Getting To Know: Rosalia James

Rosalie James, a singer, musician, and award-winning songwriter from Cornwall, is quickly making her mark on the music scene. Her emotionally literate indie, folk, and new wave sound, combined with brutally honest lyrics, pop sensibilities, and a powerfully dreamy voice, has captivated both listeners and critics. Drawing comparisons to icons like Kate Bush, Mitski, and Sharon Van Etten, Rosalie’s music promises something truly special.
Diagnosed as autistic in 2023 after a lifelong struggle with social, emotional, and sensory difficulties, Rosalie has transitioned from a decade-long career as a social worker back to her creative roots. Her debut album, *Full of Chemicals*, set to release on July 12, 2024, is a passionate mission statement, addressing issues such as domestic violence, addiction, neurodiversity, and mental health. With a captivating stage presence and a commitment to using music for social change, Rosalie James is establishing herself as a fearless and unapologetic voice in the industry.
1. Your debut album "Full of Chemicals" is set to release soon. Can you share the inspiration behind the album and what message you hope to convey through your music?
Full of Chemicals feels to me a bit like that recap you get at the beginning of a TV show, like, "previously on 'Rosalie's Life' ..." It draws on some specific issues that I've faced myself or through others over the past two decades. I've cut over 200 songs down to the 10 which I felt were the most meaningful and relatable, and which had the potential to educate and change views about stuff that often stays hidden. My message is always the same: treat everyone with equity, respect and curiosity and don't do fire poi near me.
2. You were diagnosed as autistic in 2023 after many years of dealing with social, emotional, and sensory difficulties. How has this diagnosis influenced your music and songwriting?
I always knew there was something going on that made getting through the minutes of the day an extra challenge for me. I think the biggest impact of the diagnosis is that I now know that it wasn't all my fault. That's not to say I never did anything wilfully harmful or reckless - I did - but I guess now I understand why. I'm not sure the diagnosis has affected my songwriting as I still have the same range of emotions and sensitivities over the course of a week. Maybe as time goes on some of the darkness will lift but I'm not promising anything.
3. Growing up, you listened to The Bangles, new wave, and 90s indie music. How have these influences shaped your musical style and the sound of your debut album?
I've always been most interested in The Song - the chords, the melody and the lyrics. That really transcends genre for me, so if something is a great song I don't really care if it's death metal or bedroom-pop. But generally the types of songs I like (sad, catchy and jangly) have come from the edgier side of the pop music of the 80s and 90s. I'm not saying The Bangles are edgy, that's a stretch, but their songs are brilliant and they taught me to sing harmonies, which are a huge feature of my music. The Producer on Full of Chemicals - Daniel Knowles (Sharon Van Etten/Cigarettes After Sex) - shared some of those 80s and 90s influences so you can definitely hear that on the record. There's also a folk element that comes more from the 70s. I now call my genre 'confessional new wave folk heartbreak' so I don't have to stumble around saying 'indie' and nobody being any the wiser.
4. You've returned to your creative roots after a decade as a Social Worker. How has your background in social work influenced your music and the themes you explore in your songs?
So much. Social Work can be brutal, emotionally, and it's not always respected as a profession as much as it should be. I've worked with people who've faced the toughest things and somehow lived through them. I've also seen some tragic situations in which nothing I did could ever make a difference. I'd like to think the sadness and the hope are equally represented in my songs but sometimes the hope still takes a knock.
5. Your music is described as having brutally honest lyrics and a powerfully dreamy voice. Can you describe your songwriting process and how you balance honesty with musicality?
I haven't always been honest - I think that can be the cost of masking autism for so long - so now I'm trying to express everything really authentically. But there's always a balance to strike in making music that people actually want to hear. If I just droned "everything is meaningless" over an Em chord for 6 minutes I'm sure my audience would dwindle pretty quickly. I like a good bridge and chorus with a proper hook. I don't always feel like I have much control over my songwriting though... the universe has a lot to say and sometimes I just hear it and write it down.
Commenti