Rose Cora Perry is the former frontwoman of major label signed act Anti-Hero and has performed at some of the world’s most renowned music festivals including: Summer NAMM, Canadian Music Week, NorthbyNortheast, Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers Regatta, Warped Tour, and MEANYFest NYC.
Bringing audiences of over 500,000 to tears with her emotional sound and sincere performances, Rose has been crowned a well-respected industry pro and has been named one of the Top #10 talents in Canada. In line with her efforts, in 2011, she was invited to attend the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles as a honourary special guest artist.
She’s performed at Budweiser Gardens, graced the covers of magazines, achieved “Top 30” radio singles, conducted numerous guest lectures, served as a Voting Committee Member for the Jack Richardson Music Awards and was elected to represent the “voice of the independent musician” in a three-month expose for Canadian Musician.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Rose about her Not My Time release, choosing a favorite song of all time, dream collabs and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?
My favourite song of all time (by someone else) is “Benjamin” by Veruca Salt. My favourite song (that I’ve written) is “For What It’s Worth”. My all time top three songs are: “Benjamin” by Veruca Salt, “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica and “Dead or Alive” by Bon Jovi. I’m a sucker for a good ballad.
What about this single makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I think it goes without saying that musicians aim to write relatable songs that resonate with their listeners’ emotions and experiences based on their own lives – that’s certainly always been my hope, at least.
I’m particularly proud of “Not My Time” because it was inspired by an experience that is truly universal in terms of affecting us all in a variety of ways – the pandemic – and the aim behind it is to be a “uniting” force in a time where we’ve experienced so much division and alienation from each other. I’m hopeful that my song will bring listeners a sense of hope and a sense that we’re all in this together. It’s not ‘time’ to lose sight of either of those ideas.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
In a word? Life. When something strikes a particularly emotional chord with me, that’s typically when inspiration hits and I hear the beginnings of a melody come into my head.
As far as motivation to keep going? I’m not sure it’s so much a choice as it’s a part of my identity, a part of who I am. Even if I weren’t actively working in the industry, it’s not like I can suddenly turn off the ability to write songs or be inspired… much the same way as a retired teacher never ceases to find a way to ‘teach’ or ‘mentor’ others.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
I cannot limit it to just one person! Alanis – I’ll be your backing vocalist any day. Chris Cornell – may you rest in peace – I would love to do a duet. Richie Sambora – you are welcome to lend the genius of your guitar playing to any one of my songs.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
The last song I listened to was “Promises” by The Cranberries. My favourite band of all-time is Veruca Salt. I’m a diehard 90s kid. Songs with dynamic – that’s where it’s at.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Feel free to connect with me and my band on our socials:
http://www.facebook.com/rosecoraperryofficial
I appreciate your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?
If you haven’t yet checked out our rocking music video for “Not My Time”, hit the link below. You won’t regret it. My Camaro Chet is the star:
