Hey Rosetta!

Hey Rosetta! is a Canadian indie rock group from St. John’s, Canada, active from 2005. The band forms around singer and songwriter Tim Baker, with Kinley Dowling on violin. Other members include cellist Romesh Thavanathan, bassist Josh Ward, drummer Phil Maloney and guitarist Adam Hogan.

History and line-up

The group forms in 2005 after Baker returns from a road trip with a collection of poems and melodies. The original line-up brings together a string section and a rhythm section, giving the band a sound that combines rock energy with orchestral elements. The seven-piece line-up builds a reputation through intense live performances and a loyal following.

In October 2017 the band announces an indefinite hiatus, and it later decides to break up at the end of that year.

Albums and recognition

Hey Rosetta! releases Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood) in 2008, an album that marks a major creative step forward for the band and for Baker’s vocal and lyrical writing. The record receives strong critical attention, wins several awards, is shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, and leads Billboard to name the band one of its top five new Canadian acts.

The group’s album Seeds is produced by Tony Doogan, who has worked with Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai and Wintersleep. The record shows a more mature lyrical approach and is shaped by the band’s interest in large-scale, atmospheric music. Baker writes most of the songs, with Adam Hogan co-writing “Downstairs”, “Young Glass” and “Seeds”.

Touring and themes

During the years after Into Your Lungs, Hey Rosetta! tours extensively in Canada and also plays in Australia, China, Europe and the United States. Their Canadian touring includes the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The songs on Seeds are developed during this period of travel and are finished in Newfoundland before the band records in Halifax at The Sonic Temple with Tony Doogan.

Lyrically, Seeds deals with subjects including depression and procreation. “Young Glass” is inspired by J.D. Salinger’s Franny and Zooey, while “Welcome” is written for a friend’s unborn child and reflects on the experience of bringing new life into the world.