Check out our interview with London-based artist Rowan Flack who just released her new single “Tipsy On The Tongue.”
Rowan is known for her introspective and accessible contemporary jazz songs with contemplative lyrics and understated, transparent vocal delivery. As a jazz graduate of Trinity Laban and a former student of The Brit School; her music weaves between the genres of jazz, pop and folk.
Flack’s latest music sees the artist dipping her toes into a new direction, with catchy pop hooks and heavy drums. The new single “Tipsy On The Tongue” radiates a soul/pop atmosphere, while still honoring her jazz personality. Her velvet vocals and layered harmonies create an intoxicating, all-consuming air, as silky piano arrangements and soothing percussion melt into a hypnotic aural potion.
Follow Rowan @rowan.flack
Describe your sound in 3 words
Honest, expressive, jazz-inflected
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I always wanted to sing from a young age, throughout my life there has been a ton of music. This would either be my dad playing a random selection of rock and singer-songwriter music such as Bob Dylan/ AC/DC / James Taylor in the living room or my mum’s slightly more eccentric music interests in jazz/ world folk music.
Although, I had these influences, I would always sing along to the pop chart music channels on the TV and take any opportunity to perform. As I got to aboute age 10 I started looking for other music I liked and explored with writing melodies on the piano in our house. I still listened to lots of pop but remember becoming interested in bands such as Zero-7, Blue Foundation and Blood Sweat and Tears. This gave me a little path in to more indie/jazz/blues inspired writing.
I had my own made up way of notating on manuscript paper aged about 9 as didn’t quite yet understand any music theory. My parent’s were supportive with singing and piano lessons and I had really inspiring teachers who encouraged me to pursue my craft. I’m very grateful for all of that. I can’t think of any other career path I really thought about -It just felt natural and necessary to write and sing.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes I play piano and I occasionally use my guitar to write! I haven’t played it live in years though
Do you ever get nervous?
Yeah, everyone does get nervous sometimes. It depends who is there and if it’s new material but I’m confident in myself as a performer.
Tell us about your new single “Tipsy On The Tongue?”
The song came out on the 12th of May! It’s so exciting putting out this new material which is my debut original writing project. It was written with my good friend, Kitty Murphy-Page and then fleshed out later with my band of Jack Lecomber on bass, Deschanel Gordon on keys and Joel Waters on Drums. We recorded it with audio engineer Andy Hughes at Love Electric.
What’s the story behind the song?
The song highlights some of my flaws and communication issues. These generally arise in any relationship, but are often not spoken about! I was inspired by chats with friends about love languages and how they don’t always align!
It was nice writing the tracks on this EP with close friends. We would write at one of our houses, with a coffee/wine and a catch up at the same time. It was quite therapeutic.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When I receive feedback about how a song has made someone feel or how my song has enhanced something they were doing that day, even if they were just pottering round the house.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I can’t think of a positive-thinking book I’ve actually read recently. I’ve got a shelf full of books in that genre that I am yet to read. Lately, If I’m reading a book, I want to get lost in it, so I’ll generally pick a novel.
Although, I recently listened to Diary of a CEO podcast by Steven Bartlett interviewing Davina McCall. It was a really in-depth and interesting talk and I found her positivity very inspiring. I’d recommend that to any entrepreneur or creative/media person!
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Be confident in your own abilities.
How would your best friend describe you?
Annoying, chatty
What’s next for Rowan Flack in 2023?
A whole new music project – My EP forest Fires will be released in autumn/fall. I’ll be doing loads of live stuff as well.
What is your favourite healthy food?
My morning routine is having museli/ yoghurt + fruit although the amount of black coffee I drink at the same time maybe cancels out the health factor.
And your favourite cheat food?
Cheesy chips… I try not to think of anything as cheat food though and just keep things balanced in general.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Generally I’ll go for flared or wide cut jeans and a cosy jumper/cardigan / stripy tops.. love neutral & earth tone tertiary colours. I also very much love active wear. Makes me feel good.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Nurturing myself, taking time to focus on the things I love the most, writing, playing music, being in the outdoors with lots of green, I love rain more than sun.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Maybe Chet Baker. I reckon I’d learn a lot from him, we could go for a drink and we could play some music together. I find the simplicity in his playing and improvising very inspiring.
Or Nancy Wilson.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
A month in a rainy cabin, with mountains and lots of green. Either with my partner or on my own.
Best advice ever given?
To work on creating music with a growth mindset rather than fixed mindset, allowing me to embrace criticism and learn from it.
Do you support any charity?
Greenpeace
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Writing with inspiring musicians, touring my first album
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
My go to feel good song to sing is probably Night to Remember by Shalamar.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it is great for discovering new music and sharing exciting things happening in your life. Sometimes procrastinating looking at funny content on social media is exactly what I need but I don’t like how it can feel competitive and superficial. When it’s used in a supportive way, it’s great.
Where we can follow you?
You can follow me on my Instagram @rowan.flack, Twitter @rowan_flack or check out updates/subscribe to my mailing list on my websites www.rowanflack.com
Book: Burial Rites – Hannah Kent
Movie: Lord of the Rings
Tv Series: Fleabag
Favorite Food: Italian
Travel Destination:
Somewhere I’ve been: Norway, Somewhere I’m yet to go: New Zealand
Sports Team: I’m not the most sporty person! … I could go along with what my family supports and that’s Liverpool FC…
