Wellington-based musician Alba Rose has just released her self-produced, sophomore single Holding On – a sweetly reflective indie-soul track, mixed by London-based Jim Macrae (Jordan Rakei, Leifur James, Arjuna Oaks) and mastered by Bravo Bonez at Wellington’s PureSound Studios. This follows the artist’s August release of debut single, the contemporary soul, jazz-edged Eve, and marks the final single we’ll hear before Alba’s debut EP, ‘Silhouette’ drops in mid-November.
Holding On encompasses the highs and lows of relationship withdrawal – lyrically exploring the difficult nature of letting someone go before you’re ready: “I’m mourning someone I shouldn’t be.” Softly influenced by indie-pop, jazz and soul, the song provides a perfect transition into summer’s sultrier months. With Alba Rose on guitar, the track also features Rory Johns on keys, Elijah Mulheron on double bass and Rafe Swan on drums.
Alba Rose has been heavily involved in the NZ music scene for the past five years, having toured previously with band indie-pop, alt-rock band Corduroy. The group enjoyed sold-out shows, as well as playing on some of the country’s leading summer festival stages including Rhythm & Vines, Bay Dreams and TSB Festival of lights. Charting in the New Zealand Top 20 and playing support to such names as The Great Gable, Spacey Jane and Mako Road, Alba is now somewhat an expert at playing to varied crowds and supporting international artists.
Originally from the UK, 22-year-old Alba Rose moved to New Zealand at the tender age of four and grew up around the mountains of Wanaka. The name ‘Alba’ (meaning ‘sunrise’) is derived from her Spanish heritage and translates to ‘first light of the early dawn’ in English.
Alba has made waves nationally across multiple underground scenes since building on her newly established Alba Rose artist identity. With solo material that infuses a range of R&B, Jazz, soul and indie-pop, she has already played in support of Muroki, Harper Finn and LA Women, as well as at the Festival of Colour alongside The Chills, Mel Parsons, Julia Deans and Estere. The next 12 months look set to be even bigger for the rising artist, with dates already booked for indie summer festivals Le Currents and Tora Bombora.
The highly anticipated November release of debut EP ‘Silhouettes’ is one we are excited for, so watch this space for a full EP review and artist Q+A. On the back of the album release is a 3-stop North Island tour planned to include Auckland, Hawkes Bay and Wellington.
Follow Alba Rose: https://linktr.ee/albarosee
