Covering a song as iconic as Paramore’s “Rose-Colored Boy” is no small feat, but Los Angeles duo CROSSTOWN doesn’t just cover it. They spin it, stretch it, and throw it into a dreamy neon blender. What emerges is a synthpop-meets-pop-rock gem that’s as emotionally charged as it is ready for the dance floor.
T but also the dramatic glamour of Lady Gaga, the glittery melancholy of Robyn, and the kaleidoscopic pulses of MGMT and Muse. It’s sharp. It’s sleek. And it’s dripping with soul.
At the core of CROSSTOWN is Danny Mitchell (vocals, production, guitar) and Lily Santos (bass), a duo whose musical chemistry hums with authenticity. This track was born not in a glossy studio but in the intimacy of their homes. Danny, determined to achieve pristine sound, even cloaked his recording setup in a weighted blanket to kill background noise. The result? A track that sounds anything but DIY.
What truly sets this version apart, though, is Danny’s emotional tie to the lyrics. “Rose-Colored Boy” isn’t just a song he sings, it’s a mirror. That internal tug-of-war between optimism and disillusionment flickers through his performance like a heartbeat. Lily’s basslines ground the track with velvet strength, anchoring the synth-laced shimmer in something real and raw.
CROSSTOWN will be taking the stage at Harvard and Stone on August 17th, offering a taste of what’s to come on their debut studio album arriving this September. If this single is any sign, the album promises an electrifying ride across genre borders, infused with introspection and high-voltage energy.
Follow CROSSTOWN on Instagram and stream “Rose-Colored Boy” wherever you get your music. Let it soundtrack your late-night drives, your silent battles, and your loudest dance breaks.
The rose-colored glow is real, and it’s only just beginning!
