Naoise Roo (pronounced “Nee-Sha Roo”) isn’t exactly your typical indie musician, in fact, she isn’t typical in any way as a woman artist working in the music industry. She is known for her outspokenness about her neurodiversity (ADHD) and her struggles with depression, but her radical honesty is only part of what marks her songwriting and singing. A solo musician from Dublin, Ireland, Naoise has released one full length album Lilith which led to her signing with indie label, Schoolkids Records in late 2020.
When originally released in Ireland, Lilith received positive critical recognition from publications and radio such as The Irish Times, BBC Radio Ulster and The Mirror. Aoife Barry (Irish Times) called Lilith “a dark and multilayered listen” Rigsy (BBC Radio Ulster) described the release as “full of drama and unpredictability with vibes of Nick Drake and Patti Smith.”
However, James Ward probably best summed up Naoise’s vocal performance best in The Mirror: "With a voice that could silence a room, Naoise Roo has created a stunning collection of dark rock majesty. On her debut effort, Lilith, the Dublin songwriter has tapped into something quite special, barging through tales of heartbreak and sex with unflinching honesty, and backed by a guitar sound that’s equal parts furious, brooding and ominous."
Roo’s musical influences range widely from Motown to Beck, Kate Bush and Nick Cave. Often described as the Irish PJ Harvey, Roo often draws inspiration from mythology and folklore in her music to explore complex conceptions of feminine power and identity. The album title itself is a direct homage to the ancient Hebrew and Biblical Lilith – Adam’s first wife and, depending upon the version of the tale referenced, also the first witch or woman of power who eschewed male dominance. The album’s breakout track “Whore” is an examination of those themes of female sexuality and power as threats to male society and mainstream religion.
The “Expanded Version” will make Lilith available worldwide for the first time and have 5 Bonus Tracks. “Whore”, “Oh Son” and “Sheets” are products from a collaboration with famed producer John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr, Kurt Vile, Sonic Youth, Waxahatchee) and “For You” and an additional remix of “Whore” garners a completely different take from Jerome Froese of Tangerine Dream.
According to Agnello, he was interested in working with Naoise after the first listen. “From the moment I heard her hauntingly beautiful voice, I was captivated. I get goosebumps just thinking about it. If originality was gold, she’d be a billionaire."
Former Replacements manager and Twin/Tone Records founder, Peter Jesperson has also recently praised Naoise’s voice, arguing that, “Naoise’s voice is so incredibly distinctive and emotive, her sense of drama might be the strongpoint as you can hear it in her voice.”
“Whore (John Agnello Mix)” will be released digitally on March 8th, 2022 to commemorate International Women’s Day. The collaboration with Jerome Froese from Tangerine Dream For You (Jerome Froese Guitaronica Remix)” is planned for later in Spring 2022.
Lilith (Expanded Version) will be released digitally on April 29th, 2022 with a newly revised cover art by famed Belfast Illustrator Fiona McDonnell and also available on a limited-edition cassette.
Naoise Roo is slated to release a brand new studio album entitled “Emotionally Magnificent” In October 2022.
