We met singer-songwriter RØRY before her first festival appearance at Slam Dunk South, Hatfield. She exploded onto the scene with her TikTok videos and proving that age is nothing but a number – we caught up about her music and got to know her.
So we saw you announced on your Instagram that this is your first festival. How’s it going? How are the nerves today?
Quite nervous. But also getting here early and seeing backstage walking around when it’s empty is very cool. So, I’m nervous but also excited.
How important is music to you as a form of expression?
Probably the most important thing. I’ve always used music as a way to say the unsayable, for me anyway. I didn’t grow up necessarily being very good at expressing my emotions, I was quite a stoic and avoidant kid. So, music was a way to say things I couldn’t say out loud.
Who inspires you to make music?
Oh wow. Personally, it was my mum. She passed away when I was younger. She was always very proud of me for taking piano lessons. I remember I wrote some of my first songs when I was 12, and it used to make her cry. And I always keep her in my mind, now that I’m back in music. So yeah, definitely her.
What was it like to go on a big tour earlier this year?
Oh, it was so sick. It was my second tour in the UK. And crazy enough, it sold out! It was amazing getting to meet these beautiful people who have given me a career at the grand old age of 39. It was very special, and I’m very, very grateful. So yeah, loved every single one of those shows.
What does performing at Slam Dunk mean to you?
I came to Slam Dunk last year to see NOAHFINNCE and Scene Queen. Slam Dunk is just such a legendary festival. So, to be able to be included is surprising and very humbling. I’m just, very, very grateful to be here and we’ll always remember it as my first festival appearance.
Out of all the artists here, who would you love to collaborate with and why?
Wow, umm.. I absolutely love I Prevail.
Oh wow, really?
Yeah, I know it’s a shock. I don’t think they’ll want to collaborate with me though, haha. I think they blend heavy music and [what I would describe as] pop melodies so effortlessly. I love Hurricane. I love the closure [of the song] and I just think the vocalists are so good.
We saw you grew up in Southampton. As a city with a proud history of music venues, how important would you say grassroot venues are to the UK live music industry?
I mean, absolutely vital. I did my first show only two years ago and you’re working on zero budgets, and you need to get in somewhere small. Those kind of venues are the only places that will let you in that you can afford to go, and they have a great local scene. So it’s sad to see so many closing and I hope that local councils and the government will look to keep them open.
How do you like to wind down after a show?
I love to have a bath in the dark. I’m very introverted in my old age and I get overstimulated with too many people. Whether that’s going to London for a day or playing a festival, that’s how I am. So I turn the lights off, light a candle, put on some deep relaxation music and just have an hour-long bath. It’s very rock and roll.
What other exciting things would you like to share with us?
I’m playing my next single for the first time on stage. It will be a first for Slam Dunk audiences and it’s called Blossom. It’s coming out in June and I cannot wait for fans to hear that.
Your social media is a great resource for raising awareness of ADHD and living with this condition. If you had to give a piece of advice to anyone who may be struggling with their ADHD now, what would you say?
I think it’s to stop trying to change yourself and believe that you need to beat your symptoms into submission to be a valuable human. You have to realise that you are valuable despite the struggle. And actually, you’ll save all that time you use trying to change yourself and fix yourself. You’ll have time to focus on creativity, family or joy. So yeah, you don’t need to be fixed or disrupt yourself. Accept yourself for who you are.
See RØRY live this month at Download Festival.
