Roses Unread – a rock/pop/alternative band that plays riffs
, Interview conducted on November 07, 2020
By Dan Locke
Hollywood likes to make us think that success stories happen overnight. Most of the time, however, the journey takes a lifetime that can be measured in a few pivotal minutes.
The story of Roses Unread is definitely closer to the latter of these two. Originally conceptualized by Allison Teague in 2007, the idea of a project that wrote timeless melodies and big, memorable songs with the passion and energy of a rock band took years to nurture and mold.
Drawing from friendships made from the Memphis and Tupelo music scenes, we refuse to be stopped and demand to be heard. Our idea of success is not measured by typical vanity, but by the lives we influence. Spreading a message of hope amongst a tapestry of huge drums, crushing low end, and searing guitar riffs has become a catalyst for our message that grabs your attention and keeps you intrigued for the journey.
Vocals / Allison Purifoy
Guitar / John Purifoy
Bass / Jed Hood
Drums / Rocky Griggs
How was your Halloween?
Wonderful, but less eventful than usual
What is your upbringing?
I grew up on a farm and still live here
How did you discover music?
I was around music my entire life
How did you start to write music?
I started writing poetry at a young age and started singing shortly after
How did your band form?
I had a few bands along the way in school, and came up with the concept of Roses Unread about 2007
How did you get your name?
Roses Unread is a play on words, kind of like an unbloomed flower or an unread book, there’s always potential.
Describe your music.
We’re a pop band that plays riffs
What was your first performance at like?
I sang guest vocals with a band a long time ago
What makes a good songwriter?
A good songwriter knows how to connect to their audience on an emotional level.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I don’t even remember
How was it to perform on NYE?
How different is playing on NYE than a normal gig? Our last NYE show was in our hometown and it was pretty wild! NYE shows are always fun!
You just joined Blind Anxiety Entertainment for your band needs-Music, unity, diversity, and strength. How do they met your DIY needs.
They help us book shows, so we don’t have to do it ourselves. We can focus on being musicians and entertainers.
Tell me about your newest single “Lying to Yourself”
Lying To Yourself is a song about internal struggles. It is our most dynamic song to date and, like life, is beautiful and chaotic.
Which video you do think best shows your band?
Lying To Yourself
How do you stay healthy while touring?
We rarely drink alcohol, we try to stretch and do lots of water. The show itself is a great workout, as is loading and unloading equipment.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streaming has done wonders for us, we make more money via streaming than we ever did selling physical CDs.
Digital vs. vinyl?
digital, it’s much easier to consume and to produce
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
We aren’t a political band, we just want everyone to unify.
Allison- You are a1st grade teacher. What did you do to get ready to teach your kids this year?
I did what I always did and take it a day at a time!
What are some of the best movies for 1st grader to watch?
any and all Disney and Pixar movies!
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
We aren’t sure, that’s why we’ve kept writing and pushed our Patreon and other online avenues even further so we can connect with our fans and bring them new content during this time.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
We’re all back to (mostly) normal lives now, except playing shows
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
not lately, just have been working on our songwriting primarily
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
We are YouTube music junkies through and through
You talked about testing out a new stage at Hi Tone. Tell me how it was different?
The livestream show was different, we were all spaced far apart and there wasn’t a crowd in front of us like there normally is, but we made the most of it!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Since our music is original, this probably will not affect us
How can bands keep their fans if they can not play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
We will just have to adapt and overcome. We’ll always make new music and new content, the way it is consumed will just be different.
Is pay to play still a thing?
of course
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
that would be cool!
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
not sure, I honestly have no idea
Why are you all Ghostbusters nerds?
We all grew up loving Ghostbusters!
How did you like the reboot by Sony?
Haven’t seen it honestly
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Check us out at rosesunreadofficial.com and come say HI!!
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