It’s never been enough for Rosie Thomas. Not in shallow terms of success or fame, but in her own deeper personal sense of making the most of her life, what she has to offer, and what she wants to lend. Years of following the same well-worn formula of releasing albums (through Sub Pop, Nettwerk, and her own SINGALONG imprint), doing interviews, and going on tour to play those same songs again increasingly left her unsatisfied, bored, and yearning for more.
So, she began throwing wrenches in the works to see what might shake loose. She first tried opening her own somber, emotionally serious concerts disguised as an unannounced, awkward, neck-braced, coke-bottle-bespeckled comedian named Sheila Saputo, but over time as people became wise to the “alter ego” identity, and the Kaufman-Clifton mystery faded, so did her interest in keeping it up. And while Rosie has always enjoyed making people laugh, dabbling in stand up, opening for Mitch Hedberg, acting opposite Steve Zahn, performing on the UCB stage, or making zany videos to promote a Sufjan Christmas album, she quickly found comedy alone didn’t allow for the earnest emotional connection she began to desire most of all.
Tell us about your story as an artist
Singer songwriter for years. Lots of tv dramas and lots of tours. Got bored with touring and the same old. Started doing comedy. Still felt lacking. What I love to do more than anything is comfort and encourage people, and I’ve always enjoyed writing about what I’m going through in a way that others going through the same will relate to and find comfort in. Started having kids, and took a break. Now I’m writing songs to comfort and encourage other parents, and making podcasts, videos, and other things to go further with people than just the songs.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
My kids for sure. They take up most of the top spots, and then beyond that relating to and comforting others.
What makes this song special in your opinion?
Captures the heart of parents, from expectant mothers to empty-nesters and all stages in between – all in a catchy groove and ultimately an uplifting anthem.
What inspired this track?
Becoming a parent for the first time. Facing down the enormous lifelong responsibility, and how each stage would feel; how would I handle it; how would I do things differently than my parents did; and with all my fears, doubts, what worries would be the main things I’d want to communicate to them.
What are some of the core messages here?
Trying to anticipate what your child might go through, need, resist, etc… and that no matter what the thing we can always offer is to do our best, and to always be there for them.
How do you think tik tok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?
Distractions. More to do. More baloney. I mostly try to avoid it, but if/when I have to or want to, I at least try to make it of some value artistically or a worthwhile message etc…
What excites you about your life?
Oh man, breaks. Even the idea of a break sounds amazing. Just guessing. I wouldn’t know yet;)
What are some of your core values as a human being?
Community. Being in it together with others, so we know we’re not alone. We do better together, and we all need that gauge. Too often, on our own, things don’t go so well.
What are your projects for this year?
Lullabies For Parents y’all! LOTS more songs, Season 1 of the podcast, and more. …and ya know, raising kids. Now matter what plans we have, that’s always the main thing – all the time!
