Isle of Lewis native, Rosie H Sullivan emerges with her beautiful debut single, “So It Is.” The track announces the 19-year-old to the same musical lane that fellow Highland contemporary’s Rachel Sermanni and Tamzene trailblazed before her. On its day of release ‘So It Is’ reached number 12 in the iTunes singer songwriter charts as well as being included in a host of independent Spotify playlists across the world. “So It Is” is the first single from a collection of music all written during a turbulent year on the Isle of Lewis. A relationship breakdown coupled with a relocation to mainland Scotland turned Rosie’s life upside down in a matter of weeks, all exacerbated by the pandemic.
“So It I”’ focuses on the important happenings that have shaped and guided her to who she is today. The gentle refrain is a subtle call to arms reminding Sullivan to take life as it comes, focus on the positives and keep your own peace when things get tricky. “So It Is” was recorded at her new homestead in Aberdeenshire amongst the wilderness – literally. The track was recorded in the garden under trees where birds can be heard singing. One mic, one take, one special moment caught in time.
In our interview, Sullivan explains her influences and her infatuation with Laura Marling.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I think the obvious ones are Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling, I always come back to these 2 incredible women. It’s hard to pick one as my influences come from a variety of artists: Kate Bush, Tom Waits, Billie Marten. Another big one for me, honing into my Scottish roots — Adam Holmes. I could never fault any of his songs.
Who would you love to collaborate with and why?
Laura Marling. I have listened to probably every single song and every podcast that she’s featured in. Everything about her is an inspiration for me. Her lyrics and writing are insanely good, and her guitar playing, vocals and melody, are hugely inspiring. I feel like we could talk for hours. I have learnt she’s an extremely interesting person through watching her many interviews and conversations. I just connect with her songs in a different way than I do any other, and it would be an absolute dream to work with her.
Name a perfect song and tell us why.
“Picture in a Frame” by Tom Waits. The song itself at first listen is quite simple — however, it is so powerful. I’ve done this as a cover and it always makes me emotional. The words hold so much depth and emotion along with the gorgeous piano accompaniment. Tom’s voice is so raw and beautiful, it really makes the song. Simple songs are often the most perfect, I believe.
What’s the best way for a fan to support you?
My dream is for people to hear my songs and connect with them. The best thing people could do for me would simply be to share my music. If each person shared my song with 5 people, who knows how many people I could reach — and hopefully connect with.
What 5 albums are you going to make your kid listen to and why?
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac- I remember busking and doing a couple of songs from this album. I remember my dad saying he was so proud, as he remembered listening to those songs when he was younger and it’s amazing how 20 years later, his own daughter was playing them. Not just that, it’s just an absolute banger of an album, and Stevie Nicks is a total queen.
Song For Our Daughter by Laura Marling. This album was somewhat inspired by “Letters to My Daughter” by Maya Angelou, which I’m still yet to read. Laura Marling doesn’t actually have a daughter however I think this is what makes the album even more special. I’ve learnt a lot from the songs and the album has inspired some writing of my own. I’d love to play it to my future daughter.
Blue by Joni Mitchell. I’m ashamed to say I had never listened to the full album until I was gifted it as a CD at Christmas time last year. And I’m so glad I did. This album is genius and beautiful in so many ways, and I think anyone would agree with me on this.
Indigo Girls. There isn’t a specific album, however there is a certain number of Indigo Girls songs I listened to with my dad every year on our annual Easter road trip! I know the selection very well and have it as a playlist, and I loved listening to it with my dad so I would love to have that connection with my children, hopefully some day.
A Night at the Opera by Queen. I love Freddie Mercury, and this album is so powerful. “Bohemian Rhapsody” being wonderfully diverse in so many different ways, anyone can agree this is a song that will never get old. “Love of My Life” is a beautiful song and I love the contrast it brings to the album. It’s just a great album, as are any of Queen’s. I think they were such an inspiring band and I definitely would not want my future kids to miss out on them.
Rosie H Sullivan — Instagram