Interview with Rosey Cale – Interview conducted by Megan Roberts

Welsh singer/songwriter Rosey Cale is a growing artist in the country music industry. Her Youtube channel with regular Sunday uploads has brought her thousands of viewers worldwide.

Rosey released her first EP, Creating Images, in 2016. This showcased her spectacular voice and writing ability through heartfelt songs such as Sands of Home and Mirror Mirror.

Her talent doesn’t stop there, though. Rosey is also a successful actress. She recently starred in theatr na nÓg’s production Eye of the Storm, featuring original songs from Grammy award-winner Amy Wadge.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Rosey myself, getting a chance to ask questions about her inspirations, aspirations, and new music.

You released your first EP, Creating Images, in 2016, a lot must’ve changed in your life since then! As an artist, where do you see yourself in five years time?

Things have changed quite a bit for me! I had only been playing for 2 years when I released the EP and so I think I’ve come a long way since then! I have no idea what my life is going to look like in 5 years but I hope to have done a tour of some sort by then, either a solo tour or to tour as a support artist 🙂 When I look back 5 years I was only just starting to play guitar, so a lot can happen – the best things in life are unexpected.

What is your favourite track on Creating Images and why?

I always find this question hard to answer because all of the songs are significant to my life in some way. But if I had to choose – today my favourite track is probably ‘Walked Away’. I remember last year when all my friends in uni came to a gig and loads of them had learnt the words to the whole song so when I started and they all joined in it just blew my mind – I’ll never forget that moment.

Could you describe your song writing process? Do you write better at a certain place or time?

I tend to write on my own and when no one else is around. If I get an idea while I’m out and about I’ll either write a quick note down of a lyric or sing a tune into my phone and then write it when I get home. None of my songs so far have been written in the same way and often my favourite ones are the ones where I just get a gut feeling and have to put everything aside to write it. I’ve only ever done one collaboration and that was with Amy Wadge in December last year which I was a really top moment for me, and I’m so excited to release that track in the next couple of months.

That brings me onto my next question rather nicely! You posted on your Instagram (@roseycale) last month that you’re going back into the studio and recording, How exciting! Could you tell us anything about what you have planned?

Yes! I have a few songs lined up which I’m so excited for. My style and my writing have changed quite a bit over the last three years and I’m looking forward to hearing what people think of my music
now. I’m proud of my first EP but I’m ready to show people how much I’ve learnt since then and how my writing has matured along the way.

I noticed you also act, do you have a favourite character that you’ve played in the past? Do you share any of their traits?

Yeah I graduated last year with an acting degree and I’ve done a few plays and shows. When I was in school I played Belle in Beauty and the Beast and to this day that was still my favourite role. I love books and I’ve always felt like the odd one out with my friends. If Emma Watson had been ill – I would have happily stepped in for the movie!!

What music did you grow up listening to? Do you think it may have influenced your Country sound?

When I was younger I loved Shania Twain and Britney Spears. I have an older sister who I always looked up to and had me doing karaoke and dance routines to the Spice Girls and Steps. But my parents didn’t really listen to country music (my dad was a big fan of Chris de Burgh) and my mum preferred gentle music. Later on then I discovered Taylor Swift and Hunter Hayes and from there my love of country has grown massively!

When did you decide you wanted to start a career in music?

I never thought I’d become a singer songwriter. I always said I wanted to be a doctor or a child psychologist. But I sang in lots of choirs and I thought I should try solos auditions while there was opportunities there for me. Music was a big part of my stress relief and so I started writing to get things off my chest – a bit like a musical journal.

Mirror Mirror talks about your battle with anorexia, which must have been extremely difficult for you. What would be your advice to somebody going through the same condition?

This has been something that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. I feel very lucky to have almost fully recovered from the illness but I’ve known people who haven’t. But one thing I was told as part of my treatment is that I would never truly recover from it (what a scary thought at 15! – my whole life with this devil in my head telling me I was fat 24/7). It terrified me. And I think the advice I’d give to people going through the same thing is that this is not the case at all! You have the power to control those thoughts (sometimes you may need someone to help you do that eg. A counsellor) but things will get easier – you have great will power but you also have the power to defeat those demons.

Thank you so much for talking to us here at Belles and Gals, we really appreciate it! Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to any aspiring musicians who want to pursue such a fantastic career?

Thank you so much for inviting me! My biggest tip is don’t be too hard on yourself. Things take time and be proud of how far you’ve come. I’m terrible for being a perfectionist but I’ve learnt to be more gentle with myself and that imperfections make things real. Be kind to yourself.

We look forward to hearing some of Rosey’s new material in the upcoming months! Remember you can keep up to date on her social media below:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9cqYrzrmC67QoUJVI1OuaQ

Twitter: https://twitter.com/roseycale?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseycale/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roseycalemusic/

Website:  http://www.roseycale.com/

Interview conducted by Megan Roberts (twitter.com/megwritesalot)