As the summer months get warmer and warmer, Haroula Rose’s music is like a refreshing, cool breeze. Her debut album, entitled "These Open Roads," was produced by Andy Lemaster and recorded in Athens, GA. With her honeyed voice and folky songwriting, Rose fits in quite nicely with Lemaster’s repertoire of working with Bright Eyes, Azure Ray and the Good Life. Azure Ray’s Orenda Fink even contributed vocals on the album. Likewise, the Southern country influence from Athens seeped into the album on songs such as, "The Leaving Song" and "A Place Under the Sun," with their quivering steel-pedal guitars.
While most of the songs on the album ruminate on the topics of lost love and starting anew, Rose’s enchanting voice remains hopeful. It makes sense that her resume includes singing commercials and teaching music to children. Originally from Chicago, Rose attended the University of Chicago and then moved to Madrid on a prestigious Fulbright grant, sponsored by the US Department of State. After traveling through Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, Rose decided to settle in Los Angeles. The soft guitar strumming and sparkling voice reflect that of a well traveled person who has gained a strong compassion for people. On the song "Free to Be Me," Rose joyfully sings "there’s more to believe and so much more to see, I am free, free to be me," showing that she is eager and confident to nurture a long and fruitful musical journey. Rose is set to perform on July 16 at the Echo Country Outpost. – Karla Hernandez