Rowena Wise releases new album exploring complex themes of morality and love
Melbourne singer-songwriter Rowena Wise has released her second studio album, Bad Things Feel Good*, which addresses non-monogamy and mental health issues.
Album title reflects nuanced perspective
The asterisk in the title serves as a footnote to suggest that not every difficult experience brings happiness. Wise stated she wanted to avoid telling a clean story about morality or love instead choosing to sit in the grey area. This approach allows space for nuance within each song on the record.
Writing process involved personal struggles
The songs were created while the artist worked through complicated issues involving relationships and identity crises. She described this period as messy but noted that growth often comes from choices that do not fit simple good or bad categories. The music mixes folksy earnestness with lush indie rock to convey these complex subjects.
Music explores moral ambiguity
On the title track, Wise sings about discarding a faulty moral compass in favour of following her heart. Her sensitivity is underscored by plaintive strumming and sighing pedal steel throughout the album. The collection thrives in contradictions while contemplating how people pressure themselves to make the right choices.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.