We’ve been hearing lots about Rothwell recently. She’s had a crazy few years supporting both Justin Beiber and Louise Redknapp on tour.
We recently got to have her chat with her about her new single Velvet Heart and her career so far. She was also lovely enough to let us exclusively preview her new song her on CelebMix.
You write all your own songs, where did you find the inspiration for your new single?
My new single is actually based on something pretty close to home. It’s about friends who fall in love too easily and no matter what advice you give or what honesty you offer up to them, they don’t listen. Then when it all goes tits up you’re like….welllllllllll you cant say I didn’t tell you so.
Songwriting can be such a vulnerable thing to do, is it hard sometimes to put the things you want to say out for the world or is it more of a cathartic thing for you?
I find songwriting very therapeutic and helps to mend the soul when it’s a little bit bruised. I never really tell anyone if my song is about anyone specific, just leave it up to their imagination and hope no one figures it out.
Who are your musical inspirations? (Can be singers or songwriters).
I have lots old and new. Of course, the music I grew up listening too was Paul Simon, Julie London, Whitney. But now I absolutely love people like Billie Eilish, Tom Misch and am constantly inspired by new music and new artists.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I’ve been very lucky so far and have had some amazing opportunities thrown my way. I got to support Paul Simon on some of this ‘Stranger’ tour dates last year. I’d also say that most of the festivals I’ve been lucky enough to play have been highlights of my career. I absolutely loooooove festival season!
What’s one piece of advice you’ve been given that has stuck with you?
The harder you work, the more results you see. If you want something, work your arse off until its yours.
Have you ever listened to a song and thought ‘wow I wish I wrote that?
All the time haha. ‘I cant make you love me’ by Bonnie Raitt is a big one for me.
Do you have a playlist you listen to, to inspire you while working in the studio? (If so who is on it?)
When I’m in the studio I’ll rarely have other music on as I create as I get pretty involved with what I’m making. But I do have a playlist that I always listen too on Spotify. Its one I made so its just a collection of my favourite songs at that time and I make sure to update it with 4 new songs a week to keep things interesting. Its called ‘GIRL POWER’ if you fancy a listen. Its got Justin Timberlake, Whitney, Tyne, Wild front and loads more on it.
Out of all the gigs you’ve done in your career so far, what gig gave you that “wow” moment?
I sang with the Knocks supporting Justin Bieber in Birmingham and it was my first time performing in an arena so that was pretty mad! I think it was something like 16,000 people so that was terrifying!
What influenced you growing up to write songs?
I think life did. I’d always loved singing and wanted to see what it was like if I wrote songs instead of just singing other peoples and fell in love with it straight away. I do have my first couple of songs hidden away somewhere on an old computer that should maybe be destroyed.
What’s next for you?
Lots! I’ve got my single Velvet Heart coming out on Friday and then lots and lots of gigs, going to be announcing my own headline show soon! I’m always songwriting in the background too so it’s looking to be a busy year.
Now you’ve read all about Velvet Heart. We think you should have a listen.
We absolutely love it. Let us know what you think over on @CelebMix.
Velvet Heart is released tomorrow (Friday 9th February).