Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold

Rose Cora Perry talks about The Truth Untold

Interview Conducted April 19, 2018

By Daniel Locke

2016 marked the triumphant return of Rose Cora Perry (former frontwoman of signed touring act Anti-Hero) with the critically-acclaimed release of her sophomore solo album, “Onto the Floor”.

A “one-of-a-kind talent”, Perry’s vocals have been said to be the “perfect blend of Alanis Morissette and Norah Jones” (Kaotic Notes), while her songwriting is full of “raw viseral power, killer hooks and punch-in-the-gut riffs” (Spill Magazine).

In conjunction with the album’s release, Perry formed high energy powerhouse duo, The Truth Untold, featuring the exceptional talent of Tyler Randall (ex-Blind Mag/Swerve) on Drums; Perry handles Vocals, Guitar & Songwriting. Multi-instrumentalist/soundwoman extraordinaire Amber Gorham joins them on their 2018 tour as their Bassist.

Within 6 months of coming together, The Truth Untold conquered audiences of 25,000+ , performing at notable festivals and winning over crowds of 20-somethings & babyboomers alike.

The duo’s captivating live performances, coupled with their award-winning film noir Music Video trilogy series for “Onto the Floor”‘s singles have taken Canada (and soon the world) by storm.

You’re from London, Ontario. What’s the music scene like there?

Rose Cora Perry: It has definitely changed a lot since I got my start in rock here as a teenager but I’m happy to see and continue to support longstanding renown local venues like Call the Office. I have some incredible memories from performing there and they’ve always treated me like gold.

As with many major city centres across Southwestern Ontario, London has said goodbye to a lot of its well-known and established music venues in recent years which is a reflection of how concert attendance habits, at large, have changed and continue to change.

The Forest City certainly has some great local talent and initiatives to support it, but I would personally

Rose Cora Perry & The Truth Untold

like to see a more “inclusive” mentality. London is known by most Ontarians to be a fairly conservative city and sadly, this affects the way in which we celebrate our local talent not to mention how groups of various genres interact with – moreover isolate themselves from – each other.

I remember as a kid, for example, it being an unwritten rule that if you were a regular at the now defunct Embassy, god forbid you try to also go to Call the Office. It was one or the other. I see the same thing happening with our local bands.

I for one would like to see these barriers being broken down and everyone having the chance to be equally celebrated, profiled and supported. If indie musicians ever expect things to change, they have to be a force that comes together to change things within the system rather than getting caught up in petty rivalries and undercutting each other to get to the top.

I believe London’s music scene remains in its infancy when compared to places like LA or Toronto and there’s still a lot of room to grow.

Since you are in London, Ontario have you checked out the music scenes in Buffalo or Toronto?

My new band, The Truth Untold, just formed in 2016 in conjunction with the release of my sophomore solo album, “Onto the Floor” so we are just in the beginning stages of our “Canadian Invasion” into the US. Buffalo however is certainly on our list of places we want to play and we look forward to that opportunity 🙂

We love playing Toronto – you’d have to in order to tolerate the insane traffic – and we feel very fortunate that we’ve already had the opportunity to perform at some incredible events there including their Vegan Food & Drink festival.

We are BEYOND stoked to have been hand-selected to perform in Toronto (the only Canadian date) for this year’s final Vans Warped Tour later this summer too. It’s going to be epic!

Can you tell me a bit about your background?

Here’s the short version: I got my start as a classically trained vocalist with my first ever performance being at age four. At age seven, I began to put pen to paper and write poems as well as my first compositions. While I had my sights set on Broadway, a fated meeting at a local talent show with an aspiring guitarist resulted in me forming my first rock band, HER. Six months later, I taught myself to play guitar. I’ve been doing rock ever since. My last band, Anti-Hero, got a snazzy record deal. My new band, The Truth Untold, is just getting started.

What type of music did you listen to in the 90s?

I’m a diehard grunger/alterna-head and it was after witnessing the epicness of the “Volcano Girls” music video by Chicago-born band, Veruca Salt, that I was sold on becoming a rock queen myself.

I pretty much still listen to the same bands I did back then: VS, Scratching Post (London Ontario’s BEST ever band, hands down), Silverchair, Big Wreck (a truly underrated but fiercely talented Canadian band), Hole, Nirvana (yes I dare say them in the same sentence!) etc.

I also have no shame in admitting I had a Spice Girls phase. Don’t lie – I know you did too. Everyone had their favorite. Mine was Posh.

Who suggested you do classical vocal training?

