Rowlette – Letters | UnRated Magazine - Your Music Entertainment

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Rowlette is an indie-pop artist hailing from the west of Ireland.

Interview conducted on July 01, 2020

By Dan Locke

Rowlette is an Indie-Pop artist, hailing from Co. Mayo, Ireland. As a solo performer with an acoustic guitar, she is known for her powerful vocals, inspirational lyrics, and captivating performances. Rowlette’s releases have received radio play on stations across her home country of Ireland and racked up tens of thousands of plays on Spotify. Well known on the Irish live scene, Rowlette performed a packed-out headliner in Crowbar last Autumn. She then proceeded to join Jack L on his latest tour, performing in venues across the country, including a solo set in Cork Opera House on New Years Eve.

‘Letters’ is Rowlette’s first release of 2020, an intimate, Indie-Pop ballad, describing a tale of lost friendship.

What is your upbringing?

Rowlette: I was raised in the West of Ireland, in the countryside outside a small town. I was in a school with a total of less than 30 people!

How did you discover music?

My sisters and I would have gotten a CD every now and then and played it til it wouldn’t work – I think Avril Lavigne’s first album was a victim of this. I could probably recite it backwards!! Other than that, we listened to the radio a lot – if we liked a song, we had to record it from the radio on to a cassette. I always loved new music, and was constantly singing as a child.

How did you start to write music?

I’ve been writing music for as long as I can remember, it’s kind of just how my mind works and how I process things. As something happens, I’ll naturally try to put it in words, make it rhyme and add a melody! I didn’t start to sing my songs for anyone though until I was 19.

How did you get your first guitar and do you still have it?

So, my older twin sisters had gone to a couple of lessons, and my parents had bought them a small guitar with plastic strings. They didn’t particularly like playing, and then when I insisted, I wanted to learn, that’s what I started with. I don’t think anyone thought I would stick with it. A few months later when it was obvious, I wasn’t quitting any time soon, I used what was left of my confirmation money to buy a “real” guitar.

What is the model, make and year of your present favorite guitar?

The Takamine EG333C Limited edition. We have had some very good times together.

What was your first performance at like?

My first performance ever? That was when I was five in my school nativity play. I was wearing a gold night dress pretending to be an angel running around in a circle singing, whilst the other two guys in my class followed me confused. It was pretty out of tune and just general chaos. A video exists somewhere – probably best no one sees it.

What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?

To be completely honest, I’m not sure, as I wrote for so many years without sharing it. However, my first ever song I sang for someone is called “Broken Record” and yes, I have an acoustic recording of it.

Did you do house concerts?

Never any official concerts – plenty of impromptu ones! Actually, had a party in our house once, when at 1am when we were singing our hearts out and got a knock on the door. We assumed it was a neighbor telling us to shut up, but it was actually a man walking past who wanted to tell us it sounded lovely!
Hosting an official house concert is definitely something I would consider now though. Perhaps in a lawn one instead!

How the band did get its name?

Rowlette was my Grandmother’s maiden name! She loved my singing and I thought it would be a nice way to honour her.

How do you feel about the success of your track “Letters”?

Letters is one of the most personal and vulnerable songs I’ve ever written. I was really nervous about sharing it initially because one, I didn’t know if people would “get it” and two, I didn’t know if it was a bit too personal! The reaction from people couldn’t have been better though. So many people have told me they felt I could have written that song about them and one of their friends and I’ve had so many people cry listening to it – particularly live. Whilst I’d never want to make anyone cry normally, it’s amazing to think someone can connect with something like that! And connection is what music is really all about.

Why did you decide to release two live track last week, “Runaway” and “Nostalgic” with Shane Steven?

We have both missed performing so much over the last few months and all of my recording and releasing plans got stalled. I really wanted to share my music and bring a sense of the “live” to it, and this seemed like the best way to do it! They really encapsulated a lot of my feelings over the past while as well. Nostalgic is all about living in the present and making the best of things, whilst Runaway is about reflecting on what you want from life. I feel like the last few months have required everyone to take one day at a time, whilst giving people a chance to question if their lives are set up the best way to serve them.

How do you stay healthy while touring?

