credit: Mamucium design
Manchester’s ROLLA has gained a strong reputation for its larger-than-life anthems, powerful riffs, and memorable hooks in songs like “Ease My Mind,” “Sweet Lullaby,” and “No Violence.” It has been about four years since the band visited my office in Sheffield for a live session that truly impressed me. At that time, they were preparing for more gigs, and I connected them with Mikey from This Feeling, who has played a significant role in helping elevate the band to the recognition they deserve. With their new single “Beautiful Lie,” set to be released on March 6th, the day before their highly anticipated second EP, “We Owe You Nothing,” the band continues to showcase their growing power and versatility.
Plaintive acoustic guitars signal that ‘Beautiful Lie’ comes from a different part of the ROLLA sonic spectrum. But even devoted fans will be surprised by how much they excel in this twist upon their usual sound. James Gilmore’s vocals burn with vulnerability as his words hit at the heart of feelings of loneliness and a lack of direction in life’s grind. But as ‘Beautiful Lie’ soars, its hook majestically translates hurt into hope. Those lofty comparisons that ROLLA has drawn with The Verve’s timeless ballads now make more sense than ever before. James says of the track,
“This is probably the most professional and mature song we’ve ever written. Every part of it, from the structure to the melodies and the weight of the lyrics, feels intentional. It’s got that anthemic, hands in the air energy that was made for festival crowds, one of those songs that doesn’t just sit in the background, but takes over the space it’s in. It’s a huge contrast to the heavier tracks on the EP, but in its own way, it’s just as powerful, built for big moments, big stages, and big crowds.”
ROLLA have already previewed the ‘We Owe You Nothing’ with the thunderous, psych-tinged intensity of the title track and the recent ‘It Ain’t Easy’. After ‘Beautiful Lie’ the last new song, ‘The Slide,’ will complete the album. The band’s first release on Run On Records, the EP follows their 2023’s ‘Nothing Less Than Everything,’ which shot straight to #1 on the iTunes Album and Alternative Charts. ‘We Owe You Nothing’ will also be the band’s first vinyl release. The band tell me,
“The vinyl before we even properly started a band was a dream, but it seemed like an impossible goal. Now it’s here, it’s like mad. Vinyl is mint, though, because streaming, let’s face it, you make nothing from it. How streaming has become this monster and how the industry has allowed it is insane. I’m so glad that vinyl has made a comeback, as it’s giving the artists some power back and allowing them to be paid what the music is worth. From a fan perspective, it’s also great because you have something to hold in your hand and look at the artwork, the lyrics, and the experience.”
James tells me more about the next single,
“Life’s a Beautiful Lie’ is a nod to a film; that’s where I got the title for ‘Beautiful Lie.’ I wrote it at my girlfriend’s place and shared it with the band. Normally, they’re not into slower ballads, but they actually liked this one. This song is super personal for me; it really comes from the heart. While I was on tour, I had a tough time with heavy drinking and the hangovers that came with it, all while having to jump back on stage and perform. You have to pull yourself back around, it’s like it’s your own fault you drank that much now get on with it. That was the mindset I was in while writing it, the battle between yourself.”
Having a few challenges is part and parcel of most creative endeavours, and juggling full-time jobs was one when it came to recording the new EP. Planning the most suitable time for rehearsals and studio sessions demanded close scheduling by both band members. In spite of this, the band really succeeded in bringing to fruition the creative project they had been dreaming about.
“There were days when we found ourselves scattered, working in shifts rather than as a complete unit in the studio. It could have been chaotic, but we managed to juggle everything effectively. Honestly, it all turned out just fine in the end. We really enjoyed it.”
James mentioned that finding the perfect recording studio was a long process. After their time at Rockfield, they began to search for a place that really fit all their creative needs.
“It turned out to be an amazing experience! Sure, we faced the usual hurdles of nailing our parts, but nothing we couldn’t handle.”
The band also faced a drummer transition, with Saul moving on and Ryan stepping in.
“This shift brought a new vibe to our band, but it’s all been smooth sailing since then. I’ve known Ryan since the early days of ROLLA we never played a gig together back then we was at uni and we were all mad, but having him back feels like we’re completing a puzzle. It’s a real full-circle moment, reconnecting with our roots and infusing fresh energy into our music.”