 

While my memories from age four are a bit foggy, as the story goes, I expressed interest in music and performing right from the get-go and my parents happily enrolled me in classical vocal training along with a great variety of other sports and hobbies to help me find and hone my interests and talents.

How did you get into modelling?

My mom – still a stunning woman in her 60s – dabbled with modelling in her youth and noted that I really enjoyed watching her getting “dolled” up for various to-dos. I started dying my hair crazy colours at age 12 and experimenting with different makeup looks and costumes. In other words, as a kid, I simply enjoyed dressing up and feeling glamourous. I still do.

I found my place in photography modelling as I’m much too petite to rock a runway, but I initially started as a hair model as stylists loved the fact I have a very thick Italian mane to work with.

In 2002, you started to teach yourself guitar. How did you learn how to play?

I began by teaching myself basic chords like A, D, G, F, C and focusing on the finger placement until I had enough strength to hold down the strings. My brother was an aspiring guitarist himself, so I believe I likely commandeered (as I can’t recall its origins) his wall size chart of different chord patterns as a reference of where to start.

Once I felt fairly confident with basic chords, I began trying my hand at different strumming patterns as well as expanding into barre chords and eventually power chords.

I deliberately chose to learn everything on an acoustic guitar because I felt if I could make smooth transitions between chords and strumming patterns on a guitar with thicker strings (i.e.: requires more finger pressure/strength) and a larger body, it would translate to me being able to pick up electric guitar faster.

My first major playing goal was to master being able to simultaneously sing/play “Say It Ain’t So” by Weezer. It took me six months to have the confidence to do it. Shortly after I began penning on guitar my first rock album: HER’s “Straight from the Loft”.

At the time as I didn’t know how to read tablature, nor did we have the amount of online resources for such things as we do today, I transcribed everything by ear. To this day, when I’m writing songs, I still use my own tab system that I invented.

Do you remember your first performance?

My first ever vocal performance was at age four. I sang “Castle on a Cloud” from Les Mis and everyone was calling me “Cosette” by the end of the night so I’m told (it was kinda a long time ago ;).

My first guitar/vocal performance was at Call the Office with HER for our Cd Release party if I’m not mistaken. I only played a couple of songs on guitar, but I was nervous as hell, clutching my guitarist’s SG to my body as though there was a risk of it falling off.

What was the first song you wrote about?

Saving the planet from oil spills and pollution…at age seven. I’ve always been fond of our furry friends and being eco.

You have performed on Vans Warped Tour and you are about to do it again. What are your feelings about this being the last year for Warped?

I think it goes without saying that we’re tremendously honored to be able to take part in a piece of Warped history by performing on the Farewell tour and are very thankful for the opportunity.

Warped has had a hugely successful run since 1995 and has been responsible for helping launch the careers of many amazing talents. So, while this may be its last year, I certainly don’t think its impact will ever be forgotten.

I have had the privilege of attending as both a performer and audience member and what I’ve always loved about Warped is its mandate to equally celebrate up and comers alongside headliners. It’s a very welcoming community and I commend Kevin Lyman for his tireless efforts over the years. He is a true supporter of music for music’s sake.

I think Warped’s conclusion again is a reflection of how concert attendance habits are changing/have changed and it signals the fact that we NEED to make major changes to the model the music industry is currently functioning on.

How was it to be invited as an honorary special guest to the Grammy Awards? And what was it like?

It was definitely an honor to be able to attend the Grammy’s live in person and get access to how it all comes together behind-the-scenes in the pre-telecast. Again, I’m tremendously thankful for that opportunity.

Attending the awards resulted in a lot of introspection for me with respect to how I wish to navigate my career. Suffice it to say it was both “interesting” and “eye-opening”. The best part in my humble opinion? Being able to witness the talent that is Barbra Streisand.

Talk about how you dealt with depression?

During my teenage years and early 20s, I went through some really rough patches and at the time, I wasn’t certain if I was going to make it through…and (sadly) if anyone would care if I didn’t. I was in a very very dark place.

While I had friends and family that consistently tried to “reach” me, like a lot of depression sufferers, I felt completely alone in my thoughts and experiences and at times, as though the whole world was against me. I remember having a reoccurring dream that I died, and no one showed up to my funeral. Instead, they threw a party in celebration. As I said, it was a very dark time for me.

If it weren’t for music and it’s incredible healing power, I can honestly say I wouldn’t have gotten through it. The simple act of putting my innermost thoughts on paper seemed to help. When those thoughts were further set to melody, I felt empowered to be able to conquer them. When I further learned that people could relate to the very words I was singing, I knew (as they did), I wasn’t alone in my struggles and that there was hope – there was light at the end of the tunnel.