I don’t drink when I’m performing or around when I’m performing, which definitely helps to stay sharper! I’d love to say sleep, but I’m a terrible sleeper, but try at least! And other than that, eat healthy and of course lots of vocal exercises and lots of honey and lemon.

What are you’re feeling about streaming music?

From a personal perspective, it’s been great for me to get to broaden the music I listen to, and it’s obviously very convenient! However, from an artist point of view, the numbers just don’t add up.

Digital vs. vinyl?

I’m so appreciative digital exists, so that I have been able to release my own music independently, but you can’t really beat sticking on a vinyl can you?

What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?

I wholeheartedly support the Black Lives Matter movement. Racism exists everywhere, whether it’s conscious or unconscious. Huge changes need to be made to create a fair society for all, and I think these protests are a good first step. Everyone has a role to play, and I think the important thing is for it not to fall by the wayside as it appears less in the media.

Do you feel that the Me-Too Movement has helped female performers?

Yes, I think so. I think men are definitely more conscious of how they speak about females, at least around them. Unfortunately, the ones who are more conscious are usually the ones who would have always been respectful anyway! In any case, it’s good to know that if you have uncomfortable experience, people are less likely to dismiss you.

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?

To be honest, I’m not the most optimistic, but I’m hoping it’s in the short term. Scheduling shows at the moment is a risk, and that is such a huge part of music. If we can figure out a way to live with the virus or better yet, a vaccine, I have no doubt everyone will only be delighted to get back to live shows. I just hope that our favourite venues can survive in the meantime.

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

Wow, what was I doing!! Luckily my day job (management consulting) can be done from home, so I continued working, which is a huge relief financially. Other than that, I hung out with my housemates a lot and we learnt some new card and board games, watched movies, went for many many many walks, made cocktails and tried to keep ourselves generally upbeat. I tried to do a lot of home workouts to make up for my lack of day-to-day movement, and have been doing more yoga than ever. Of course, I also did lots of singing and writing. At the start it was difficult, as inspiration was lacking and it was a generally tense time. Over time though, I naturally got back into it.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?

I went through so many phases! I did art (I’m terrible at art!) and started eco-bricking! I love psychology though, and recently completed a diploma in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. So, during lockdown I started another certificate in psychology, which has been really interesting!

How was your birthday during lockdown?

Aw it was brilliant! It was a Monday and we all took the day off work. My two housemates, Katy and Claudia, went to a ridiculous amount of effort. It was unicorn themed and included unicorn lights, decorations, plates, tablecloth and best of all, a giant blow up unicorn! It was also one of my best friends’ birthday, and the restrictions were lifting a little that day, so we could meet in the local park. It was so much fun to spend the day with some of my favorite people and lifted my spirits to no end.

Many people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. You just did a gig with senior citizens how was that?

It was actually such good fun. It was my first time playing live since February. The attendees were also dying for some fun, so everyone was up dancing and singing! It definitely made me remember why I love performing so much.

After the restrictions lifted, who was the first person you knew you had to see?

My mum!!! I live in Dublin in the East of the country, and she lives in the West. I’ve just spent the week at home and it was so lovely! It was the longest length of time I’ve gone without seeing her, ever.

This week Live Nation announced their first ever U.S. drive-in concert series — LIVE FROM THE DRIVE-IN — This will bring fans a live music tailgating experience unlike any other, kicking off July 10-12 in Indianapolis, IN, Nashville, TN, and St. Louis, MO. Brad Paisley will headline performances in all three cities, marking the start of a much anticipated return to in person live events. Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi will also headline the series. Is this something you would be willing to do?

It obviously wouldn’t be the nicest way to share your music, when you can’t see or hear reactions. But yes, I will definitely be open to new ways of gigging, compromise will be part of keeping everyone healthy!

With Social Distance being the norm. Do you feel that it maybe the end of the music fest for the next couple of years?

I fear it might be, but strongly hope it’s not!

What about Holographic concerts in our living room?

Woah you are a few steps ahead of me! I can’t imagine there would be much atmosphere but never say never! Very well could be the norm soon. I don’t know if I’m ready for the future – how do we get back to 2019?

How do you see yourself in the next five years?