Spotlight: Esther Rose Collaborates with Musicians On New EP 'How Many More Times'

 

☆ BY PATRICK ZAVORSKAS ☆

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ESTHER ROSE IS NO STRANGER TO A COVERS ALBUM - In 2020, she released the four-track EP, My Favorite Mistakes, which includes renditions of Hank Williams, Sheryl Crow, Nick Rowe, and Roy Orbison songs. Since then, she is back with a new EP entitled, How Many More Times, a follow-up release to her 2021 album, How Many Times. The EP, released on July 16th, sparks a more collaborative effort amongst Esther Rose and label Father|Daughter Records. Featuring six tracks of musicians covering Esther Rose’s songs, it is a genre-defying collection of works, proving that her music breaks down the barriers of what it means to be a country artist - the label never suited her anyway.

How Many More Times presents itself as a sister-album to that of How Many Times, in which acts as the black-sheep of the Esther Rose discography family. As previously explored, How Many Times debuted itself as “a really fun experience. Like, on the surface, it's like a party.” Though the songs range from exploring heartbreak to redefining your self worth, Esther Rose intended for them to be upbeat and energetic. They are approached in being cathartic and pleasurable. “I felt like a fucking angel [when I wrote the title track, How Many Times], just glowing and happy and alone. And that is what I want the record to do for people." In contrast, How Many More Times requires the listener to fully participate in the entire conception of the album - the beginning of the anticipated heartbreak, the trivial moments of grief, and the start of owning yourself wholly.

“It was another brilliant idea from Father|Daughter Records. Jessi and Tyler came up with the idea,” Esther begins to explain in regards to the conception of the album. “We were looking into ways to get my music out of the ‘country genre,’ - or like, looking at ways to introduce my music and sound to people who usually don’t listen to this type of music. With not being able to tour [at first], this was just another exciting opportunity to put something out there as well.” 

The album issues in both a new sound to Esther Rose’s discography and to those involved within the project. As How Many Times is often presented or discussed as an “Americana | Country album,” it much rather be suited within a lane of its own. With its undefined sound and tone, it makes it the perfect candidate for interpretation. “When I write the song alone at home, and before I add the band to it, it really could be any genre. At those moments, it really is just a song. To me, I don't really like to identify as “Country” when it's just me alone with the song. So it's been really fun to present my songs from this record with other artists from other genres.”

That is what makes How Many More Times so compelling within its conception. It can break grounds on what exactly a stripped down song can be and do, while also placing itself perfectly into any genre that it wants to. Esther Rose and Father|Daughter allowed each artist to create the cover as they wanted to, Esther not hearing each recording until they were finalized. 

“There was a total release when it came to the production of the record, which was rather freeing in many ways. When it comes to my songs, by the time we record them, I have every nuance of the song locked in. Like every rhythm, the vocal melody - everything - just becomes super precise. With the band, I am really able to communicate with them my ideas for arrangements - and it becomes, almost like, very ‘control freak’ in a way. But I have a specific way I want the songs to sound like. So, as said, with this EP, it was a really great practice of just letting go of these songs and allowing myself to trust others with them.”

The EP opens up with the track, “Songs Remain.” Recorded by the eclectic, genre-bending musician Shamir, he takes a more spacey approach with the song. There is a certain connection being made within the take that blends hurt with grief, becoming equally as heartbreaking as Esther’s. While hers lends itself in learning how to make it to the other side of heartache, Shamir’s interpretation shows just how fleeting emotions and connections can be. Each hammering chord of the electric guitar in the chorus acts as a pin in those memories being released in the song. 

Another stand-out cover on the EP is Stef Chura’s rendition of “Good Time.” Inspired by a grueling road trip, one unlucky night in Nashville, and coping with uncertainty, Esther Rose’s original makes its way into the album wistful and uncertain about what is to come. Stef Chura, in comparison, spins the playfulness of the song and takes on a much darker approach. Placing a dance-beat reminiscent of a B-52’s track, its tone encompasses a more “Indie-Rock” feel. It is bold and fevered, relentless in its way.

While Esther Rose’s verison is more vulnerable, Chura brings a pushing swagger to the track. 

In the end, the EP itself is more than just a tribute to the original. While the initial tone and message of the album is still present, it has also expanded into something of its own. The six musicians (that being Shamir, Twain, Anjimile, Tasha, Stef Chura, and Field Supervisor) show exactly just how far Esther Rose’s voice can go. They prove just how unwavering and powerful her songwriting can be. There is a deeper connection to be made. A deeper sense of preparing you to heal and keep moving forward. And if anything, Esther Rose and these musicians are still here to let you know that they are here to help - whether it is through one cover, or one song, at a time. 

How Many More Times was digitally released on July 16 through Father/Daughter Records. Esther Rose will be touring in the US with Pokey LaFarge this fall, with tickets on sale now.

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