The debut album from ROE – winner of Northern Irish Music Prize’s Best Emerging Artist - was released last Friday. 

Recorded and Produced by Tommy McLaughlin (Villagers/SOAK) in the wilds of Donegal in 2021, ‘That’s When The Panic Sets In’ explores the rich contrast between ROE’s introspective anxieties and the colourful palette that she’s thrown across them. 

To mark its release, we caught up with the Derry native to find out more about her.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
In my house it was always U2; my dad is a huge fan, so I’ll forever have a soft spot for them. Bands like Elbow, Villagers, Modest Mouse and Bon Iver I got into in my early teens and still have a love for today. 

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
Chaotic good energy.

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
If it's a hometown show, then getting into comfy clothes, say hello to the dogs, stick on a movie and make a huge cup of tea. If I’m on the road, then usually grabbing a late-night pizza and hanging out with the band and crew in whatever hotel we’re staying at for a while before bed. 

4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
‘Real Love’ - Big Thief.

5. What is your pet peeve?
People talking during shows, whether it’s my own or someone I’m there to see. 

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
‘Home Video’ - Lucy Dacus, ‘Reasons To Stay Alive’ - Matt Haig and ‘Little Miss Sunshine. 

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
Dan and Eugene Levy to direct (Schitt’s Creek is one of my favourite shows ever) and Emma Stone as the lead actor. 

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Egg fried rice, salt and chilli chips, spring rolls and a huge portion of sweet and sour sauce. 

9. Describe your perfect day off.
Up at 10am, breakfast in my favourite spot (The Green Cat), take the dogs for a walk on the beach, maybe a little writing and yoga, homemade dinner (big fan of that Tik Tok feta pasta atm), head to the cinema, out for a Guinness and then back home after a really chill day. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
My first ever album is out and I think it’s really pretty good so come see me play it LIVE - good times guaranteed? 

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.  
'Song Exploder’ - they get different artists to break down one of their songs and the process of recording it and it is super inspiring and interesting to listen to. 

**********

That’s When The Panic Sets In’ is out now.