Singer-songwriter Rosie Timmon is known for crafting deeply emotional and ethereal music, blending haunting piano melodies with atmospheric elements. Her latest song, “Jake,“ is a moving tribute to someone close to her who passed away from a fentanyl overdose. Through this release, Rosie not only honors his memory but also raises awareness about the devastating impact of opioid addiction.
In this interview, Rosie opens up about the inspiration behind “Jake,” the creative process that shaped its sound, and the personal and artistic growth she’s experienced since moving from Ireland to New York. She also reflects on her musical influences, the challenges and triumphs of building her career, and what fans can expect from her highly anticipated debut EP.
“Jake” is such a deeply emotional and powerful song. Can you share the story behind it and what inspired you to write it?
“jake” is a song about someone special in my life who passed away from a fentanyl overdose. He was only 39 years old and it was his one year anniversary. I felt inspired to write this song to reflect on my feelings of grief and to honor his life as he always believed in me and my music. I shared it with his family to send my love and hopes to comfort them.
The song touches on the devastating impact of opioid addiction and the fentanyl crisis. Why was it important for you to raise awareness through music?
It was very important for me to raise awareness for the opioid and fentanyl crisis through this release because it is a very serious topic a lot of people shy away from. From a young age, we are told not to do drugs, but so many young people experiment and get addicted, or they get into an accident and pain meds for an injury, leading to an addiction. It is a topic a lot of people are ashamed to talk about. Addicts don’t want to admit their addicts; family members are embarrassed to admit their mam or brother is an addict. Yet, we continue to see so many addicts dying from their addiction or their drug being unknowingly laced with fentanyl. It is so scary and I just want people to know more about this issue and to feel open to talk about it. The more knowledge we have and the more we talk about it, the more we have a chance in stopping this devastation.
What do you hope listeners take away from this song, especially those who have lost someone to addiction?
I hope listeners will feel their true feelings when listening to “jake.” Whether that is reflecting on a loved one lost to addiction and feeling sad, feeling their grief, feeling their pain and then feeling peace that their loved one has found their new home and they are ok. I hope to bring comfort to anyone who has lost someone too soon and to addiction.
You’ve been described as blending haunting piano melodies with atmospheric elements. How did you craft the soundscape for “jake”?
I originally wrote this song on piano and naturally had an instinct to add layers of vocal harmony to create a gospel effect. I wanted to use atmospheric elements and a haunting piano to elevate the feeling of being in heaven as I sing “Heaven’s your new home.” I was trying to set the scene musically.
The song has been compared to Bon Iver’s ethereal style. Were there any specific musical influences or inspirations behind the production?
I am a huge fan of Bon Iver! His performance of “Heavenly Father” at the Sydney Opera House was a huge influence and reference for this song. In the production process, I used sound effects such as white noise and the sound of rain. My producer, Robbie Guariglia, added his talent and skill to reproduce similar elements that Bon Iver uses in his music such as hollow reverb, harmonized vocals and delicate acoustic instrumentation.
You moved from Ireland to New York in 2020. How has that transition influenced your music and artistry?
Moving to New York in 2020 was definitely eye-opening. The panadeic had just begun and I had to do a lot of soul searching. I feel like I grew a lot as a person and discovered who I aspired to be. My music is a reflection of who I am and my experiences. All of my latest releases would not have happened without me moving to New York and meeting new people who inspired my life and my music.
Your influences include powerhouse vocalists like Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera. How have they shaped your vocal style and approach to songwriting?
Whitney and Christina are true icons! I don’t think I have a song out that I don’t try to add some crazy high notes and belting vocal elements. I always felt connected to their music and grew up singing their songs and watching their music videos on MTV. Their songs had an emotional backstory and a catchy hook/topline which influenced me to incorporate similar elements in my music.
Your songs have gained recognition on Irish and UK radio. How does it feel to see your music making an impact back home while you’re building your career in the U.S.?
It makes me so happy to have such a supportive country that puts my music on Irish Radio. I love that I can still connect with people back home through my music even though I am not there. Trying to build a career in the U.S is scary and sometimes I think maybe I’ll be further along if I stayed home. But the U.S have helped me to meet people that have made me a better person and artist, that are connected in the music world and have given me guidance and inspiration, they have also given me experience to write about. RuthAnne, an Irish songwriter, once said in a Masterclass I attended – you can’t write a song if you don’t go out and live your life and build experiences to write about – so that’s what I’m doing – living life, building experiences and writing about them in my music.
What has been the most rewarding part of your musical journey so far?
When I was 9 years old I wanted to be an actress, by 12 it was to be a singer, by 14 it was to be on Broadway, after Musical Theatre college at 20 it was to be a recording artist – no matter how much my dream varied it always involved performing and being expressive through art. Just getting to sing on stage, record in the studio and share my music with anyone who will listen – it’s all so rewarding and I am so proud of myself for chasing my dreams and never giving up.
With new music and your debut EP on the horizon, what can fans expect next from Rosie Timmon?
I am so excited to release my debut EP later this year, I am currently recording in the studio and you will be able to see me perform LIVE over the Summer! More to come, this is only the beginning!
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