“Stay watching, Say nothing, One voice is burning as it’s screaming ‘freedom‘”
It’s always been a key role for musicians to provide powerful voices of social commentary concerning important national/global events that create disturbing, emotive discomfort within us. Creative observers of national and global events, singing loudly and proudly from the sidelines, have always been vitally important, whether to bring unique personal, perspectives to the table, or to expand upon the raising of knowledge and awareness with informative, balancing voices. Everything from protest songs to poignant observations of Earth life – look at this, isn’t it wonderful/ sad/ vile/ uplifting/ destructive/pointless? The latest voice to sing out is the very talented London performer, writer and singer, Gemma Rogers. After a manic 2024 of releases and gigs, Gemma’s first outing of 2025 comes in the form of ‘Words Fail’, a single recently released on March 21st and exclusive to ‘Bandcamp’. All proceeds from this single are donated to ‘HEAL Palestine’, a charity which sponsors medical missions and implements mental-health programs.
It’s clear that this single has a different tone and energy to many of Gemma’s fast-paced pieces. However, the energy contained within the lyrics are as powerful as anything she has ever previously expressed. The utterly ridiculous and helpless aspects of war, alongside the abject terror of innocent victims caught up within it, pour out from the insightful lyrics. ‘Nobody calls Nobody comes…The cake on a plate has collapsed into crumbs…Everything’s crashed Everyone runs…Time doesn’t care if you’re old or you’re young.‘
‘Words Fail’ begins with gentle percussion, utilising excellent cymbal work from Jeremy Barnett on drums, swiftly accompanied by Gemma’s vocals and a cool, (almost Eastern/Asian in nature, like a Koto, or Zither) melody. Gemma Worked with producers EAMES, Gareth Ashton (The Verve, Rolling Stones, Tina Turner) – who also produced and engineered the track, as well as providing keyboards and piano. The chorus comes as an unexpected delight as angelic-sounding vocals fill the space; each voice harmonious and perfectly balanced. The energy of the track certainly rises as the track progresses, before fading out with a lilting, almost ‘nursery rhyme lyric: ‘All the world is falling down…They don’t care’.
This is a wonderful collaborative endeavour. Gemma vocals are always on point and her vivacious, passionate energy flows freely from every line. Supporting her, Gemma has key musicians in place. The aforementioned Jeremy on drums and EAMES on keyboards, but also Annie Bea with her awesome backing vocals, Clementine Brown’s beautiful violin, Alfie Jackson and HyoKyung Jung on guitars and Devid Dell’Aiera supplying a strong bassline. Tone Davies provides the artwork for the single, while Alfie also creates additional production for ‘Words Fail’, alongside his guitar skills.
Gemma continues to build her extensive portfolio of music and to express her intelligent voice into the wider community. This latest single adds insightful, informative layers of depth to her creativity. Bravo.
Forthcoming gigs for Gemma Rogers:
April 17th – 229 – London
May 16th – The Alternative Great Escape – Brighton (Fierce Panda / Goo Records)
May 27th – Junction – Cambridge (supporting Huey Morgan)
June 12th – Folklore Rooms – Brighton
June 28th – Glastonbury Festival
Gemma Rogers socials: Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Article by Kevin J Milsom
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