Guitarist and singer-songwriter Talia Rose will release her debut album, Carry it Closely, on August 20th, 2024. This intimate yet sonically rich collection of eleven original songs marks a significant milestone in Rose’s musical journey.
In anticipation of the album, Rose has released two singles. “Columbus, Ohio” gives listeners a taste of her sharp lyricism, virtuosic guitar playing, and ornate arrangements. The studio video for “Columbus, Ohio,” featuring a stripped-down arrangement, is also available.
“I found myself stuck on the rhythmic and rhyming possibilities of the words ‘Columbus, Ohio,’” Rose recounts. “Without doing any research into the city itself, I wondered what it might be like to live there – completely uprooting myself and moving to a city I knew nothing about. I engaged in the fantasy that I might meet the perfect life partner in this new city – ‘Someone I could walk my dog with,’ (I do not, and will not ever own a dog.) To this day, I know virtually nothing about the city of Columbus, Ohio, and I don’t think I’ll ever go there. It has to remain a mystery!”
“Hold on Still,” the album’s second single, was released on June 21st, 2024. Producer Jack Broza’s skills are on full display here; acoustic instrumentation weaves effortlessly with synthesizers and keyboards. The tender, yet carefully crafted lyrics lament an unrequited love: “Is there something I am missing, and if I found it would you know? / Hide the map so I won’t seek it, to love you is to let it go.”
Carry it Closely’s third single, “In August,” will be released on July 16th, 2024. Alongside its witty lyricism, this tune leans into Rose’s jazz background, with an instrumental breakdown showcasing the talents of the rhythm section. The lyrics explore the heartache of knowing a relationship isn’t quite right, but still needing someone to hold: “Would you stay until the winter’s gone? / The sun is setting early, so pretend that you still want me.”
"The album is stunning... a celebration of song, orchestration, and creative freedom. A gift to the world." - Julian Lage
With Carry it Closely, Talia Rose invites listeners into her world, both emotionally and sonically. Her lyrics reveal immense vulnerability as she navigates heartbreak, the fantasies of parenthood, and the struggle of making peace with one’s current stage of life. The album’s title reflects the many people, places, and feelings Rose carries closely with her, with each track unveiling something she holds dear. Drawing from her jazz background, her new love of folk and bluegrass, and elements of chamber-pop and indie-rock, Rose’s sound is as diverse as it is captivating.
Talia Rose showcases her multi-instrumental capabilities, playing acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, ukulele, percussion, keyboard, and violin. The album features contributions from many of Rose’s closest friends and collaborators. Max Ridley lays a solid foundation on both upright and electric bass, and longtime friend Lucas Ebeling (The Thing) provides tasteful drum accompaniment, including an explosive drum solo in “Watercolor Moon II.” Heather Scott (Hawthorn) lends their voice to create rich vocal textures, featuring as the lead vocalist in “Watercolor Moon.” Post-production, piano, and keyboards by Jack Broza elevate the arrangements into a lush, luxurious soundscape. The album was mixed by Don Mitchell (Darlingside) and mastered by Dan Cardinal at Dimension Sound Studios.
Talia Rose will be performing around the Northeast this Fall, both solo and with her band, in celebration of the album’s release. Her tour will kick off with an album release show on September 24th at the legendary Club Passim in Cambridge, MA. For an updated list of shows, visit taliarosemusic.com.
Track Listing for Carry it Closely:
Hold on Still
In August
Strange Meeting
Can You Believe
Watercolor Moon
Scrape Her Knees
Columbus, Ohio
House Painted Green
How Could I Go
Watercolor Moon II
Still Life
About Talia Rose:
Talia Rose has been a fixture of the Boston music scene for nearly a decade. An early love of modern fingerstyle guitar led her to seek inspiration and mentorship from guitarists including Thomas Leeb and Jon Gomm. Her 2019 release What Goes Unmentioned marked the beginning of her exploration as a songwriter. Talia’s writing combines intricate guitar accompaniment and a complex understanding of harmony with carefully crafted, deeply personal lyrics. Her songs reflect elements of the music she grew up with; from the melodic sensibilities of Imogen Heap, to the vulnerability of Adrianne Lenker, to the wittiness of Prefab Sprout. Perhaps best known for her viral song about the Mars Rover, Talia’s music elicits tenderness from unexpected places. Talia Rose’s debut full-length album, Carry it Closely will be released in August 2024.