Opportunities to play live with the new lineup are still in their infancy. James tells me,
“Last year, we managed a couple of shows, including a fantastic night with The Crooks, which was truly unforgettable. We’re also supporting bands like Pastel, which has been fantastic; we’re genuine fans of their sound”
Rolla truly shines in its dedication to supporting others and showing understanding. On November 15 last year, it hosted a fundraiser event at Salford Lads Club, a site that preserved the glory of a bygone era. The concert at Salford Lads Club was completely sold out, with all the tickets gone an hour after they were released, which was grounds for anybody to label it a success. Everything raised was to provide enough funds for maintaining club operations.
The band’s concern for the community also expanded to marketing. They launched a clothing brand of personalised T-shirts with their image in the club, and the profit from the sales went to fundraising. Salford Lads Club has been a significant cultural site for the last 120 years, and the opportunity ROLLA gave it was very important for sustainability.
“It was a night we will never forget; our appreciation was overwhelming as we were blessed with so much support. Reaching out to a place that had a strong impact on the community and giving back a bit was very moving to us. The place was simply charged with positive energy, and it felt like we were all part of something that mattered.”
ROLLA’s genuine commitment to its music and community is evident. With additional performances, festivals, and their EP release planned, ROLLA has a busy year ahead of them.
“We’re excited about our upcoming performance at the New Century Hall in Manchester. This venue is a big step up from where we’ve performed before, and we’re totally confident we can fill it and make it a night to remember. It’s a great vibe and acoustics, and it will be an unforgettable experience for everyone.”
ROLLA is a collective unit that takes rock and roll improvisation to another level as if it were the true vision of the genre. The uncompromising power of their music quickly reaches your soul by kicking off a spectacular fire and propelling you along their wild, pure world of realness and authenticity.
“Despite being a rock n roll band, our approach has always been calm and composed; therefore, jumping to larger stages, even while supporting Kasabian, we felt calmer than probably during the smaller shows. We have dreamed of these moments, and it’s amazing to see them become reality.”
In a significant milestone for the band, Manchester’s ROLLA began an exhilarating journey by supporting Kasabian on their 2023 tour. This experience gave them confidence and valuable insight that still benefits them today.
“Supporting Kasabian was a natural progression for us. Being on tour with Kasabian was surreal. We learned so much from their energy and professionalism. It was an incredible opportunity to showcase our music to new fans and be a part of something bigger than ourselves. The support from Kasabian and their fans was overwhelming, and it felt like a dream come true.”
In a gesture that speaks volumes about their genuine passion for music, Manchester’s ROLLA has been actively sharing news from fellow bands on social media, including the dynamic Pastel and the brash energy of The Bracknell.
“We share their music because we genuinely love what they’re creating, it’s what we listen too.”
ROLLA’s contagious love for the music world comes to life as we chatted and echoes the tight-knit community of outstandingly gifted artists who challenge and spur each other on. They co-construct nurturing ensembles where the imagination runs freely, and relationships are built. This network of relationships builds an energising atmosphere in which spontaneity and creative breakthroughs are born, and each gig or festival celebrates all the artists’ collective energy. There is no competition here; sounds are blended, and miracles are born.
SOAR WITH THE NEW SINGLE ‘BEAUTIFUL LIE’ OUT MARCH 6TH – PRE-SAVE HERE
NEW EP ‘WE OWE YOU NOTHING’ FOLLOWS THE NEXT DAY – PRE-ORDER HERE
HEADLINE MANCHESTER’S NEW CENTURY HALL ON MAY 3RD ALSO PLAYING AS GUESTS TO PASTEL IN LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM.
ALL-DAY INDIE SHOWCASE IN SHEFFIELD TICKETS
ROLLA LIVE
MARCH
7th – Birmingham, Mama Roux’s (main support to Pastel)
8th – London, Tufnell Park Dome (main support to Pastel)
15th – Manchester, hmv (in-store)
29th – Sheffield, The Indie Showcase
MAY
3rd – Manchester, New Century Hall (HEADLINERS)
JUNE
14th – Scunthorpe, Westview Live (HEADLINERS)
JULY
19th – Somerset, The Godney Gathering
24th-27th – Oxfordshire, Truck Festival
FOLLOW
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RACHEL BROWN
OWNER OF NORTHERN EXPOSURE
About the Author
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