Esther Rose released her album Want back in May, and as is often the case, there were songs left over. Two of them see release today, and they have fabulous backstories. First up, a slow-burn folk-rock tune called “That’s My DJ,” about which Rose writes:
When I moved to Santa Fe, I had a bit of culture shock: dancing to techno into the sunrise is a way of life for my guy and his community. So as a 35-year-old songwriter, I became a raver. Ever the good student, I really applied myself. I found out what it isn’t about: appearance, getting wasted, or glowing lights. What it is about: ego-dissolution, joy. “That’s My DJ” is a character study of Santa Fe. Being welcomed into this rave scene, both on and off the dance floor, has taught me the art of living.
There’s also a twangier, fiddle-infused ballad called “Heather,” which is about a bartender at the century-old motor inn El Rey Court. It features Gina Leslie and members of the Deslondes, and it reminds me of Iris Dement. Rose shared this statement about it:
Around this time I got into Tyler Childers’ Country Squire. Impressed by the songwriting, I wanted to up my game. At one point, Christian Lee Hutson gifted me an alternate chord progression for the second verse, which really opened up the tune. In the studio, we aimed for a stripped-down, campfire approach.
Hear both songs below.
Rose has a solo co-headline tour with Dean Johnson coming up in December, followed by a full-band outing in March. Check out her dates below.
TOUR DATES:
12/05 Austin, TX – 29th St. Ballroom (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/06 Dallas, TX – The Kessler Theater (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/07 Houston, TX – Heights Theater (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/09 New Orleans, LA – Chickie Wah Wah (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/10 Birmingham, AL – Woodlawn Theatre (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/11 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage Vinyl (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/12 Durham, NC – The Pinhook (early show) (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/13 Asheville, NC – AyurPrana Listening Room (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
12/14 Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre (solo, co-headline with Dean Johnson)
03/01 San Francisco, CA – Kilowatt (Noise Pop Festival) (full band)
03/03 Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern (full band)
03/04 Bellingham, WA – The Shakedown (full band)
03/05 Portland, OR – The Showdown (full band)
03/07 Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst Atrium (full band)
03/08 Los Angeles, CA – Gold-Diggers (full band)
03/10 San Diego, CA – Soda Bar (full band)
03/11 Phoenix, AZ – The Rebel Lounge (full band)
03/13 Denver, CO – Hi-Dive (full band)
03/14 Santa Fe, NM – The Marigold Room (full band)
06/21 Greenfield, MA – Green River Festival (full band)
