Interview with Autumn Rowe

What first got you into music?

I got into music around 16 years old.  I interned for Island Black Music in High School while  in 4 choirs.  At the time I thought I wanted to start a record company but after a year of interning I realized I wanted to be more on the creative side. 

Who inspired you to make music?

Some of my biggest inspirations growing up were Stevie Wonder, Carole King, Mariah Carey and a ton of Hip Hop music.  

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

The music I typically create varies depending on the artist I’m working with.  I try to write records which feel personal to the artist, authenticity is very important to me.  

What is your creative process like?

My creative process varies.  If I’m working with an artist who I’m meeting for the first time, I will often talk to them for a couple hours and get a vibe going.  I like to learn as much as I can about them, normally when this happens naturally the song tends to write itself.  If i’m writing alone or with a producer I tend to write about something I personally can relate to.  

Who would you most like to collaborate with as both a songwriter and an artist?

I would love to work with Beyonce! She is the ultimate artist to me.  

How do you feel the streaming platforms have impacted the music business?

Streaming has changed the music business a lot.  While it has really hurt songwriters tremendously, it’s been great for independent artists and artists who own their masters.  

Which current musicians do you admire?

I love Anderson Paak, Rosalia, Cynthia Erivo, Chloe x Halle, Celeste and so many others.  

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Hmm.. I don’t think I do. 

What is the most useless talent you have?

Guessing small dogs weight.  Haha

You recently got married.. is your husband in the music industry too?

Fortunately he is Not!  I got married last year, in 2019  to Even Stenvold Tysse.  We met at a buffet when I was on a business trip in Kristiansand, Norway.  We married 9 month after meeting, it's actually quite crazy how it happened but wonderful. 

Can you tell me about your heritage please?

My mother is Jewish European and my Father was African American with some

British European. 

You wrote for Kylie Minogue on a song called “Sexy Love” tell us more please?

I wrote Sexy Love in Copenhagen at a writing camp put together by Cutfather.  Wayne Hector wrote an awesome chorus so I wrote verses and a bridge.  I recorded two songs with Kylie that year another song called “More” but “Sexy Love” was the one which made the album.  I actually loved “More” I’ve been a fan of Kylie for ages so it was exciting working with her.  

You have also written for Alexandra Burke when and where do you meet?  

I met Alexandra Burke in London, when I was writing a bunch for Syco.  Her A & R at the time was David Gray, he introduced us.  

How did your collaborate with Leona Lewis come about?  

David Gray also introduced me to Leona.  He’s actually been a very special person in my career.  He set us up on a lunch meeting.  Shortly after flew us out to Gothenburg Sweden to work with Jonas Quant.  That was the beginning of our working relationship but we are also very close friends.  

Friction ‘Good to me’ is a song I loved after the first listen; can you tell me more about this song?

Thank you, I love Drum and Bass music.  “Good to me”  was written Brad Ellis, Friction and Myself.  It got playlist on Radio1, which was really exciting. Adele Roberts picked it as her “Record of the Week and Annie Mac picked it as “Hottest Record Tonight” on November 15th, 2019.  

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Best advice I’ve been given is to be myself.  

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

If I could change anything about the industry, I’d love songwriters to have a union and better protections.  I wish we were taken into consideration more.  Everyone wants a great song but not enough are concerned about the future and sustainability of songwriters. 

What is one message you would give to your fans? 

Well not sure if I have any fans but If I do then thank you for supporting me.  I do my best to bring light into this world and will continue to do so.  I encourage you to walk in your own light and continue to shine.  

Ava Max is one of the most exciting pop stars at the moment.  What was it like working with her and co-writing Salt off of her worldwide  number 1 debut album Heaven and Hell?

I'm thrilled to have worked with a talent like Ava Max.  Salt wrote itself in a very quick and fun session, big love to Madison Love and Cirkut.  It is really exciting to work with an artist before they become a big star and having a tiny part of their journey. Salt was officially released as a thank you to Ava's fans in December of 2019.  I had no idea it would chart in over 30 countries and receive several gold and platinum certifications.  I'm super humbled and grateful .

What’s next for you?

2020 has been a life changing year for myself and many others.  It’s a year to filter out all the noise and focus on things which really matter.  With that said I’m very excited for the upcoming album with Jon Batiste, he’s an incredible talent and I think this is the best work I’ve done.  I’m excited for Naia Izumi’s upcoming album as well.  I’d like to develop some talent moving forward and continue using my platform to speak out on important issues.  I also am working on releasing music and a DJ/producer.  I’m more of an actions person than a talker so let’s just see what I do in the next year :)