BEACONSFIELD’S Rose Parker’s debut solo album, Under the Same Sun, is a bitter-sweet ode to life.
Born into a family with an alcoholic father and a mentally-ill mother, Parker was placed in an orphanage aged three, and spent years in care.
“Some songs are an introspection into that little girl’s life,” says the singer-songwriter.
Purple was written, “for my darling mum and what was taken away from us and what she gave.
“I understand now and I choose to look at life through a positive lens.”
Despite all their differences, people share the same sun, and Parker hopes the album’s title song will inspire tolerance and understanding.
• Rose Parker. Photo supplied
“It’s a huge celebration of a life lived and the journey we all take,” she says.
Parker draws from indie-folk, gospel, blues and alternative country to pen songs of hope and resilience, and is probably best known for her powerhouse harmonies with Martine Locke in Velvet Janes.
Under the Same Sun features an amazing line-up of WA musicians, including Lucky Oceans on pedal steel guitar, Roy Martinez on bass and keys, David Hyams on guitar, Melanie Robinson on cello, Phoebe Corke on violin, Mark Underwood on trumpet, Elliot Smith on drums and percussion, Harry Deluxe and Mel Bainbridge on backing vocals.
The album also includes a duet with Dave Mann.
Many of the songs are bitter-sweet and reflect Parker getting over a painful childhood.
Visiting her mother in a mental hospital was distressing, but trips to her grandfather’s farm in Goomalling were a life-line.
“His house in the hills lingers in my mind,” she says.
“He was my Rock of Gibraltar.”
• Lucky Oceans (left) plays on Under the Same Sun. File photo
At the age of 12 Parker was given a guitar, and her natural talent soon emerged.
She also discovered the healing power of music.
“Life has hope and joy, grief and sadness,” she says.
“Music, music, music are the three things that get you through.”
An early influence was Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Under the Same Sun has a 70s vibe.
“I hope people will listen while driving down south or up the coast, or on a farm in Goomalling,” she says.
Parker will launch her solo album at the Fly By Night Club, High Street, Fremantle, on December 10.
There’ll be a bohemian chill-out tent and a food truck.
by JENNY D’ANGER