Rosie Frater-Taylor Talks Deluxe Version Of Third Album, Her Hometown And More

One of the most electrifying forces in contemporary British jazz, Rosie Frater-Taylor releases the Deluxe version of her third album ‘Featherweight’, out everywhere now. She kindly sat down with JLTT to chat about the Deluxe Version, her hometown and more:

When did you begin songwriting?

For real, I wrote the first track for my first album when I was 15/16. I did also have a rock band as a kid called Flamin’ Hot. I was about 8 at the time! We wrote gnarly rock bangers such as “You Don’t Wanna Go Near A Frightening Wolf”

What is your earliest musical memory?

Probably messing around in my dad’s home studio as a baby, hitting his cymbals etc. Although I’m not sure if that memory derives from watching video tapes from that time of my life (2000-2001) or actually possessing the memory!

Your new single ‘In A Dream’ is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the track?

When I was writing this song I was very inspired by traditional folk music and the storytelling quality of those old, romantic, emotional tales often about love and loss. I wanted to bring some of that to my writing. It’s my tribute to the beauty in aloneness!

Where did you record the track and who produced it?

I produced and recorded it myself at home. At the time, I remember doubting the limitations of recording everything with just a £200 condenser mic, but I’ve come to embrace the process. It’s not about the gear—it’s about the musical choices. Say what you will about a £200 microphone, but I’m still using that very same one, and it works with my voice. Maybe it’s because it’s so dynamic; it picks up every nuance of the voice. This song represents the essence of how I produce music today,

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

I believe my cat meows during the first chorus on one of the guitar tracks!

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

I came up with the concept and then my good friend Colleen Murphy filmed that one. I’m proud of my North London roots so wanted to film something at the iconic, gorgeous Ally Pally to pay tribute to that (or something!).

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

A beautiful nylon string / Spanish style guitar was gifted to me by a family friend at the time. I’ve never changed the strings because I don’t want to tamper with it one bit! It features on many of my tracks by In A Dream especially.

You have released the Deluxe version of your third album ‘Featherweight’. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

The production of Featherweight was meticulous, detailed, and, to be honest, quite challenging at times. I wanted the sound of the album to reflect the key themes in the lyrics—power, heartbreak, vulnerability, strength—which took time to perfect, especially with the slightly heavier production and increased use of electric guitars. On the Deluxe, I wanted to showcase the songs in different forms and share new tracks that reflect the more acoustic, intimate, and emotive demo process I lean towards in the early days of laying down a song. It’s fascinating how many directions a song can take at this stage, so I’m excited to share these special versions.

Do you have a touring band and if so, who is in the band and what do they play?

Tom Potter – Drums

Dave Edward – Bass

Verushka George – Backing Vocals

Azz Loukil – Backing Vocals + Keys

You have recently been touring with Cardinal Black. How did that opportunity arise and do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the tour?

I met Chris Buck at the inaugural ACM ‘Guitar & Bass Summit’ which is a music college in Guildford (!) and we got talking about the tour! Well, I managed to lose my whole pedalboard on a train just before the London show at Shepherd’s Bush Empire (never to be seen again)! Not funny necessarily but there were a few moments where I started comparing my guitar pedal rig to Chris’s monstrous pedalboard and it made me giggle how pale my set up is in comparison! He’s a real guitar hero.

Which of your album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

I’d say Give & Take has moments of all three!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

Just… Wisdom and happiness

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Fender Telecaster, Henriksen Jazz Amp & my JHS Vibrato pedal

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

(North) London, Enfield: suburban, diverse, homely, London-not-London, green

How do you look after your voice?

Take time to relax generally. Your voice is a symptom of how your whole body is feeling in my experience. I should probably do more!

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

The answer to this question is… I need to read more novels!

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Madison Cunningham, Willow, Lewis Taylor, John Mayer, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones, Pat Metheny, Steely Dan, Becca Stevens, Snarky Puppy, Snowpoet

Do you have any UK/European live dates planned for 2024/2025?

We definitely do and will be adding more! The best way to keep track of my live shows is to sign up to my mailing list! (Of course). You can do that at my website: www.rosiefratertaylor.com

You have also recorded ‘Hold the Weight Version 1’ featuring Snarky Puppy’s Michael League. How did that collaboration arise?

I reached out to Ground UP Music having been a fan of the label for many, many years. They supported my last record ‘Bloom’ and published the music video on their YouTube channel. I think it snowballed at that point into me flying out to Barcelona to have some sessions with Michael in his gorgeous home studio. A humbling experience having been such a die-hard Snarky Puppy fan as a teen.

Do you have any further music releases planned for the 2024/2025?

Not that I’m willing to divulge just yet!