That’s why I continue to be compelled to write music – because it’s a universal language that can break down barriers of difference and “reach” people in very powerful and meaningful ways. It can and does change people’s lives.

How did it feel to sing “O Canada” at the Ontario Government’s Volunteer Service Awards and also at Monster Jam?

It was by far the most intimidating thing I’ve ever done in my career and I will happily return the torch to Canada’s beloved Celine Dion whose rendition is the most beautiful version I’ve ever heard.

While my performances were well-received, it’s completely nerve-racking to perform your country’s anthem: everyone “knows” the words, everyone “knows” the melody and everyone “knows” the way it “should” be sung so the room for error and personalization (as we saw with Fergie’s recent attempt at the US one) is very very very small.

For the record, in my humble opinion, Fergie nailed the shit out of those high notes (so applause to her for that!) and while not everyone may have been receptive to her individual stylization, she certainly made it her own which is the true testament to any great singer.

As you look back over your career, have you looked at any of your older songs, to look at a way to rework them so you can perform them again?

Indeed I have and in fact, The Truth Untold has resurrected a couple of Anti-Hero favorites for the purposes of touring.

I had actually penned nearly a whole album of new Anti-Hero material that was never released due to our disbanding. I’ve been toying with the idea of breathing new life into some of those tracks as they definitely had great potential and with the talents of The Truth Untold’s drummer Tyler and bassist Amber, I think we could certainly make them rock even harder.

I saw your trilogy video release. I was very impressed. How did you come up with the concept?

Thank you 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed my trilogy series. It was a heck of an undertaking but I’m quite happy with the result. I encourage you (the lovely readers) to check it out too at www.youtube.com/rosecoraperry but be sure to watch it in order starting with “Away I Go”, then “Six Feet Under” and ending with “Empty”.

As with all of my art, the storyline was based on true events from my own life. The overarching theme of rebirth/renewal was meant to symbolize my return to music, having overcome my past battles and tragedies and having found myself/my “sound” as a solo artist

What was the attempt by the Epidemic Music Group for the Guinness World Record all about?

A little town by the name of Stouffville outside of Toronto decided last year to compete for the world record of hosting the longest non-stop concert by multiple artists. The Truth Untold was one of 400 bands across Canada to have been selected to participate. In a word, it was “insane”!

There could be no more than 30 seconds between songs and no more than I believe a minute or two between act changeovers. The coordinators and performers were phenomenally motivated, organized and so supportive of each other it was inspiring.

I’m happy to report that us Canucks took home the record and that The Truth Untold got to take part in a little piece of Canadian music history. We will be getting our copy of the awards certificate in the mail soon. I can’t wait!

As a bonus, the whole event raised over $90,000 for various charities over its 18-day, 24-hour non-stop run! It rocked and for a great cause!

How was it to perform at Three Rivers Regatta in Pittsburgh?

Again, another very epic experience. It’s a great event that equally celebrates watersports and music, the organizers are wonderful people to work with and Smashmouth still has serious draw.

The amount of Shrek masks we saw in the sea of fans was nothing short of hilarious and I got to embarrass myself in a major way when I was pushed on stage by a cameraman to dance with Steve Harwell. Yes, there’s video proof.

How was it to have a showcase at The Whisky Go Go during NAMM?

 

Literally a dream come true. The Whisky is probably one of, if not, THE most legendary music venues in American music history and to say that in my career, I got to rock its stage is something I will never ever ever ever forget.

What’s more is that everyone involved in Ultimate Jam Night is absolutely amazing. Here we were this little up and coming band from Canada playing among legends and being treated as equals. I wish ALL venues and ALL musicians were like that. Long live The Whisky and its Ultimate Jam! We cannot wait to return.

How do you define Canadian Music?

I think there’s a huge difference between musicians who simply happen to be Canadian and bands who define a “Canadiana” sound just the same as musicians who happen to be American and “Americana” bands. The terms are not synonymous.

When I think of “Canadiana” bands, I think of acts that have primarily focused their energies on winning over and maintaining the hometown market/radio airwaves and have come to define a “Canadian” sound/“Canadian” music identity – bands like Sloan, The Tragically Hip, The Barenaked Ladies.

However, the “sound” of those bands in no way represents all that we have to offer as a country musically – far from it.

There is so much diversity from city to city let alone province to province and bands that come from Toronto vs. Montreal vs. Vancouver vs. little old London in no way can be typecast as representative of a single “genre” simply because of our nationality.

