Just A Quickie with…Beth Rowley, the Bristol soul, gospel and blues singer returning to Pocklington tomorrow night

THE wait is finally over for new recordings by singer-songwriter Beth Rowley, five years on from her Brit Award-nominated debut, Little Dreamer. It is high time that Charles Hutchinson asked Beth to fill in the gaps.

Welcome back to Pocklington Arts Centre, Beth, for your fourth appearance there. How did your relationship with this Yorkshire market town venue evolve and what keeps bringing you back there?

“I like the people! The guys that run the venue [Janet Farmer and James Duffy] and the fans from around there are really supportive and love supporting live music. They mail me a lot asking when I’ll be back up that way, so I thought I’d like to visit again! Plus I’ve got new songs to test out!”

Where are you living now? Still in Bristol, or has your music taken you elsewhere, and if so, where and why?

“I’m in London now; been here for two years. I love London. It’s really great, especially in the summer, but I still love Bristol more! Lots of my friends and my bro and grandparents are still there, so I go back loads. I moved here for a change of scenery and for my music.”

Five years have passed since your Brit Award-nominated, Top Ten debut album, Little Dreamer. Did you envisage such a long gap between albums?

“No, I never intended the gap to be so long, but that’s the way it happens sometimes I guess. I never forced anything and it’s been a long road of working with various people and trying out new material.

“But it’s worth waiting to get it the way you want and I’m really so happy with the music I’m doing now. It’s been worth it!”

So, is the long-awaited second album imminent?

“Yes I have a new album coming out, currently as a self release, but I’m planning on staggering the release of the album by releasing it as three EPs instead of one album. I’ve just finished the first one, which will be on sale next month.”

How has your music evolved in the hiatus between records? How have you changed both as a musician and personally?

“Yeah, I reckon a lot changes in five years. Music is still my thing and that’s never changed, but the way I approach it has. I’m happy to take my time now!”

Is it true you have been working with Ron Sexsmith and Emmylou Harris? If so, how and where did you meet, and will the results be heard on the upcoming releases?

“Not Emmylou (I wish!!) but yes Ron Sexsmith, and we worked together quite a bit. There’ll be two songs written with him in the new material. I met him through my publisher and we wrote a song, Brother, the first time we met that’s still one of my favourites to sing.”

Will you be playing with a band or solo in Pock?

“It’ll be a trio, electric/acoustic guitar and bass. I’m trying out different line-ups; I like cello and harmonica is still in there too. The guys in the band are amazing, and I love the intimacy and space that you get with few musicians.”

You called your first album Little Dreamer. How have those dreams panned out and what dreams are yet to unfurl in 2013 and beyond, Beth?

“Well, of course you can plan and dream but you never know what’s actually going to happen. My main ‘dream’ has always been to create music I love and that other people love too. I’ve tried to keep my goals steady, and I’ve quietly been beavering away with stuff. Now I have music I’m finally happy with and I’m ready to go with it again.”

Beth Rowley plays Pocklington Arts Centre tomorrow at 8pm. Box office: 01759 301547 or pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk