INTERVIEW:
Rothwell
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DUE out on 8th December through Bright Star Records (via Universal)…
Freedom will be emancipated and available to the world! It will be accompanied by an arty and memorable video – one I ask Rothwell about. The bright young songwriter explains the story behind the song - and how it feels gaining kudos from the likes of Annie Mac and Justin Bieber. Rothwell has already provided guest vocals for Metrik (on the track, We Got It) and has cut her teeth at some big festivals.
Next year will see the Bristol singer-songwriter embark on new challenges and goals. I ask what she has planned and how she got into music; the musicians and sounds that have taken her this far; what it feels like gaining respect from big names – and how the remainder of this year will be spent.
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Hi, Rothwell. How are you? How has your week been?
I’m very well, thanks. My week has been busy, but fabulous!
For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?
Hi. I’m Rothwell. I’m singer-songwriter from Bristol. I’ve written with the likes of Metrik - and I’m now releasing my own Alt-Pop-Feel music.
Freedom is your upcoming single. Can you tell me more about it?
Freedom is a track I wrote with my friend, Kideko, about the destruction of youth and self-helplessness.
It’s a new direction for my music - and I can’t wait for everybody to hear it.
The video (coming soon) is quite arty and seductive. How did you feel seeing it back for the first time? What does the visual represent to you?
When I first watched it back; I was very excited as it fits perfectly with the artwork and the new sound. The ideas behind the visual are the juxtaposition between the beautiful colours – clashed against the subtle destruction of smoking.
Do you think, being so young, there are responsibilities and pressures that make you panic? Are too many people seek gratification from the wrong places?!
I absolutely agree and, sadly, I feel that our generation has been exposed to and brought up in an era of judgement within social media and social stereotypes.
Is there going to be more music coming down the line?
Absolutely. I am working on two more singles which will be with you all soon. I’m writing my debut album...
So; there is loads more coming!
Justin Bieber and Annie Mac are two – of several big names – who have picked up on your music. How does that make you feel?!
I’m always so happy when anyone listens to my music...
It’s something I work really hard at - and getting recognition is amazing! When Annie played the track I danced around my living room like a kid on Christmas morning!
Many might recognise you as a guest vocalist on the Metrik track, We Got It. Was it hard transitioning from the background – now stepping into the light?
I really enjoyed the whole process with Metrik.
It actually started as a piano ballad I wrote with our friend Alex and then Metrik took it from that into his world - so I kind of feel like it was our joint musical baby! I loved performing with him at Reading Festival this year and he always lets me do my thing - so I am very, very excited releasing my own work.
You have had a busy year playing big dates and supporting some notable stars – including Bieber. What have been your fondest times of 2017?
Playing at British Summer Time was definitely a highlight - and travelling across Europe supporting Ryan Adams was amazing!
How did you get into music? Were there particular artists you adored growing up?
I have always been into music and have studied it since I remember. I grew up listening to the likes of Julie London, Paul Simon; Nina Simone and Eagle-Eye Cherry.
IN THIS PHOTO: CuckooLander
Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?
Billie Eilish, Sigrid; Grace Mitchell; Elli Ingram and CuckooLander. These are the artists I’m listening to at the moment - and I’m absolutely obsessed!
There seems to be a real ‘Girl Power’ theme running through!
If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Graceland – Paul Simon
Because it’s my all-time favourite. I actually have tattoos of his lyrics!
For Emma, Forever Ago – Bon Iver
Because it reminds me of discovering my own passions in music as a teenager.
Stripped – Christina Aguilera
I listened to this album from start-to-finish growing up - and can definitely recite every word!
Can we see you perform anywhere soon? Where can we catch you play?
I’ll be performing at the Gibson Rooms in November. I’ll be supporting Louise at Scala in the New Year.
What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?
Keep going, be true to yourself: things take time and if this was easy, everybody would do it!
Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already - or will you be busy working?
Find me in Bristol with a litre of Baileys surrounded by my family! But, yes; knowing my calendar, I will probably be in the studio on Christmas Eve or something!
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes – Paul Simon
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