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We don’t encounter many existential, perceptibly intelligent singers from Ithaca, New York, but after immersing ourselves in Rowan’s debut EP Dear Ella, we wish we did a lot sooner. With a voice built for brooding ballads, Drake's new EP pivots himself to a more diverse sound, and wanting to know more about cold lakes, the dark woods, and his latest project, we reached out to the rising star. 

Ones To Watch: Who is Rowan Drake?

Rowan Drake: I have been struggling with this question a lot lately. For so long I always knew the answer. I was so in touch with myself, so in control. Now I fear I have tied my identity up into other people, places, experiences… so much so that I sometimes forget who exists under all of that. With that being said… and for the sake of introducing myself. I, Rowan Drake, am a 19-year-old from Ithaca, New York. I have found myself in the beautiful position of getting to experience life and then create about those experiences. 

What is Dear Ella, all about, or better yet, who is Ella?

Dear Ella, is a project I created for the first major love of my life. It is amongst many things, a time capsule for me and Ella to look back on, it is a way for me to tie our stories together… Out of insecurity and desire to not forget, and I think this project achieves that. As for who Ella is, I don’t think it’s really my question to answer. I will say she is the most kind and gentle light in my life. She has a way of seeing right through me and forcing me to see sides of myself I may otherwise ignore.

How did you settle on your sound for the EP?  

I think the sound of this project varies song to song. I wanted to leave it very open-ended and allow myself many doors to walk through sonically for future projects. The main filter was just to utilize sounds and ambience that brought me into the memories the songs speak of. Whether that be with voicemails or subway station samples, I wanted to bring elements of the world around me into the pieces. 

Any collaborations or features? Who produced the EP?

This whole project would not be what it is without countless collaborations. From the muse, to the songwriters, producers, mixers, managers, label, etc. etc. It’s the product of a lot of love. So many people heard me tell my story and helped me shape ideas, guitar parts, sounds, etc. All of this led to the song you are listening to.

How do you feel your sound has evolved or changed since your first single?

Ah so much… My first songs were created because I thought they sounded cool. Now the songs are tied to real experiences, real people. I’ve grown to love my voice and not mask it or hide it as much. I’ve grown to love the imperfections and the uncontrollable factors. The music now is very much an extension of who I am. No one else can create what I create. I don’t think that statement is true for my first single. 

Can we expect more of the sound present in Dear Ella, in the future? Or is it a constant evolution? 

It will definitely continue to evolve. My voice will probably be the most consistent factor. But beyond that, I can’t say for certain that anything else sound-wise will remain the same. I’m learning and growing just the same as everyone else and so is the music. 

Besides this excellent EP, what else should we be on the lookout for?

As I continue to go through this life, I hope I feel it all. And I hope I continue to feel the need to create, to document, to freeze moments in time. So in the future, look out for these moments. I’m sure they will resonate differently with every listener. They should do this. They should bring you into your own life, your own traumas, your own loves, etc.. Also, look out for my first proper live shows. I absolutely cannot wait to meet you all and to share the songs in a new way.

What’s inspiring you right now outside of music? 

The words of Kafka, Dostoevsky, Woolf, and Pessoa are very eye-opening to me. To see those who have experienced so much pain, loved so deeply, and therefore suffered much, create such beautiful works is inspiring. Additionally, the world around me. A full moon back east. The way the canopy of maples and oaks sways in the summer winds. The feeling of cold water in the lake I grew up swimming in. All of this is very inspiring and brings me back to my roots. 

 Food or drink best suited to enjoying your work? 

I genuinely have never considered this question. Maybe wine or something that suits nostalgia and letting go for a time. 

Who are your Ones To Watch?

 While not necessarily new, I think the artist Skullcrusher really found something special in their 2022 album Quiet the Room. I’m very excited to see what they do in the future. Additionally, my best friend and roommate SAINT KID is the most talented person you’ll ever meet. He’s released two songs recently with much more to come.

Dear Ella, is available now.