In this interview spotlight, we speak with Rose Cora Perry who will be performing at the NAMM Event in Nashville on July 14th (2017) at 2 PM (Central).
We chat about influences, technology, challenges, her newest project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I am a Canadian rock musician (Singer/Songstress/Guitarist) hailing from London, Ontario – a charming metropolis known by its locals as the “Forest City”, sandwiched between Detroit and Toronto.
While my influences are diverse (from jazz to pop to grunge to classical), my love for catchy rock hooks a la the 90s alternative sound shines through the most in my tunage.
I’ve been told my singing style is a mix between Norah Jones and Alanis, my presence is akin to Joan Jett’s with a hint of Steven Tyler and my instrumentation is reminiscent of bands like The Breeders and Veruca Salt. In other words, I write with a lot of dynamic and expression: both vocally and instrumentally.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
I have been singing/performing since age four and writing songs since I was seven. Though my parents initially enrolled me in classical vocal training which I studied for 14 years in hopes of pursuing a career on Broadway, when I was 15, I met the guitarist with whom I’d form my first band, HER. I was performing, “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera at a talent show and she came up to me afterward expressing interest in joining forces.
While admittedly, I was hesitant at first, the rock bug grew on me (so to speak) and since then, I have continued to write/perform in this genre: with my second major project (signed national touring band, Anti-Hero), and now as a solo artist.
Why do I do what I do?
Quite simply for the love of music! Being on stage, for me, is complete euphoria. There is no other place where I feel as fulfilled and “whole”. Being able to connect with people through shared emotions and experiences while expressing oneself artistically is a really powerful thing.
Music is a universal language that brings people of all walks of life together.
While navigating the “biz” is challenging and heartbreaking (at times), knowing that my music can and does make a difference in the lives of others is all the motivation I need…that and you know having license to headbang and wail on a guitar publicly is kinda cool, you know 😉
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
My new album, “Onto the Floor” was a four year undertaking that changed directions several times along the way, but I couldn’t be happier with the end result. I feel that I’ve finally found my “voice” as an artist – merging my classical background with my love of distorted guitars and layered harmonies.
I really wanted to challenge myself with this album and not feel restricted in any capacity creatively. And so, I let the music grow organically.
While it was originally envisioned as an acoustic album similar to my solo debut, “Off Of the Pages”, I allowed, “Onto the Floor” to grow and breathe and didn’t rush the creative process.
Some songs lean toward my softer sensibilities while others are straight up rock and there’s even a French waltz!
I firmly believe the best artists are ones that draw from a little bit of everything and so that’s exactly what I tried to do with this work – to show who I am artistically in an all-encompassing way.
Purchase/Listen to “Onto the Floor” here: http://www.rosecoraperry.com/onto-the-floor-buy-now/4593346775
Do you face challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? How has technology helped you (assuming it helps)?
Ah the internet – what a tortured love affair it and I have.
The pros: the ability to reach global audiences (and global touring opportunities) at the touch of a mouse click.
The cons: tell me when’s the last time YOU purchased an album (you know, a full album in hardcopy format, wherein 100% of the proceeds went directly to the artist who created it)?
I’m conflicted on the whole “technological revolution” thing to be honest and the jury is still out as to whether it’s done more to be helpful or a hindrance to the careers of independent DIY-ers like myself.
While it’s easier to connect with people (media, fans, bookers), it’s a LOT (and I mean A LOT) more difficult to generate income streams these days.
I also for the record think that using social media stats as a measure of any “real” success is completely absurd. Just because you have a million followers doesn’t by any stretch of the imagination mean you’re performing to that many people on a regular basis NOR does it mean a million people are buying your music. It’s basically just a highschool popularity contest in an online forum. It’s great to be able to connect with your fans and post updates in real time – don’t get me wrong – BUT beyond that, I’m skeptical of its value.
Call me old school, but I am likewise quite opposed to modern recording practises. If you need autotune to make a record, you shouldn’t be making one. This, coupled with sites like Youtube which allow ANYONE to put out music – whether or not they should – means music listeners and talent buyers, alike, have a whole heck of a lot more “clutter” to sift through making it more difficult to be seen/heard.
The greatest bands in history were great for the simple fact that they could legitimately write and perform their works exceptionally. They put years into perfecting their crafts. Many had to record their albums with a single room mic while performing all their parts in sync. There were no retakes.
To think that again with a click of a mouse, a producer can turn anyone into the next “big star” is an insult to our musical legacy…and we wonder why not much stock is put into modern music? I think it’s all one vicious cycle.
Again, because of the internet and everything becoming “old” seconds after its release, bands are encouraged to release new albums quicker and more frequently which doesn’t allow them to grow artistically, refine their sound and be more selective by weeding out weaker material.
As a consequence, most albums these days don’t have the front-to-back staying power they used to. So, in turn, people only want singles.
Singles are purchased more easily on services like Spotify or iTunes than directly from the creator and unfortunately (largely unbeknownst to the general public) such services provide such a LOW percentage of the actual fee charged per track that often times you’re paying MORE just to have your music available through such distributors than you’re actually earning! This takes us back to the “income” problem…but I digress.
In sum, what I’m trying to get at is this:
1) To my fellow musicians: don’t ever allow technology to make up for a deficit in ability. If you want to achieve something artistically, it takes time, effort and a heck of a lot of practise. I learned guitar by practising SIX hours a day for SIX months straight till my fingers bled. Work on your craft and challenge yourself. You’ll be happy you did.
2) To music fans: please buy direct (and buy FULL albums) from artists so that they can continue to bring you wonderful creations and you’ll get to experience who they are entirely; please also be patient as your favourite artists explore and grow – you’ll receive a much more satisfying listening and performance experience as a result. Oh and PLEASE go to shows – support live music. Value the experience “in person” – put your cell phones and cameras away and just take it in organically. Again, you’ll be happy you did!
Where can we connect with you online and discover more music?
I’m always thrilled to connect with my fellow creative types and fans alike at www.facebook.com/rosecoraperryofficial or www.twitter.com/rosecoraperry
Be sure to check out my NEW Music Video trilogy series (inspired by true events from my own life) for the first three singles from my sophomore solo album, “Onto the Floor”:
Anything else before we sign off?
For LOCAL Nashville readers, don’t miss my band’s, Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold, FREE performance at Summer NAMM on Friday July 14th at 2 pm at the Nashville Music City Center!!! We are proud to be representing my sponsor, DaisyRock Guitars, and are the only Canadian act on the bill.
A special thanks to FACTOR, the Canadian government and Canada’s private radio broadcasters for providing us with a travel grant so that we can participate in this showcase.
For more details, visit: https://www.namm.org/summer/2017/events/rose-cora-perry-truth-untold
