A new single from Rowsie Definitely brings out a Colorful but slightly edgy classic rock vibe That At times makes you think of Classic artists like Elvis Costello and that Goes right alongside the Songwriting And the performance on the record as well with all falls in line with this great in particular energy That lets Everything give way to explosive And Write choruses and an all-around good time.
"Christmas In Soho" Is a classic story in a way and the way it's painted is done with a really wonderfully woven Arrangement and descriptive set of lyrics That do indeed let you picture this in your head.
The track does both some of that classic rock gusto, harmonies, and calming points that let the song breathe and swell when it needs which gives it that feeling of being alive.
You do get that personal and slightly emotional Drive in there Which definitely gives the song A cool round rounded Feel And approach.
But really this song has an addictive Character to it that leaves you wanting more.
This band has all the bells and whistles and hits all the sweet spots that really good warm classic rock songs should hit.
The guitar work is really good and so is the vocal performance throughout the single Which both perform some really good harmonies and are just laid out with heart.
And I think that's a big thing with this single and probably with this band in general. These guys have heart and it's put out there in the music you can soak it in, and it feels good, and I think that's part of what good classic rock is really all about.
With the release of such a killer single we wanted to sit down with the band and have a chat about where this song actually came from and what might be coming next for them.
Buzz Slayers: Let's kick things off with "Christmas in Soho". This single has a great folk-rock feel to it. Where did this song come from?
o Funny thing, people seem to think it’s a love song about a couple in Soho…
but it’s a breakup song. It's about an ex, and the song is literal! So, no lovey
dovey happy Xmas stuff here. It is also about being the last one to know
when a relationship is failed or failing. All her friends probably knew, but I
was quite oblivious, that old chestnut.
Buzz Slayers: When did this all start for you?
o Rowsie got started in lockdown actually. I had taken an empty flat in my
building for office and studio use. I am the only neighbor, so for once noise
was not an issue. I got some musicians together and started jamming and
working on some song ideas I’d had for a while. We had loads of time to
rehearse. My friend Freddie Cowan from the Vaccines at the time (now
Freddie and the Scenarios), came by and asked if he could record some
demos and I said absolutely yes. We then went to Frome in Somerset to
record his album and I got introduced to his songwriting partner Alan Boyd.
Freddie recommended Holy Henderson on guitar…he vouched for her
amazing talent and was 100% right. I knew Jess Rollason the drummer, from
Sixty Sixty Sounds on Denmark Street; we had jammed there for some video
socials. So, we ended up in the Ivy Recrods studio and it just was perfect from
the start. Amazing chemistry and the level of musical communication from
four different genres gave us quite a jolt! So, we kept at it.
Buzz Slayers: What inspires you to write a song?
o I write in two kinds of ways. First, I write three longhand pages a day, of
whatever comes to mind. From there I get ideas of personal issues or
situations in my own consciousness and my own life, good and bad. I look for
stuff that hurts usually, what can I say…that always means the most to me. It
usually boils down to politics or love with my inspiration.
The second is stream of consciousness. The band starts to jam on a melody or
a riff. I hesitate to call it a “noodle” because its more structured. But a song
emerges, and we keep exploring it. Then I will start to sing whatever comes
into my mind…not really editing it. It is kind of a conversation with the band.
And that generates the first draft of the lyrics. Sometimes it's serious, but
often, like with “Itch” it’s a joke that gets carried away. The key
is…EVERYTHING WE DO IS RECORDED! So we have it all down and can now
chisel it into a song.
Buzz Slayers: This album has some great styles! Can you give us some of your top musical influences?
o Well first and foremost is always going to be Wilco (the US version). Their
blend of different styles, Punk, Country, Jazz, Heavy Metal, Prog Rock, well its
all in there. They taught me that. Then Pixies, no real explanation needed…its
pure and true and makes me cry and dance. Of course I am a lover of Lou
Reed for music and storytelling and an aversion to the blues. I grew up
driving around Buffalo NY in a big car with a loud radio. So I loved all the
college rock stuff like the Replacements, Pavement, Sonic Youth. I also am a
huge Crazy Horse fan. Then Grunge came in and I got swept up in all the mess
that made that so intense.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
o I run an international intelligence agency, but I’m not really at liberty to speak
about it. Oh I like tennis.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
o Kurt Vile (Walking on a Pretty Day), Paul Westerberg (14 Songs), White
Denim, Beabadoobee, The Band, The Big Moon and Wilco (Being There).
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
o Yep, we are playing The MacBeth in Hoxton on Sunday 18th Dec. Then playing
in Frome end of January. Also we play at the Lower 3rd on Denmark Jan 29th .
Buzz Slayers: This track feels like a big undertaking, is there any advice you'd give to other up and coming bands out there?
o Learn to play free and true, let it all hang out there. Jam before every
rehearsal in free form…no limits. Also once in a while switch instruments!
Guitar player move to drums…Drums to keys… whatever! Make some
mistakes and switch it up. The best stuff are the accidents. And stay WILLING
and OPEN!
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
o New album coming out. We are going to tour Mexico again in the spring and
also go through Texas. Then some festival gigs this summer. We are playing in
Europe too, Cannes on the 7th June. Also we are going to do a small Northern
UK tour with Freddie and the Scenarios.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
o Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I love you for even paying the slightest
attention to what we love… our music. We will keep it coming and keep
evolving.