Rosi Golan Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 7th 2010 6:35PM by Colleen Johnson
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Rosi Golan has definitely worked hard to get to where she is today. On her debut album, 'The Drifter & the Gypsy,' the Israeli-born songwriter's haunting vocals have helped her make a name for herself, and her hard work has been recognized. Golan recently was honored with the first ASCAP Robert Allen Award for songwriting excellence, along with growing acclaim for her work. Spinner recently spoke with Golan about her upcoming SXSW appearance and her unusual path to becoming a musician, among other things.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Um, I think the only way to describe it is through other people's words. A lot of people say, "country acoustic and soul and pop." On iTunes, I'm listed as a singer/songwriter, and I feel like that's a genre in itself now.

How did you first get started?

It was when I was 19. I always loved music, but wasn't sure if I could actually sing or play an instrument. Then I saw an ad for Guitar Center and just went out and bought a guitar for no reason at all. My neighbor taught me a few chords ... and about six weeks later I played at my first open mic night.

Who are some of your musical influences?

It tends to be that a lot of my influences are my friends like Allie Moss who are doing the same thing. I also really like Norah Jones and Ray Lamontagne. He is a huge influence on me.

What would you say is your biggest vice?

I'd say food. A lot of people, it's cigarettes and stuff when they're on tour, but when I'm on tour it's all about finding the local food in the area.

What's in your festival survival kit?

That's a good question. Maybe boots because there are a lot of people down there so I don't get my feet too stomped on. I know there are a lot of great places [to buy boots] down there, so I may pick up some new ones. The food down there should be good. I heard about their Mexican food so I didn't get to try it last year but this year I'll be sure to.

Who was your first celeb crush?

Ooh, this is embarrassing. I think my first one was Charles from 'Charles in Charge' [Scott Baio]. I didn't really speak a lot of English when I first moved here, so I would watch a lot of television. My dad also worked at Universal [Studios], so he would bring me on tours to the sound stages and things like that.

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

I'd say Taylor Swift. That song about Romeo and Juliet -- it just gets me every time.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles, definitely.

What's the craziest thing you have experienced or seen while on tour?

Can it be in my own city while I was on tour? I was going to a show once and I saw an old man clipping his toenails while on the train.

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