Esther Rose
New Orleans based Esther Rose makes her way to Scotland in May for a headline show at The Glad Cafe on Monday 19th!
About Esther Rose
Everything clicks on *Safe to Run*, the fourth album from singer, songwriter and perpetual searcher Esther Rose. It’s the quiet culmination of years spent fully immersed in a developing artistry, and presents Rose’s always vividly detailed emotional scenes with new levels of clarity and control. As with previous work, her songwriting transfigures the chaos and uncertainty of a life in progress, but here she introduces a newfound pop element that attaches unshakably catchy hooks to even the darkest stretches of the journey.
After spending her formative years in Michigan, Rose relocated to New Orleans and got her start in music there while awash in the unparalleled energy of the city’s scene. Over the course of her first three records, an infatuation with traditional country gradually evolved into a more distinctive style and increasingly personal material. Rose’s music traced her changes as she moved through stages, studios, and home addresses, and she eventually left NOLA for New Mexico where the two year writing process for *Safe to Run *unfolded. Making the transition to this new environment after spending the better part of a decade building a life somewhere else demanded looking around and taking stock. All the heaviness, sweetness, levity, and self-discovery that had led up to that point began funneling into new songs that moved slower in order to dig deeper, taking on the intricate hues of a desert horizon as they came together.
Making the leap from the comfortable to the unknown defines every aspect of *Safe to Run*. Since she started writing songs, Rose has self-imposed some strategic challenges in order to keep things interesting. A longstanding rule to never recycle chord progressions remained in place, as did a newer intention of avoiding the temptation to write another heartbreak song. Applying limitations like these allowed the album’s expressive range to become more nuanced. Rose takes an unblinking look at her own vulnerabilities as well as more universal concerns, somehow never taking herself too seriously in the process. This manifests as a critique of the insidious sexism of the music industry on “Dream Girl,” but quickly melts into a hazy memoryscape of the dive bar drama and suspended hovering of her early 20s on “Chet Baker.” The song “Safe to Run” (a gorgeous duet with Hurray for the Riff Raff’s Alynda Segarra) directly merges the personal with the global, superimposing feelings of spiritual displacement onto the larger, looming dread of climate grief. Rose breathes in the ecstasy of the natural world in one line and makes fun of herself a few bars later. There are ghosts in the room for most of her songs, but she’s invited them in and is cracking jokes with them over a drink or two.
The album’s production takes another giant step forward, again motivated by a drive to go somewhere new. Lyle Werner, a constant presence on Esther’s albums, again adds his rust-colored fiddle to “St. Francis Waltz” and the gentle country sway of “Spider” also offers faint echoes of the twangy glow of earlier material, but there's new experimentation with arrangements and instrumentation. Long-time collaborator Ross Farbe went from acting as a co-producer on 2021’s *How Many Times *to a full on producer role here, adding understated synthesizers to accentuate melodic presence and atmospheric textures to cast a deeper vibe. The bridging from past to present was further embodied by the cast of players, with Rose bringing in New Orleans group Silver Synthetic as a backing band on some tunes, and working with her new Santa Fe bandmates; drummer Lonnie Leary and bassist Meredith Stoner on others. Across all of the tracks, the open-air, live-in-the-room sound she tended towards in the past was exchanged for an exploration of multitracking and overdubs. The album is a network of meticulously balanced layers that whisper secrets instead of shouting declarations. Listening closely you’ll hear nods to Elliott Smith in the close-miced vocal doubling of “Stay,” dreamy drum machine guiding the steady hop of “Levee Song,” and a Mellotron tossing even more glitter into the already sparkling pop of “Insecure.”
Ultimately all of these new advancements become twinkles of light in the background as they fold into the big picture impact of the songs themselves. With grace, subtlety, and a knowing grin, Esther Rose translates her world into eleven curious and captivating scenes. While the songs are stunning one by one, absorbing *Safe to Run *as a whole feels like witnessing something taking shape, experiencing the headspins of the elevation and the slow return to equilibrium as the clouds start clearing. It’s the sound of a singular voice reaching its purest form, finally emerging.
| Find tickets with See Tickets: | Search now |
Some external links on this site are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click or make a purchase.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Follow us on Facebook and join the What's On Scotland Group!Sponsored Links
Other Events at The Glad Cafe
Kids Sing! The Glad Foundation’s Community Kids Choir
Come join this weekly fun-filled session of singing, creativity and learning at The Glad Foundation's Kids Choir!
READ MORE
Dean Owens & The Sinners
Award winning Scottish troubadour Dean Owens returns with his multi-talented band, The Sinners to The Glad Cafe on Thursday 11th December!
READ MORE
Donald WG Lindsay - How’ve You Been? and Outwith
Enjoy a forward-thinking night of Scottish music and cinema courtesy of Donald WG Lindsay at The Glad Cafe as part of Celtic Connections 2026!
READ MORE
Joe H Henry
Known for his thoughtful and captivating songwriting with a blend of R&B, soul and alt-country, don't miss Joe H Henry live at The Glad Cafe as part of Celtic Connections 2026!
READ MORE
Neil Ó Lochlainn’s Cuar
Irish musician and composer Neil Ó Lochlainn (flute/double bass) leads the innovative chamber ensemble Cuar when they play The Glad Cafe as part of Celtic Connections 2026!
READ MORE
Tessa Rose Jackson
Expect a journey that is at once intimate and fantastical, showcasing a unique artist who toes the fine line between dreams and reality!
READ MORE
Dominie Hooper
Experience this exhilarating new voice as she pushes the boundaries of contemporary folk, delivering the warm connection Celtic Connections is all about.
READ MORE
Hayden Calnin
Hayden Calnin has announced three UK shows as part of his upcoming 2026 tour which will see him play The Glad Cafe on Friday 6th February!
READ MORE
Sponsored Links
Similar events you might like...
Trad Thursdays at Sleazys
Brought to you by Falasgair their resident Trad band, come along to Nice N Sleazy every Thursday for knee slapping traditional Scottish music!
READ MORE
One Night In Tennessee
Inspired by the open mic nights of Bourbon Street, Old Bohemia and their talented friends take to the stage and cover your favourite country classics at Maggie's Rock N Rodeo!
READ MORE
Maggies Rock N Rodeo Cowboy Ceilidh
Get ready to go buck wild at Maggies Rock N Rodeo's sellout Cowboy Ceilidh - the wildest country party this side of Texas!
READ MORE
Sloans Famous Friday Night Ceilidh
Sloans Famous Friday Ceilidh is back and it's bigger and better than ever... it's a must for everyone visiting Glasgow and any true weegie!
READ MORE
The Bobby Deans Big Band
Join The Bobby Deans Big Band on Sunday afternoons at the Paloma Lounge for some great live big band sounds!
READ MORE
Ukulele Classes For Wee Fingers
Looking for the perfect way to introduce your child to music? Amplify's fun and engaging ukulele classes are designed just for 5 to 8-year-olds—the perfect stepping stone into music education!
READ MORE
Adult Music Workshops
Always wanted to play an instrument? Now's your chance! Join Amplify Music Academy for their relaxed, one-hour daytime group lessons for adults!
READ MORE
Traditional Music Session
Join The Grove every Monday evening for their Scottish Traditional Music Session!
READ MORE
Spin Class
In partnership with the lovely folks at Assai Records - SPIN CLASS at Nice N Sleazy gives you the opportunity to listen to your favourite records through a professional PA system!
READ MOREFind other events in Glasgow
Sponsored Links