“I found that through studying and playing music from a young age (and later through songwriting) that it was an emotional language that made the most sense for me.” For enigmatic singer-songwriter Rosie Lowe, music is not only a language, but one she speaks fluently. Rosie was born in rural Devon, “in a little wooden house my dad built, with my five siblings,” where her artistic family fostered her creative expression. When she went to university to study music, “I was really struggling to find my creative voice – I felt like everyone had their ‘sound’ and I was doing a bit of everything. It was only when I shut those thoughts out and put some creative limitations in place that I found mine, but it didn’t come instantly.” It was never a question of whether or not she should continue in the industry. “I always knew that this was what I’d be doing, and there’s never been anything else I’ve considered.” Rosie released her first EP, Right Thing in 2013. Her single and sultry video for “Who’s That Girl” was released early 2015, with her debut album to follow.
Her songwriting is a language of expression, yet one that’s open to your own interpretation. Her song “Me and Your Ghost” is a particularly haunting track. “‘Me and Your Ghost’ is about feeling abandoned by someone you need so badly. For me, it was about someone that passed long before their time, but what I love most about music is it can have a different meaning for every individual.” We look forward to learning more in her upcoming album. The musicians she chose for her band are all women. “It didn’t start as a decision. I just picked the best musicians for the job and they happened to be female so I was keen for that to continue.” An equal audition process, from an artist for equal rights. “When I hear a woman (and a man) say they’re not a feminist, it breaks my heart. For me, it’s simple…feminism means equal rights. It’s so unbelievably important that female voices are heard alongside men’s.”
Beyond her open mind, Rosie sees the importance of vulnerability as an integral part of her creative process. “I really believe being vulnerable is the key to creative freedom; once you’re open to your own vulnerability, creating feels a lot less scary. Most importantly, when you’ve found something you feel is true to you, don’t ever compromise.”
Photography by Ewelina Stechnij for The Untitled Magazine #GirlPower Issue
Stylist: Alison Elwin
Hair by Philippe Tholimet @ Streeters
Make-up by Laura Dominique @ Streeters
This article originally appeared in The #GirlPower Issue of The Untitled Magazine (2015), pick up a print edition of the issue today!
