by brittany ormiston
photo by aggie cherry
Folk/celtic pop singer-songwriter Rose Betts is extraordinary in more ways than one. Her unique vocals whisk you away to a magical land free of life’s trials and tribulations. Her songwriting feels similar to a comforting embrace, one you wish would never end. Rose’s most recent single “Doodles” has been highly anticipated by fans since the first sneak peek on social media. The tune gets stuck in your head on loop, and also makes you feel seen and understood. The overarching theme of “Doodles” indicates the commonality of making a mistake that eventually turns into a life lesson. Rose has taken some of her “doodles” out of the box from under her bed, and turned them into an anthem for many. She is taking this track and many more out on the road for her Traveling Feet tour throughout the months of September and October.
You have defined doodles as “unfortunate/possibly accidental events you often wish you could undo.” Tell us a little bit about how the concept for “Doodles” came about!
Rose: “‘Doodles’ came from a note on my phone I’d forgotten, I’d made of a long list of things I regretted. We have a tendency to turn mistakes over in our minds, they niggle at us, give us sleepless nights sometimes, and because songs are such a form of therapy to me I thought if I just got them off my chest I’d feel better. I think we should all try to embrace the mess sometimes.”
“Doodles” is a very fun and lighthearted song on the surface, but diving deeper it is personable and reveals some soul-baring confessions. What are you hoping listeners take away from this track?
Rose: “Yes, it’s all very true [laughs]. I hope my honesty in the song allows them to feel seen, and accepted, despite the things they got wrong in life.”
What is your favorite lyric in “Doodles?”
Rose: “I like ‘and one for the light that I let him dim’ because of the reason above. It’s devastating and sad to let someone take your light away from you, and the song had to have these kinds of truths in it to stand up to the lightness of the melodies and the arrangement.”
You demonstrate a wide vocal range in “Doodles.” Was there a specific routine you utilized in preparation of recording the final version?
Rose: “Oh, thanks! No routine I’m afraid. I would generally record vocals at the end of the day so my voice is warm from talking and singing along, but that’s it. Singing every day pretty much keeps my voice in a good place.”
Who inspired your folk/Celtic sound? Have you always been drawn to this genre?
Rose: “My mother’s side of the family is all Irish so it’s been in my life since I was born, and I guess I absorbed it unconsciously because people have been telling me I have a Celtic edge to my music ever since I started making it, even though it was never my intention. I never embraced it until this project, and it’s been wonderful how easily it’s settled into my songwriting and production.”
You take great pride in your unique style, and thoroughly enjoy sewing outside of being a musician. How did you get started with making clothes, and what is your favorite item you have created?
Rose: “I started making clothes in lockdown, out of old sheets and curtains. I love making clothes, they’re always a bit flawed, but the whole process is so gratifying and creative, and the fabric district in downtown LA is one of my happy places for sure. I made my cousin a dress for her wedding weekend, I’m pretty proud of that! Usually, I’m a bit slapdash, but I managed to make something pretty cute for her, and she looked so beautiful in it.”
Which city are you most looking forward to visiting on tour?
Rose: “Great question, hadn't thought about that! I think Chicago! I’ve never been, but always wanted to go.”