Rosalie James wrote "Will We Ever Rest?" about mountaineering, which is unusual as she generally writes about death, love, drugs, and houses. There is some death and love in this song too, actually. Rosalie James is a singer-songwriter from Falmouth, UK. She has been writing music and performing for a long time, but this is her first original single. Her album "Accidental Massive Heart" will be released later in 2023. Rosalie James is lucky to be working with a great producer, Daniel Knowles, and between them she thinks they have created a sound that is striking and original.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey Rosalie James, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
My Dad spent time touring with The Grateful Dead, Wings and Santana in the early 70s and he always talked about and played music. My Mum and sister also listened to a lot of music and loved singing, and I was encouraged to play piano from age 4. I feel like I could never really have avoided becoming a musician.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
My favourite part is the performance, particularly vocal performance when you're playing to people who really want to be there. I love writing songs but it can also be quite tense, emotionally so it's a bit up and down. My least favourite part of being a musician is waiting to pack up at the end of the night. The second I finish playing I want to be at home eating cheese on toast.
Your latest song is 'Will We Ever Rest?'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
The song was inspired by the disappearance of two mountaineers, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine, on Mount Everest in 1924. I was watching a documentary about them and started playing the guitar in a drop tuning that I hadn't used before... the words just jumped out at me. The only unusual thing that happened is that the song ended up also being about relationships - I'm pleased that it has a double meaning... most of my songs seem to.
How do you differ from most other artists?
I don't really like going to watch live music. I really wish I did but I find it causes me a lot of anxiety and is too overwhelming for my senses. I'd watch more live music if I had my own private box like you do for football matches!
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I was born in Cornwall, which is in the South West of the UK, and I live there too. I'm quite a homebody really but looking forward to doing a bit of travelling when I get a tour organised.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I'd say my music is emotional and intimate. I love electric guitars so I'm trying to create an indie sound but with some pop sensibilities - a catchy hook and a clear narrative. I also love the synth sounds of the 80s so my current stuff is giving a lot of that.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I'm recently diagnosed as autistic and have learnt that I cannot function without a significant amount of time on my own, usually doing jigsaws or re-watching crime dramas. My energy for creativity just wouldn't be there if I didn't have the chance to recharge.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I would say Sharon Van Etten or Phoebe Bridgers but actually you don't really want a support act to be aiming for too similar a style as the headline. So I'm going to go for an REM or Crowded House reunion tour! Aim high.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
Neil Flynn (Crowded House) or Evan Dando (The Lemonheads) or Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue). I reckon we could write some awesome duets.
What are your plans for the future?
I'd like to give up my day job and work as a musician full time but for now I'd just like a few people to hear my music and get something from it. That seems a good place to start.