THE NEXT WAVE

Tsk Tsk: Your music has a raw and organic sound, capturing the essence of live performance. Could you share a bit about the creative process behind 'Nobody’s Saviour' and how working with Robert Muiños at Rat Shack Studio influenced the production and writing of this track?

Rowena: Working with Rob Muiños at the Ratshack was really fun. It was a new experience for me to track the song with a live band, bringing the song to life by locking into a groove and embracing immediacy, and with such talented players too. I recorded with my acoustic through a Vox amp and there was an analogue space echo delay on the drums, as well as my vocals. Rob managed to make a really expansive sound with the production, which I loved because we were tracking in these cosy small ex-19th century hotel rooms. Rob knew how to capture a dreamy and melancholic vibe, whilst keeping some grit and clarity. Matt Dixon added a layer of pedal steel to the song that you can’t quite hear but you can feel, it really gave it a bent sort of kind of sadness that I was after. To me it feels like someone is gently accepting defeat and it’s time to retreat.

Tsk Tsk: Nobody’s Saviour' explores the complexities of misplaced heroism in relationships. Could you delve into how this single fits into the broader narrative of your musical journey and the themes you've explored in your previous work?

Rowena: I write a lot of songs about disconnection. I find some things hard to say, it’s easier to express with music. I feel like Nobody’s Saviour is about disconnection with reality, with your own wants and needs. I saw friends (mostly female) allowing themselves to be drawn into the role of nurturing other’s pain and insecurities, when they had a lot to work on themselves. They put others first though. Love makes you do that. To me it’s unacceptable. You have to look after yourself as well as others around you. Sometimes that requires hearing hard truths, hearing that you’re not some superhero, hearing that you need help. Perspective requires distance from the thing, sometimes.

Tsk Tsk: You've collaborated with Didirri on 'Tea Stains' and supported the likes of G Flip, Didirri, Kira Puru, Little May and Bernard Fanning just to name a few. In your circle of musical friends, who are a couple of other artists you'd like to nominate to include in the Next Wave Playlist?

Rowena: I want to nominate Clea, she’s my favourite indie dream pop powerhouse. Love her writing, and the way she expresses herself is really grounded yet floaty at the same time. It's so beautiful and feels a little psychedelic. Alex Gow’s latest album ‘Dizzy Spell’, I had the pleasure of playing violin on it - I swear I’m not bias I just love this album. It was all recorded to tape and it has a really timeless vibe, the writing carves something gently in me. Winten also must be included in the Next Wave playlist, she writes really catchy heartfelt songs that just grab you.

Tsk Tsk: Your live performances are known for their dynamic energy. Where can we catch you performing ‘Nobody’s Saviour’ next?

Rowena: I’ll be touring with Nobody’s Saviour in February, which I’m so excited about! It’ll be a mix of band and solo shows, which I love. It’s cool to renew the meaning of songs with different ways of delivering them. There’s a lot of new songs I’d like to share, so this will be fun.