INTERVIEW: Rose Rutledge shares new single “Inhale”

Currently based in Brooklyn, Rose Rutledge is a multi-talented creative presenting a unique musical offering. Originally hailing from Seattle, her musical obsession started from an early age when she developed her talents in flute and saxophone, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that’s seen her study Multiple Woodwinds Performance at the esteemed Blair School of Music in Nashville. Subsequently, she pursued a Masters Degree in jazz at NYU in New York City. Along this journey, Rose expanded her musical arsenal to include clarinet and oboe, making her a versatile woodwind virtuoso.

Over the years, she’s graced the stage with revered artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter and Eddie Daniels. She’s lent her talents to diverse genres, from orchestras to jazz bands and even Broadway shows. Her artistic footprint is far-reaching, having left an imprint on the musical drama series Smash on NBC and via collaborations with an array of talented artists.

Her latest release, “Inhale,” is the perfect showcase of her innovative composition style, blending elements of woodwind performance and avant-garde songwriting into a truly mesmeric sonic journey. “Inhale” begins with an eerie atmosphere, as distant flute touches and breathy vocal tones mirror the song’s title, creating a sense of anticipation. As the song unfolds, it reveals its intricate layers, each contributing to the overall tapestry.

The deep bass tone enters with lightly crunching drums, forming the full ethereal landscape of sound. It’s a dark ambient experience that envelops the listener, inviting them to immerse themselves fully in its sinking depths. The blending of lo-fi percussion, stretching synth textures, soft vocal lines, and, of course, the intricate flute flourishes, creates a sonic experience unlike anything else.

The experimental nature of the piece challenges the listener to let go of preconceived notions and surrender to the sonic landscape that Rose Rutledge has crafted. One of the remarkable aspects of her work is her ability to paint with sound and with “Inhale,” she dabs a sonic canvas that she deftly manipulates, using each instrument and element to craft something that listeners can explore over and over again.

We caught up with Rose Rutledge to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Inhale” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Rose Rutledge below.

Hey Rose, how’s things?

Good! I’ve had a busy and fun musical summer in Brooklyn and finally found myself easing down into fall a bit. This is my season and it feels good to arrive here.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I had piano lessons from an early age, implemented by my parents who were non-musical and yearned for a professional piano player in their household. I played piano poorly, but went on to take up flute, saxophone, clarinet, oboe, vocals and now music production. So they maybe got a little more than they bargained for 😉

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

Lately, I’ve been especially drawn to instrumentalists who sing or weave into electronics like Kishi Bashi, PJ Harvey, Kimbra, Bjork, Calvin Arsenia, Andrew Bird, Sylvan Esso, Valerie June, Netta, Kamasi Washington are a few that are on rotation right this moment.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

A little bit of everywhere, but especially everyday life if I can pause to take it in long enough. I’m usually interested in themes or stories that happen around us that have a little magic: like accidentally mistaking a stranger on the street for a friend, or a perfectly timed lightning bolt or being angry at yourself. The unexplained, yet purposeful that we’re constantly confronted by.

What do you love about the Brooklyn music scene?

Where do I start? Brooklyn has this anything-can-happen-anywhere-and-let’s-make-it-happen-now vibe which creates a breeding ground for creativity without judgment. I’ve found a community in my musical collaborators such as A Bunch of Dead People, Madam West, Loser Cruiser, Public Speaking, Johnny Butler, Brittany Anjou and more. It’s incredible to perform, grow and become inspired by soaking in the talent of your bandmates.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Lying on the floor, after a long day, in complete darkness.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Vastly, but not without appreciating my roots. I was a classical flutist growing up, then as I added instruments, became enthralled with jazz- the the point that I moved to NYC to garner a Master in Jazz studies from NYU. I was never a great jazz musician, but remain a vigorous fan.

How did you find making your new single “Inhale”?

This piece came out of nowhere really. I was messing around with my mic settings and in hearing my own breath through the decided to lay it down as the first track. My flutes are a reaction to that and my voice is a reaction to my flutes (almost always in my pieces) The rest is usually me just making sounds that delight my own ears.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

An inhale starts everything. A brand new morning, a passing thought, a surprise, a meditation, a new smell, a plunge into the ocean, life outside the womb, the start of death, the sound of a flute, a song.

We’re really magical creatures it seems.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I heard Madame Gandhi live in NYC recently and now have on repeat.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

A sense of connection to the current moment is what I’m after especially in terms of my live set. That said, I’m really happy to have everyone’s ears choose their own adventure.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

Not a musical performance explicitly, but I saw Andrew Schneider’s N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (the stars) at BAM in Brooklyn last December and I still can’t stop thinking about it.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Oooh this is a hard one. Going with Beethoven, Duke Elington and Prince. Ideally in someone’s living room.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Bask the creative journey, ignore any expectations.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

I’ll have some more performances in Brooklyn with my solo project fusing live looped flutes and vocals. Folks can follow me on Instagram or join my email list for invites.

Listen to Inhale below