Exclusive Interview with Rosy Nolan

Rosy Nolan has a new EP on the way and a new show at The Hotel Cafe on Sept 28th at 9pm.

When did you know you would ultimately create a life in music? 

I knew when I was 16.  I was playing drums in an all-girl punk band with my high school friends.  We were called The Rape Utic, as in “therapeutic” but spaced out.  I was really proud of myself for coming up with that one but no one ever had any idea what it meant.  We used to play at this club in Berkeley called Gilman.  It’s still there and still a great all-ages venue for punks, goths, metal heads and everyone else interested in underground music.  I think that place saved me.  We would jump up on stage, often uninvited, and play these screechy punk songs.  I fell in love right away. The music, so loud, your ears would ring for days later, all these kids flailing about in the mosh pit, but most of all the community.  I was so lucky to have that community. I have been chasing it ever since.

That’s another reason why I am so thrilled to have recorded “Footprints and Broken Branches” with Tim Timebomb from Rancid.  They were one of the first bands I ever saw at Gilman.  We got reconnected here in Los Angeles and were able to bring that East Bay punk rock spirit into the studio. Mind you, this album is as acoustic and unplugged as they come.  But if you look around you’ll find a strong correlation between punk and old-time/bluegrass. A lot of those punk rockers are playing country music now, look at John Doe from X.  Kenny Feinstein, who expertly played almost every instrument on the EP (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, sang harmonies) and also co-produced it with Tim and myself, comes from that similar punk background.  It was really cool for all of us to connect around that.

How do you balance the life of a musician with the normal day to day?

I’ll let you know when I figure that one out. I have had to learn and practice a lot of self-care. That meant quitting drinking 7 years ago, learning meditation, practicing yoga.  All these things build my resilience and have freed me up for some pretty awesome opportunities in music and beyond.

Who have been your greatest musical heroes?

Lucinda Williams will always be my go to for that.  I’ve seen her possibly 7-8 times now from coast to coast. Her songwriting is eloquent, her melodies are infectious and her rhythms drive. I believe she and I suffer from a similar affliction with the opposite sex, as well. She sings it so well and I can really identify.

If you had to describe your new music in only 3 words what would they be?

Never Give Up

How do you feel about the current modern musical landscape?

I’m not sure I have my finger on that pulse.  My playlist consists of music that’s primarily public domain because it’s too damn old.  No, but really, I really like Lizzo and that big summer hit, Old Town Road.  They did a really cool thing mixing hip-hop and country. I’m lucky to have a 14 year nephew who introduces me to what is cool.

If you could tour the world with one artist (living or non) who would it be and why? 

Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Johnny Cash, The Carter Family.  Because they are all brilliant souls and paved the way for country music as it is today.  Also, I think they all have a great sense of humor.  You need a great sense of humor to get through this life.

Please share with us one unique thing about you that most of your fans might not know.

I’d really love to play drums in your punk band. Seriously, I miss it.

Where can we follow and support you out there on the web? 

Check out my website ( www.rosynolan.com), Instagram (@row_sea), or FaceBook (@rosynolanmusic). You can get the EP on Bandcamp, Distrokid, and Spotify starting Sept 27th or if you’re lucky enough you may run into me in a banjo chat room. And if you’re in LA on Saturday, September 28th come on down to Hotel Cafe at 9pm and see the show.  I got a hot 4-piece backing me up.  It’s going to be a good time.

Thank you for your time and best of luck with your new music.  

No, thank you.

End of Interview