Alba Rose on ‘Silhouette’

Words by Hannah Powell. Images by Maria Memet.

Pōneke-based artist Alba Rose has recently released her debut EP ‘Silhouette’. A four-track compilation of her jazzy indie-soul, indie-dream-pop sound, Silhouette features Rosie Spearing’s melodious vocals and performances by her live band. Featuring Wellington musicians Rory Johns (keys), Elijah Mulheron (double bass), and Rafe Swan (drums), the live band also accompany her on set. You may recognise Rosie, too, from her time in the groovy Wellington band Corduroy. ‘Silhouette’ is her first venture as a solo artist.

‘Silhouette’ explores learning curves in letting go, accepting what is, and moving forward. It’s about refocusing energy into what is good and returning to your centre of gravity: you. Rosie wrote the four tracks in April last year, the pandemic encouraging her to stop and reflect. Her songs tell a story that is steeped in perspective, showing the wonders of how a bit of time and distance can change how you frame it.

Talking about perspective, Rosie says she used the title Silhouette as a metaphor. She describes perspective as thinking of a time and place that once was but knowing it is now behind you. Silhouette is a reminder that our shadow is always beside us, but the distance between is determined by our own self-growth and change. “From dark to light,” Rosie describes.

I asked Rosie to unpack the tracks and set the scene for each song. 

Here’s what she had to say: 

“The EP begins with ‘Eve’, a mellow swayed morning true for those moments for yourself. Think coffee and smoke in the rain style or wine and vinyl in the evening. It is an R&B, contemporary jazz and soul-infused track with a laid back pace and soft, passionate, self-assured lyrics, a song to help you unwind in the fleeting hours of the day.

The second track [is] Butterfly Kisses – a more dream-pop, indie-rock, indie-soul influenced track all about the intimate moments we want but can never quite reach. A love song filled with a fiery side, the passion and intensity all just a little more real. 

The third song is the indie-pop tribute Holding On, a song for a summer’s day or a warm afternoon ocean side. One for dancing and swaying with friends. With the music switching between happy and sad reflections and instrumentation, this one leaves you feeling a little on edge, but in the most positive way possible.  

The final song on the EP is Serendipity. A chill, laid back, neo-soul jazz bop, with soft swing and tight groove. Keeping it tripped back and gentle for the most part, it eventually builds into an electronic rhythmic breakdown with the track ending on an intense high, leaving you questioning reality and what life is about.”

“Each song has a different mood and a different story,” she says. 

“Many genres are intertwined, hopefully leaving a little something for everyone.”

If you missed her Hawkes Bay gig, never fear. You can find Alba Rose at Le Currents and Tora Bombora this summer. And while you’re at it, make sure you stream her EP on repeat. Balmy summer nights are ahead.