Citylife in Lichfield March 2024

Five Minutes
With… Rosie Tee
In recognition of International Women’s Day on 8th
March, local singer songwriter Rosie Tee is joined by
two prominent lady artists as they celebrate all things
female!
• To begin with, could you tell us a little bit about
yourself. For example, are you are local? If not, where
do you come from?
Hi, I'm Rosie Tee, a local composer, performer, and event producer from
Burntwood. After exploring Lichfield's music scene during my teenage years, I
moved to Birmingham for university. Now based in South Birmingham, I'm
excited about the thriving creative scene here.
I've curated events at Sandfields Pumping Station and will perform live
electronic songs in Lichfield on 8th March for International Women's Day with
Lichfield Arts.
Joining me are Emily Galvin-Wilson, former Poet Laureate of Staffordshire,
and Emily Alice, an independent singer-songwriter from Lichfield, who splits
her time between Lichfield and Nottingham for university. Together, we
showcase the vibrant artistic spirit of our local community.
• Can you tell us, in your own words, what it is you do?
Absolutely! I'm a versatile artist involved in various aspects of music. I
compose and perform dreamy psychedelic avant-pop with my four-piece band,
and I'm excited about my upcoming solo mini-album 'Night Creature' releasing
on 26th April, accompanied by a UK tour. I also create atmospheric music for
installations and occasionally compose for orchestras. As an independent
artist, I handle all aspects of my music, including co-founding Kikimora
Records, a DIY label.
Emily is a passionate poet, workshop facilitator, and curator of spoken word
events across the Midlands. She collaborates with organizations to spread love
for poetry.
Emily Alice, an independent singer-songwriter, loves the songwriting process
and performing live in Lichfield, Notts, and nearby areas. Balancing this with
university studies, she feels fortunate to call music her job. Together, we
contribute to the vibrant artistic landscape with our unique talents.
• How did you get into the industry? Has this always been a passion of
yours?
seriously around 2015 and became Staffordshire Poet Laureate in 2017, taking
her work across the county.
Emily Alice began playing guitar at age 7, leading to a love for singing and
songwriting. Her journey took a significant turn at 13 when she wrote her first
song for a pre-GCSE music exam. Encouragement from her GCSE music
teacher and a successful Facebook clip led to her first paid gig at Lichfield
Grub Club at age 14, solidifying her passion for music.
• Which artists inspire and influence you the most, both growing up and
now?
My inspirations are diverse and rooted in my upbringing, drawing from
immediate female role models like my musician mom and friends. Artists such
as Laura Mvula and Anna Meredith, who seamlessly blend genres, have been
influential. Recently, I've found inspiration in Broadcast, a Birmingham-based
band, particularly Trish Keenan's psychedelic synths and mesmerizing
songwriting. The common thread in my influences is their ability to transcend
genres and disciplines.
For Emily Alice, growing up with Fleetwood Mac, Tori Amos, and Alanis
Morissette has left a lasting impact. Currently, her music is influenced by
90s/early 2000s artists like Morissette and The Corrs, shaping her acousticpop
style.
• How important do you feel that music as an art form is to society?
Music is essential to society, serving as the emotional soundtrack to our
lives. Its value as a communicative tool is invaluable, making the world more
vibrant. Emily, the poet, emphasizes the crucial role of creativity in shaping our
thoughts and well-being. Emily Alice highlights the significance of music as a
massive art form, providing happiness and comfort through life's experiences,
enriching society with its diverse artistic perceptions.
• And finally, Lichfield holds a special place in the hearts of many. What
does the City mean to you?
Lichfield is my springboard, shaping who I am today. It's where I met
collaborators, gained gigging experience, and had my first job. Emily, the poet,
finds the city's tangible history and culture fascinating, taking pride in growing
up here.
For Emily Alice, Lichfield is home. With deep family connections, including
her parents' marriage in the Cathedral and her first live gig, the city holds
significant meaning and countless incredible memories.
Lichfield Arts is celebrating 'International Women's Day' with a concert on Friday
8th March 7.30pm at the Guildhall with upcoming female artists to celebrate. Book
tickets here at www.ticketsource.co.uk/lichfieldarts.
My musical journey began in a
household saturated with
constant music, thanks to my
musician parents. A turning point
at my parent's piano led me to
choose composition over playing
others' music. This passion led
me to study Composition, and
I've built a lifestyle and
community around it. My love
for music expanded into creating
immersive events, and I'm now
involved with Kikimora Records,
producing vibrant, multidisciplinary
shows.
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Emily, the poet, started writing