Rock Monsters Romania

Today we’re still on stage, this time with one of the biggest rising talents in Romanian metal.

Our next guest is Brândușa Brumbea, the vocalist of OverBurn and Fittonia. You may have already seen her live with her bands at major events in Romania, such as Rockstadt Extreme Fest in 2025, where she took the stage with Fittonia alongside some of the most exciting acts in the scene. She also performed at Posada Rock Festival, where Fittonia won the festival’s band contest in 2025.

With her powerful voice and energetic presence, she quickly became one of the standout figures of the new Romanian metal generation, but it looks like she’s just getting started.

We tried to find out more about her, her experience and her idols in a special interview.

What are the things people should know about you before reading this interview?

I really want people to know that I am very different from the character I portray on stage or in the music I make. It is an armor I built to expose myself as an artist, this being my lifelong dream.

Which woman inspired you from the beginning? What have you learned from her as a model?

Maybe I’ve said this too many times, but it’s the reality. My biggest inspiration in my musical career is Tatiana Shmayluk from Jinjer, the first metal band I discovered. When I first saw what this woman can do with her voice, the power she projects, I thought to myself: “This is what I want to do!”. And it’s been a hell of a journey ever since. I started to be more and more inspired when I watched her interviews, which gave me hope. She is an Eastern European woman, who built a career in the metal scene from nothing and it took years of hard work. I really started to believe in myself more and more after that. And of course, I couldn’t have done anything without the support of my primordial female role model, my mother. She always encouraged me to be brave and pursue my dreams, supported me through tough times and put me on the right track whenever I needed. I am forever grateful to my mother.

Why have you chosen the music industry? Where does your passion come from?

I remember my parents telling me I’ve always loved music. I was also raised with a lot of music, in the house while doing chores, in the car, listening to country music with my father from a very young age. My mother tells me that she used to put a record player to her belly, while pregnant with me, and play a lot of music for me. So I believe this passion for music was planted in my being from the very beginning.

Was there a moment when another woman warned you about the challenges you might face in the music industry because you’re a woman? What was your reaction?

Not personally, no. I haven’t really met a lot of women in the underground metal scene, or had any conversations with them. It is, after all, a man dominated field, so the advices I received were from interviews, articles, etc…I kind of learned things on my own and from my own experiences in the industry. I haven’t had any major negative incidents so far, thank God, and if there were any, they’re buried beneath the positive experiences I had. I met a lot of valuable people with whom I’ve had wonderful experiences, and that means more to me than any negative thing anyone else in the industry has ever said or done. I’ve learned to know which people matter to be listened.

Have you faced any challenges that could only happen to women in this industry? Can you give us some examples and explain how you overcame them?

The most common challenge I faced might be the fact that I am not taken seriously at all times. That might be because I’m a woman, or because of my young age, but as I said, these obstacles are blinded by my very valuable experiences with amazing people. Of course, I’ve met some misogynistic musicians who commented on the way I look, dress and overall my appearance. But that became merely irrelevant. The thing that matters most to me is my performance as a vocal artist, if someone doesn’t like the way I look, especially some old dude who watches me on stage, I can live with that very well. My family, my friends and the wonderful people I work with and who appreciate me, helped me a lot through these negative experiences.

Have you ever felt pressured to present yourself in a certain way because of your gender?

As I mentioned, I’ve been judged a few times on my looks. I’ve been told to “dress sexier” in a context where I was barely dressed. I was told to dress more “cute” to balance the metal chick on stage, that the “bad girl” vibe doesn’t suit me. After a while, I thought that I can be whoever and whatever I want to be on stage. And I started doing just that. I dress the way I feel and according to the genre, I wore pants, a dress, a bra, a garbage bag on stage, nothing can stop me anymore, especially other’s opinions.

What changes would you like to see in the industry to make it more inclusive and welcoming for women?

Hmmm… tough question. I don’t know how I would change it really, I’ve met pretty positive reactions and opinions directly from the people in the industry, if something needs to be changed it the perspective towards female frontmen in bands. The industry and the public should be a little more open minded towards women in music, you might find your great cup of tea among one of them, I’m sure of that.

How optimistic are you about the future of the music industry in terms of gender equality?

You know, despite the few weird or upsetting encounters I’ve had towards my gender, I am pretty optimistic about the women’s future in the music industry. They become more and more powerful, their voices are really heard and I see a lot of positivity towards women in music in general nowadays. So I believe the future cand be bright is the people representing the industry and the public remain open-minded and supportive towards women, treating everyone equally. We really have no reason not to do so.

Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

Seeing myself from my younger perspective, I really believe that my biggest achievement is my life at the moment. I am an active artist, frontwoman in two great bands OverBurn and FITTONIA, I collaborate with a lot of valuable artists whom I really love and I am really pursuing my passion. And I think that the most memorable experience in my career is the first ever concert I’ve had with OverBurn, back in 2022, when I first realized that this was going to be my life. It’s only been upwards from then.

Are there any projects or collaborations you’re currently working on that you’re excited about and would like to share with our audience?

Both Overburn and FITTONIA are working on new materials, planning concerts, music videos, songs and great things for the future. So you guys stay tuned for what’s coming!

Looking back on your career journey so far, what are some valuable lessons or insights you’ve gained that you wish you knew when you were starting out?

I wish I had more courage when I first started. It’s the only thing that pushed me forward and made me who I am today. Overall, I’m pretty happy with the journey I had so far, of course I learned a lot of stuff along the way, but I regret nothing.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in music? But to the ones that are reading this interview?

I’m gonna say this every time, as loud as I can, for everybody: HAVE COURAGE! Believe in yourself and don’t let fear stand in the way of your dreams. This will take you higher that you thing, of course, along hard work some blood, sweat and tears, but that’s the beauty of the process. Thank you so much for considering me a woman making waves in music!<33

If you want to see her upcoming concerts with her band and what she’s been up to, don’t forget to follow her on Instagram.

Rock Monsters Romania believes in professionalism and in the chance for women to stand out in an industry that seems dominated by men. Because of this belief, every March on our website you can find 8 women who are making waves in the music industry and offering daily inspiration and support to those around them.

Text by Radu Mihai

Interview by Ionela Pleșan and Radu Mihai