A Quick Chat with Henry Rollo

Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘KILLING TIME’?

I initially wrote a lot of the lyrics and melodies at the piano during one of our many Melbourne lockdowns in 2021. I spent a lot of that time living alone making music- and I was experiencing a level of fatigue and disenchantment with my creative pursuits. I wrote a lot about how hard it was getting to find motivation in my late twenties and how I'd taken for granted the perks of being younger, wide-eyed and hopeful. Like many things I make, the song was lost to voice memos and old journals. I rediscovered it late 2023 when I was in a better, more motivated state of mind to finish it.

What's the creative process for you?

My phone is packed with countless notes and voice memos. If I’m not taking a thought to the piano I’ll be experimenting with beats and sounds on my laptop. I’m not a producer however it really helped my creative process to learn the basics. For me the soundscape can really inform the point of view of the lyrics, so learning to make my own demos has opened a lot of doors creatively. Over the years I’ve learned that I much prefer to write the chords, lyrics, melodies and harmonies before taking it to a skilled producer who can then actualise my vision.

When not working on music, what other creative outlets do you have?

As well as being a singer/songwriter I’m also an actor. I’ve been performing around Australia playing Riff Raff in 'The Rocky Horror Show- 50th Anniversary Tour' since January 2023.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with and why?

I’m a big fan of M-Phazes production. I really love his work Kimbra, Thelma Plum and Meg Mac.

Which album do you have on repeat right now?

I’ve been listening to Chappell Roan’s 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess’ a suspicious amount this last month. I love her sound and the sense of humour to her lyrics.

Winter or summer and why?

Winter for sure. My vampire complexion doesn’t thrive in the heat.

What’s in store for the rest of 2024?

I’ll be releasing more singles! In the past I’ve really struggled to put my music out before I’ve outgrown it or destroyed it. I’m currently pushing through with the help of a popular adage “art is never finished, only abandoned’.