In other words, and more simply, Canadian Music is “diverse” just as we are as a country.

You are playing at International Pop Overthrow this weekend. Have you been to one before?

We are indeed! This Saturday April 21st at the Heartland Cafe (formerly Red Line Tap) at 11pm on the dot. This will be our first performance and attendance at an IPO event and we couldn’t be more excited!

What inspires you?

Life and strong resilient women like my mom 🙂

What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?

I think most indie musicians hope to one day be able to rock stadiums (what a rush that must be!), but I also really love the intimacy of your standard music venue as connecting with fans through my concerts has always been important to me.

I want to be able to see people’s reactions to what I’m playing and so the best kind of venues in my eyes are ones where the crowd can come right up to the stage and rock out alongside the bands.

Any plans to tour?

Yeppers! As with the past two springs/summers you can expect to see The Truth Untold popping up on the festival circuit and we are eager to expand our “Canadian Invasion” into the States!

What music fests would you like to play at?

Oh where to begin?! Montebello Rockfest, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Austin City Limits, Milwaukee Rockfest to name a few.

Would you want to play SXSW?

Ummm yeah 😉 Know of a performance spot for some ambitious Canadians?

How do you stay healthy on tour?

While I’m all about the rock, I’m not a typical rock musician in that I’m straightedge (to the point that I don’t even ingest caffeine) and vegan so I maintain a very healthy lifestyle.

The most important thing for me is to always ensure I’m well-rested so that my vocals can deliver their full range. Accordingly, any time we hit the road we always leave a day or two in advance of our engagements to have time to recuperate before taking the stage.

How would you explain your live performance?

Well surely, it would be much more entertaining to see it than read about it so I’d instead like to encourage people to come out and experience it for themselves.

If someone was listening to you for the first time, what three videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?

I would suggest that they have a look and listen to my previously mentioned music video trilogy series for “Away I Go”, “Six Feet Under” and “Empty” which you spoke so highly of 🙂

Not only are the above songs my most recent work but each expresses a different aspect of my artistic expression and songwriting:

“Away I Go” is a delicate piano ballad while “Six Feet Under” shows off my love for playing with rhythms, tempos and harmonies while “Empty” is a straight up throwback to my love of 90s grunge.

As a classically trained vocalist who found herself inadvertently fronting rock bands, I have very diverse influences when it comes to my songwriting and I don’t believe in approaching songwriting with any limitations, restrictions or preconceptions of how I “should” sound or write. It comes out how it does and each bit of it reflects me authentically.

Favorite Drink?

Oh I’m so tempted to add “u” to favorite right now you have no idea. Damn Canadian vs. American spelling! But to answer your question, ummm water. As I said, I don’t drink alcohol and water is surely the best thing to keep you hydrated, especially on stage 🙂

Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?

I’ve been on a serious pad Thai kick as of late, but I also love me some vegan burgers and mac and chez!

Who is your favorite singer and why?

Can I please add “u”? This is killing me. Even my autocorrect on my Canadian computer is unhappy right now.

I don’t have a favoUrite singer of all time. I have many favourites in many genres who have all equally influenced me in finding my own voice. Among my biggest influences however are Alanis, Loreena McKennitt, Sarah Brightman, Steven Tyler and Frank Sinatra.

What makes each of these singers phenomenal is their distinctive vocal tones, expression and stylization. A new Alanis song, for example, could come on the radio that I’ve never heard before BUT the moment the vocals kick in, I’d know it’s her because I know her voice.

How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Happy. Healthy. Still rocking.

If you could jam with anyone who would it be?

I would LOVE love LOVE love LOVE to vocally harmonize with Ian Thornley of Big Wreck and rock alongside Richie Sambora (formerly of Bon Jovi) on stage. I would just like to be in the presence of Norah Jones when she composes a new piece and Madonna can personally mentor me on her incredible business savvy anytime.

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprised you listen to?

I’m obsessed with Jamiroquai. Seriously. And the Spice Girls are still awesome. I can’t help it that I know every one of their songs word-for-word and the choreography to go with it.

What is on your phone for music now?

I use my phone as a communications device. I know, it’s a crazy novel idea but…you know I like to kick it old-school.

Anything in closing you would like to say?

To learn more about my band, The Truth Untold, and to stay in the loop of our upcoming shows, please be sure to connect with us on social media:

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |

 

Thank YOU for the fantastic interview and support. We truly appreciate it and hope to see YOU in Chicago THIS Saturday!