Latest posts by William Brookson (see all)
- Toronto Singer-Songwriter Tara Van Evokes Her Inner “Glow” on Empowering New Track - September 20, 2024
- Edmonton’s Billie Zizi Shares Lovelorn New Folk Rock Song, “Neon Dream,” taken from Forthcoming ‘Levitate’ Album (Oct. 25th) - September 18, 2024
- Toronto’s Sia Shells Offers a Reset with Soothing New Song “The Ocean” - September 17, 2024
Shealagh Rose is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Hamilton, Ontario. Developing her voice and songwriting in Toronto at Humber College’s Bachelor of Music program, she worked with mentors like Rik Emmett (Triumph), and had the opportunity to record backup vocals with legendary producer Ken Scott. She was a regional finalist in CBC’s 2017 Searchlight competition with the song, “Dream,” off of her debut Island EP. Lush with soulful vocals, addicting progressions, and beautiful string sections, the record boasts the aesthetic of indie folk anthems.
Shealagh‘s sophomore release teases of her earlier works while introducing grittier sounds and blending the lines between folk music and contemporary pop. On “Radio Silence,” the first single from her upcoming sophomore EP, Shealagh‘s motivation to write the single came from a fallout with a friend where neither was speaking to each other. Sonically, the track was purposefully written with gritty guitar, synth, pads and a more emotional vocal performance to encapture the feeling of an argument in the composition.
Now, more than ever, I’m sure we’ve all experienced that feeling of isolation or feeling cut off from people; when efforts to reach out are met with an indifferent or brief response. Or even when it becomes too much that making the effort to reach out to people just becomes bothersome, leading to a vicious cycle. – Shealagh Rose
1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
Collaborating with my friend Murray Heaton on it! This song kept me stumped in the studio at first; I had a few demo versions of the song before taking it to him. I already had most of the guitar parts recorded but wasn’t completely satisfied with how it was sounding. We spent an afternoon re-hashing and adding guitar parts, and he sent me a rough demo later that night where he had added some programmed drums and a scratch bass track. It was the first time hearing it that I truly felt excited about the song, and knew it was turning into something special. After that session, it was all pure excitement hearing everything come together with real bass (Dan Minchom), and drums (Sam Goswell). Adding all the fun synths and effects at the end was the cherry on top.
2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
My first vocal teacher used to say “know what you know”. I’m quite reserved by nature and pretty prone to imposter syndrome (classic). I think I’ve let that hold me back in the past, especially when coming across bigger egos in the room. It’s such a simple little phrase, but I always think back to it. Know what you know; give yourself some credit and be confident in your skills and ability.
3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
To name just one is tricky! The Weather Station, Adrienne Lenker (Big Thief), Julia Jacklin, and Aldous Harding are just some of the many artists that inspire me. To even be considered in the same vein with any of them would be a huge honour.
4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
I like to explore a diversity of sounds, so I find my genre shifting even within the same project. This way I get to express my lyrics across different moods and fit the music to the stories I’m telling. While the single ‘Radio Silence’ is grittier with a bedroom indie-rock vibe to it, some of the other tracks on the EP harken back to my older folky sound, while also having a pop edge to them.
5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why
I’m really enjoying the artist Dora Jar at the moment, specifically the song ‘Ragdoll’. It opens with this infectious acoustic guitar riff, and it’s paired with soft layered vocals, a fierce breakbeat, and crunchy synths. The production and songwriting is so great and it’s only a short three minute song, so it is highly replayable. (Fun fact: she just released the album that the song is off of today – Friday September 13!)
