Louisa Rowley – Move On (2025)
How Louisa Rowley makes an upbeat anthem out of her struggles with anxiety on her new single, ‘Move On’, is a testament to the strength in people. On the lead-up to her forthcoming EP, Rowley crafts another example of how at home she sounds in the blend of blues and funk.
She opens the track with a confession: “I’m my own worst enemy, I’m the judge, defendant and jury”, over Leonardo Figuerora’s drum’s upbeat thump and Aiden Mustafa’s immersive soulful bass playing. Rowley drops us right into her world. She continues with, “I feel like I’m drowning in self-pity/with an unhealthy dose of insecurity”, with a mix of responsibility and insight. Her youth shines in her vocals, which adds to the song’s energetic feel and makes her truths feel even more gripping. By the chorus, Rowley decides to rescue herself. Producer Richard Marc’s choice of keeping the bass and drums in front, with his guitar strums hanging back, allows for Rowley’s powerful voice to come through and give us a simple yet inspiring hook, “It’s time to move on”.
She repeats the declaration, delivering the line with belief and determination. Her stance is emphasized with light trumpet play and expertly mixed harmonizing, with a sustained organ note adding brightness. Her singing style is reminiscent of her influences like Bonnie Raitt, and other women who have found a space for expression in this jubilant music – this blend of blues, soul, country, and funk. Sadly, like those women, Rowley’s track is enriched by exhaustion, specifically, the struggle of making life changes.
As we keep on in Rowley’s mind, she sings, “I can’t keep going through the same/Used up emotions every single day”, bringing us deeper into her burden. The support around Rowley makes the song dynamic. Marc’s twangy guitar strums give the song its playful personality. The trumpet play grows more present in the second verse, bursting in and out, adding to the spirit of breaking away. After some incredible soloing, Rowley returns to soulfully belt her freedom cry.
With ‘Move On’, Louisa Rowley shows that humans already possess what they need to improve their lives.
Find out more about Louisa Rowley on her Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
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