlikely pairing, blurring the lines between R&B and dance-pop, heartbreak and bliss. é─« Rosa grew up in a musical household; her parents played in a reggae band, they toured as a family, homeschooling Rosa into her early teens, limiting her listening primarily to Sade, oldies, Brazilian and Afrobeat music. After moving to Chicago, she connected with hip-hop collective THEMPeople. Born in Chicago, Shehade fell in love with DJ culture as a kid and took up music production and engineering; his interest eventually led to professional opportunities, including studio work with Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, and music projects for MTV and Bravo. é─« In early jam sessions the chemistry was clear; Rosaé's soulful delivery interlocked with Shehadeé's chic Chicago house-infused production style. A lovesick sound emerged over two EPs, Gallows in 2016 and Lies After Love in 2018, and continued on to their debut album Dance Without Me in 2020.