In Conversation With #270 - Rosie H Sullivan
Scottish songwriter Rosie H Sullivan has just released her new EP ‘In My Nature’ - which sees her entering a new era, with a collection of songs each exploring subjects close to her heart.
One of the singles from the EP - ‘Only A Woman’, was co-written with Katie Sutherland, is a self-proclaimed power feminist anthem that explores the intricacies of being a woman in the 21st century. “I’m only a woman after all,” Sullivan sings. “I will never fit”. Sullivan ups the ante with the sonics of the track, crafting one of the most powerful arrangements in her discography yet and drawing similarities to the stylistics of Phoebe Bridgers and supergroup Boygenius, particularly with its hazily warm atmosphere and gossamer vocals that sweep over layered drums.
She took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Rosie - how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
Hello! I’m very well. In the van from Brighton to London for our last show of tour. It feels really wonderful to have it out there. It’s been a big year and it feels lovely to be continuing channelling my creativity and finding platforms to express my songs and inner most feelings in music.
It is called ‘In My Nature’ - what is the meaning behind that?
It’s kind of a double meaning. It’s in my nature to write, to create, to feel and all that comes through in what I do in this EP. And also my love for nature and spending time outdoors and feeling at peace with the world.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
It was recorded with my producer, Ross Hamilton at his studio in Paisley, Scotland. Buzz killer HQ. Working with Ross is such a pleasure, it’s such an honour to work with him, and I always feel really inspired when I’m there. Lots of talk about music and good food kept us going recording.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
I’m always influenced by everything around me. Awareness out with and within myself in life is a constant. I guess this EP is a stream of consciousness from this chapter in my life and the invisible threads that connect the songs together. Experiencing so much good music these last few years and meeting people and writing and recording more has hugely inspired me too.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
Into the Wild (my sound engineer Carla thinks this)
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
Ahh this is a really hard one. “The chapters closed, but our stories never end” or “As long as I’m living my imperfect life I’ll be happy and sad at the same time” Probably two of my favourites right now. But I think it changes on how I feel.
Now the EP is out there - what next?
Over the next few months I’ll be finishing my degree at uni, so going to hibernate and get down with that. No doubt still be writing and recording, and already got some gigs lined up for next year which is exciting. Going to live my life and feel inspired.
