Rosehip Teahouse were formed by Faye Rogers (Guitar & Vocals) back in 2015 and playing only a small number of house shows and DIY gigs, Rogers crafted these subtle and delicate songs, which command your attention, from start to finish.
Recorded DIY style, using any means possible, Rogers was later joined by friend Will Dickins (Drums), who
heard these tracks, and was in awe immediately. The two began to create music to soothe the soul, and since the early Bandcamp singles, have formed a densely layered, full band with Tony Williams (Guitar) and Kristy Cromwell (Bass), playing several intimate shows in and around Cardiff.
Their single ‘Same Sky’ captured our hearts earlier this year whilst their set at Wales Goes Pop set hearts a flutter with the yearning of the Sundays. ‘You know I love your ankles as much as your face/but you’ll find someone else’s eyes to care about‘ is on the face of it a slightly unusual proclamation, yet set to this gleaming wistful indie-pop gem, that encapsulates like gazing longingly into your crush’s eyes, it’s a swooning delight. A catchy paean to unrequited love, ‘Same Sky‘ makes you feel as snug as being wrapped in a blanket next to a roaring fire, it’s a soundtrack for hopeless romantics everywhere. There’s a subtlety to these bars, glistening guitars, clipped drums, balancing shiny indie pop of Sarah records against the more nuanced influence of recent American songwriters. While Faye Rogers’ delicate, bittersweet yet wondrous vocals and effortless knack for melody and lyrics, which give you something to hold on to in hard times, mark Rosehip Teahouse out as the sweethearts we need!
They’ve just announced their new single ‘Growth‘ will be out in June on 7″ Vinyl alongside the ‘Same Sky’ and they are set to play Focus Wales this week. So we thought it was time sent them some questions to get to know them a bit better.
Hi, how are you today?
F – We’re really toasty, sat in Roath Park Rose Garden being melted by the sun.
How did you meet?
F – I met Will a little while ago through other music projects and we started bonding over our similar music taste. Anthony was my ex boyfriend’s house mate and we became really good pals through our love of sweet treats! And then Kristy appeared in a magical pink bubble at one of our shows and the rosehips were complete!
Where does the name Rosehip Teahouse come from and do you like Rosehip tea?
F – to be honest, I was really struggling to think of a name that summed up the project. I do really like rosehip tea, and I also like the wild rose plants they grow on. And roses in general are often associated with love and hope which is comforting. Also teahouse came from my interest in the traditional Japanese houses where tea ceremonies take place! I just like the way it sounds, really.
What was the first song you ever wrote?What was it like?
Faye – the first song ever written for Rosehip was called ‘something else’. The whole project came about as a way of me dealing with my poor mental health and heartbreak at the time, I would just sit in my room recording demos of things I was writing as a way to keep afloat. We still play it now, but it’s developed a little.
https://soundcloud.com/rosehipteahouse/something-else
What was the first thing you released?
Faye – I released a demo ep called ‘I got out of bed today’ in December 2016 that I recorded on garage band at home and just put it on bandcamp not expecting anyone to really ever hear it. But luckily Will heard it and loved it and now here he is as a wonderful member of the band!
What’s the music scene like in Cardiff?
W – small, but enthusiastic. I guess it’s harder now that there are less venues and people often end up moving away from Cardiff. But the people that are here are very encouraging and ‘diy’ and make it a very inclusive environment.
How would you describe your music in five words?
Kristy – happy music for sad people
Anthony – Hiding the sad with harmonies
Your recent single ‘Same Sky’ is gorgeous, what was the inspiration? How did it start life? Who produced it? It has almost diary like lyrics, was it personal?!
Faye – thank you !! It was inspired by me being frustratingly heartbroken yet again hahah, so yeah it is personal. All my lyrics are written about pretty personal subjects as writing is my way of processing and coping with my unreasonable amounts of emotions. Anthony then helped to bring the song to life with music and it was produced by the wonderful Tom Rees from Rattrap / buzzard buzzard buzzard.
Which arists do you admire?
Will – florist and big thief for me.
Kristy – Pheobe Bridgers
What would be your dream collaboration?
Will – Florist. Let’s face it, it’s what we always talk about!
What’s on your playlist right now?
Faye – Chet Baker and Lomelda for me at the minute.
Kristy – I can’t stop listening to the ‘I’m not having a nice time’ Ep by my friends Parcs.
Wilbo – lately, ‘I talk with the spirits’ by Roland Kirk.
What are your views on sexism in the music industry?
W – could go off for days on this one.
F – sexism in the music industry is just horrendous really isn’t it? Why is this still such a huge problem in 2019? It’s infuriating. But we’ve been lucky enough to work with projects that promote women, queer and non-binary people in music! Eat-up is an incredible group in Bristol that we’ve had the pleasure of playing a show for. We’ve also been lucky enough to play a show supporting Safe Gigs For Women and we’ll be playing for LadyFuzz fest on May 4th which is very exciting! It’s just really encouraging to see more and more support and visibility for marginalised people popping up, but there is much more work to do.
Kristy – my confidence in playing bass came from taking part in the ‘school of frock’ event in Exeter which is a fantastic event that encouraged women and non-binary people to be involved in music. Without that I don’t know if I ever would have picked up the bass.
What’s the best band you have played with so far?
Kristy – probably free cake for every creature or adult mom. They’re both bands we’ve loved for a long time so it was so nice to be able to play alongside them.
Are you working on an a debut album?
Kristy – the ideas are in the mill
William – we’re starting to work on new material with the eventual goal of creating an album. It’s on the horizon, hopefully.
Are you playing any shows/festivals this summer?
Kristy – a bunch!
Faye – we’re playing ladyfuzz fest and focus Wales this May and then we’re off to indietracks in July which we’re super excited for!
Thanks for your time!!
