INTERVIEW: Rosie Darling talks new single 'Always Almost': "I wouldn't release something that didn't feel authentic to me and I will always look back at these songs and feel proud of them."
Image: Sarah Carpenter
Los Angeles based Rosie Darling first broke through as the featured vocalist on the OKO single ‘L.A.’ in 2017 which has chalked up over 4 million streams on Spotify alone. Last year she released her debut EP Coping, a collection of six deeply emotive and personal tracks which have a warm, organic piano ballad feel coupled with a gentle electronic foundation and Darling’s expressive vocals.
Earlier this year she released the single ‘Always Almost’. The track has a classic Darling sound, with the introduction of lush strings to a piano and electronic soundscape. Lyrically, Darling opens up about how the anxieties she encounters when she enters a relationship cause the relationship to break down before it really begins. “I try to slow down and think twice when it's alright / Finding the reasons it won't ever work / Avoiding the hurt, so I always leave first,” she sings. “Could've been, should've been something good / But I guess we'll never know.” It is a beautiful, if heartbreaking, song and arguably one of Darling’s best.
Over the last few years Darling has quietly been racking up streams in the tens of millions and with her beautiful music and heartfelt lyrics, she is a new artist you should start listening to right now. We recently caught up with her to find out more about her music and career.
Hi Rosie! Great to chat to you today, how is everything in your world right now?
Hi! My world is good. I am still on a high after an exciting release week for ‘Always Almost’, and I'm so happy the song has resonated with so many people around the world!
A big congratulations on the release of ‘Always Almost'. It is such a beautiful, heartbreaking song. Can you talk me a little through the inspiration behind the song?
Thank you! ‘Always Almost’ is about self-sabotage and getting in your own way in relationships which I think we all have experienced at some point in life. It's definitely written in the context of romantic relationships. However, I feel like the sentiment goes for any kind of relationship, whether it's romantic or not.
What was the creative process like for 'Always Almost'?
I started working on ‘Always Almost’ alone on my piano, and then I brought the idea to my friends Andrew and Savannah, and we pretty much wrote it in one day over zoom during quarantine. We mostly used voice memos for the demo, and then when it came to final production, I worked with producers, Justin and David, to get the song in the right space. After that, we added the bridge, "I'll always hold out for us, hope that someday it's enough, you'll always be the one that got away." I think those lyrics nail the song's emotion.
You have also released the music for ‘Always Almost’, can you tell us about the video and what it was like to make?
The video was so much fun, but I was nervous to work with a professional actor. But, Mark [Valeraino] was great, and everything felt very natural, which helped me feel good about everything. I got to do some interesting makeup looks, too, which was awesome because we wanted it to look like we had spent many moments together over a period of time. I loved making this video because everyone involved was on the same page creatively. I think the final edit really evoked a lot of different emotions from me and hopefully for viewers.
Like all your music, 'Always Almost' is very raw, honest and personal. Music is clearly therapeutic for you, does opening your heart to the world ever carry any anxiety with it, that everyone will be hearing your deeply personal experiences and picking over them?
Although these songs are somewhat personal, they are also a form of creative writing and therapy. I usually write from a place of feeling and then get creative lyrically to tell a more detailed story. Sometimes I feel anxious, but I wouldn't release something that didn't feel authentic to me, and I know I will always look back at these songs and feel proud of them.
What role did music play in your life when you were growing up?
I grew up around a lot of music. I sang a lot at school and even did a few musicals but overall found myself gravitating toward writing and pop music. Being exposed to music and learning guitar from my Dad set the tone for my career path.
Was a career in music always a given for you, or did it come about more organically?
Yes - I feel like I knew I wanted to be in music from a very young age. Growing up, I was always inspired by other artists, and once I started writing, I could see how things come together. The writing was something I had to practice and learn more about, but singing was always organic to me and my life that I knew I'd continue doing no matter what.
You first released music in 2017 and scored millions of streams with 'L.A.' Looking back at your earlier releases, how do you feel you have evolved as an artist?
I think I have grown a lot in terms of my writing style, but overall, I think my heart is in the same place it was even back then. I love the creative work that goes into a song from start to finish. I think it's satisfying to be in the driver's seat, creating an experience for other people that brings about a source of connection, and I am grateful to have such loyal fans that believe in the songs I write.
For so long, the music industry has not been a particularly safe space for women, in the main because it has been run by older, white, straight men since its inception. What are your thoughts on gender equality and sexism in the music industry?
I think the music industry is constantly changing, and I've experienced my fair share of moments where I feel at a disadvantage. However, I try to focus on building up other women in the industry and constantly collaborating with other women, especially producers. We have to build each other up, and there is room for everyone. I prefer to work with people who actively engage in these conversations in music around women and equality. I am very aware of working with people I trust, and I try to embrace working with women in the industry as much as possible in hopes that we set a new tone for how we are treated as a whole.
'Always Almost' is out now, what else is on the cards for Rosie Darling in 2022?
A LOT OF NEW MUSIC! ‘Always Almost’ is just the beginning of a bunch of new music that I have been working on this past year. Although I will always have my sad ballad breakup songs, I am excited for some of the upbeat songs that are on their way!
‘Always Almost’ is out now. You can stream or download here.
To keep up with all things Rosie Darling, you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
