The Psychedelic Rock Journey Behind Rosalie Cunningham’s New Album

An In-Depth Conversation with Rosalie Cunningham: Psychedelic Rock, Vintage Influences, and Her New Album ‘To Shoot Another Day’

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In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine Podcast, I’m thrilled to sit down with the immensely talented Rosalie Cunningham, whose new album To Shoot Another Day is out on November 1st. Rosalie’s unique sound and artistic flair have earned her high praise from Classic Rock Magazine, which once famously described her as “If Kate Bush and The Beatles had a baby.” While she humbly admits that’s quite the compliment, it’s a comparison that reveals her rich, eclectic blend of influences and exceptional musical depth.

Rosalie’s album is bursting with influences from the 60s and 70s, woven together with a modern twist. As I listened to it, I could hear elements reminiscent of The Beatles, Jethro Tull, Susie and the Banshees, and even prog-rock bands like Traffic and Bebop Deluxe. Each track carries its own unique atmosphere, some like mini-movie soundtracks that transport you into different worlds. Rosalie’s distinctive voice, meticulous production, and seamless integration of various genres make To Shoot Another Day a truly compelling listen.

Crafting To Shoot Another Day: Creating at Home and the Joy of Artistic Freedom
Rosalie shares how she crafted her album at home, which allowed her to take the time she needed to experiment with sounds and arrangements – something that might have been difficult within the usual time constraints of a traditional studio. She worked alongside Rosco, her co-producer and partner, to meticulously shape the album. Although recording at home gave them flexibility, she admits it had its challenges, especially the temptation to perfect every detail endlessly.

“Having Rosco as a foil is great,” she says. “He’s more of an improviser, while I tend to get quite meticulous about each little part.” Together, they’ve achieved a balance, blending Rosalie’s detailed approach with Rosco’s spontaneous flair, resulting in an album that feels both polished and vibrant.

Songwriting and Influences: From Bond Themes to Bluesy Psychedelia
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Shoot Another Day,” is an homage to the classic James Bond theme. Rosalie has always wanted to write a Bond theme, and this track captures that epic, cinematic feel. Although she didn’t have an orchestra at her disposal, she achieved a lush sound by using a mix of rock band elements and clever arrangements.

Another notable track, “Timothy Martin’s Conditioning School,” was inspired by a typical night out in British pubs and the culture around drinking. Rosalie captures this theme with a biting, satirical edge and a sound that nods to the 60s.

My personal favorite, “Heavy Pencil,” is an ambitious, six-and-a-half-minute track that journeys through different musical landscapes. Here, Rosalie dives into more experimental territory, incorporating a mix of soft jazz, prog-rock, and psychedelic sounds. It’s a perfect example of her skill in creating complex, multi-layered music.

The Live Experience: Bringing To Shoot Another Day on Tour
Rosalie’s upcoming tour will take her across the UK, Spain, Germany, and beyond. She’s excited to bring the album to life on stage, especially with her talented bandmates, each of whom brings something unique to her music. When asked if the album will evolve in live performance, she shares that she loves allowing her songs to grow on stage, giving each performance its own special energy.

A Conversation Worth Watching
In this interview, Rosalie and I cover so much ground – from the challenges and rewards of home recording, to her unique influences and creative process, to her plans for the upcoming tour. To Shoot Another Day is an album full of intricate sounds and immersive stories, and it’s one I’m certain fans of 60s and 70s rock will enjoy.

If you’re intrigued by music that combines vintage influences with fresh, modern twists, Rosalie Cunningham’s work is definitely worth exploring. Check out the full interview to hear more about her creative process, inspirations, and what to expect on her tour.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine

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