When social media connected up-and-coming solo artists Leanne Weiss and Derek Allan, there was instant musical chemistry. After relocating to New Jersey from Pittsburgh, Allan reached out to local singer Weiss about collaborating on writing country music. After a few songwriting sessions, recording a cover video, and playing at a county fair together, the two decided to join forces and form the duo October Rose.
Since their formation in October 2016, October Rose has been a force to be reckoned with on the New York City country music scene. With featured appearances on Ty, Kelly and Chuck’s “10 Minute Tune” and opening slots for Drew Baldridge, Russell Dickerson, and Sara Evans, this duo is gaining momentum. Their extensive list of performance venues include the Mayo Performing Arts Center (NJ), Webster Hall (NYC), and The Bitter End (NYC.)
In this interview spotlight, I chat with October Rose about their new project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create?
We actually both grew up in different states. Derek grew up outside of Pittsburgh, PA, while Leanne grew up in Northern New Jersey. While we had so many musical influences, both of us gravitated to country for the storytelling that comes with the genre. Our sound is considered more modern as we incorporate our love for 80s hair metal and 90s pop into our music.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
Music has been a part of our lives since we were both young. Derek started playing guitar when he was 11 with his brother and his Dad and Leanne had been singing since she was a child. No matter what happens in our lives we are both always drawn back to music. It’s a lifelong addiction.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
This is our first release as a duo, so it’s already different because we released EP’s as solo artists a few years back. Both of those releases had a country rock edge, so undoubtedly we wanted to capture that similar sound. The goal for our debut EP “All In” was to let the world hear our true sound and let fans know that we aren’t afraid to rock out!
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
The modes change but the challenges remain the same. Getting influencers on board is the biggest challenge any musician ever faced whether its record labels, playlisters, or radio. Music has always and will likely always be curated to some extent because discovering all the great artists out there is a full-time job. Cutting through all the noise online and in people’s lives is our biggest challenge. The one great thing about technology now is that you can reach people directly that would’ve never heard of you 25 years ago. We might only play on the east coast right now but have been building fans all across America and overseas thanks to social media!
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
Check out our website www.octoberrosemusic.com and follow us on social media like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter under October Rose Country. Our music is available wherever digital music is sold or streamed. Be sure to add us to your Spotify playlist.
Anything else before we sign off?
Our EP “All In” was just released and encompasses two years of hard work and a sound that we fed is truly unique for today’s country music. We are making a special offer to fans right now to get it in CD for just 1 cent. More details can be found on the website!
