Rose Betts Reflects on the Past She Can’t Undo in Rousing New Anthem, ‘Doodles’

English singer-songwriter Ross Betts is beloved for her rich vocals and unique brand of Celtic pop, and those talents shine through spectacularly on her latest anthem, "Doodles."

The new song reflects on the indelible actions and unforgettable mistakes of her past, incorporating the spirit of Irish music both in its lilting pub song cadence and careful, bittersweet balance of joy and regret. Believe us when we say it's about to be stuck in your head for weeks on end. We also can't wait to hear the track live, as Rose recently announced her debut tour in the U.S., consisting of 11 dates beginning in September in Portland, Oregon before concluding in Vienna, Virginia in October. To celebrate, we caught up with Rose to learn all about "Doodles," the tour and her own The Doodle mocktail recipe. Keep reading for the full interview.

The Story Behind 'Doodles'

Rose Betts: I found a note on my phone that I'd forgotten making, which was just this long list of regrets, and it just felt funny how being alive means making mistakes, which then you have to live with, but also are the only things that help you develop… so it seemed worth a song. Songs are always a kind of therapy to me, a way to get something off my shoulders, and "Doodles" is my attempt to lighten the load of regrets. I also love a night with a few drinks and few impulsive decisions, despite all the regrets I'm down to make more. Songs and stories and life lessons come from them.

 

Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'Irish Eyes' Singer-Songwriter Rose Betts

 

What 'Doodles' Means

RB: I hope it gives people space to just let the regrets go, accept them and even relish in the drama of the whole thing. The song does that for me, it makes me want to go out with friends and make a bit of noise and just celebrate being alive.

(Photo credit: Aggie Cherry)

 

Rose's Favorite Lyric

RB: I think "One for the light that I let him dim," because it's actually a bit of a devastating line, and putting it amongst other light things makes it hit harder, I think. The song is flippant in lots of ways, but there's true pain at the center of most of these regrets and I lived through them all. I didn't want the song to be simply comical. It has a dark, sad thread running through it, which is something I find in all the songs I love.

 

Rose's Advice for Accepting the Past

RB: Probably if you look at what you learned from those mistakes, the mistakes will look less pointless. I try to do that, but some mistakes have to made a couple of times before they sink. Jeez, we're only human!

 

Also read about: Paris Paloma Makes Sense of the Noise and Chaos in Her Mind With Debut Album, Cacophony

 

What's Next

RB: I'm so excited to be going on my first North American tour this autumn, starting in September and finishing in October. I haven't played live all that much lately. I can't wait to see these new cities and meet the people who turn up to the shows!

 

Also read about: Marianas Trench Bassist Mike Ayley Dishes on the Journey Behind the Band's Sixth Album, Haven

 

Rose's 'The Doodle' Mocktail

Ingredients:

• 1 shot simple syrup
• 1 shot lime
• Fresh mint
• Tonic water

Directions:

• Muddle lime and mint in cocktail shaker
• Add simple syrup, add ice and shake
• Top it up with tonic water
• Serve in a martini glass with a sprig of mint to garnish

 

For more insights from viral artists, click HERE to read our interview with David Kushner on his debut album, The Dichotomy.