Today, Nora Rothman is celebrating the release of her debut self-titled EP! Hailing from Hollywood nobility as the daughter of Tom Rothman (Chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment) and Jessica Harper, it was inevitable that the folk/soul songstress would find herself drawn to the world of entertainment and music, and her debut EP is the result of years of experience, soul searching and finding herself. Although she has dabbled in acting and political work, Rothman ultimately found her own place in music, which gave her relief while struggling with anxiety disorder.
Rothman’s debut EP finds her at her best, delivering spine-tingling tracks that highlight her dynamic vocal range and intimate songwriting. Her emotional single, “Note to My Ex-Lover” can be heard below and the EP is available now!
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who might not be familiar?
Yes! I grew up singing jazz in Los Angeles, studied creative writing at Brown, and did some professional acting in LA. After 6 months working on the Hillary campaign in Colorado, I’m back in LA to release my debut EP.
Coming from a creative family, was music something you were always drawn to? What made you want to pursue it seriously?
Music has always been my knee-jerk reaction to everything. If I’m sad, I’m writing about it. If I’m happy, I’m singing about it. I think a big part of that is how creative my mom is, and the way she inspired me to always make things out of thin air. Now, I just can’t not do it. It’s part of who I am.
When you were growing up and becoming involved in music, what artists first inspired you?
Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughan and Oscar Peterson were my teachers growing up. I listened to jazz nonstop. There’s so much to learn about musical expression in those recordings. Then, of course, I heard A Case Of You by Joni Mitchell and it set the bar for the perfect song.
This month, you’ll be releasing your debut EP! It being some of the first music that many people will hear from you, did you have any major goals for these songs?
I’m just excited to have the opportunity to share it. It’s a very honest look into my life and myself as a solo artist, and I hope people find some truth in it.
What would you like listeners to be able to take away from the EP?
With my art, I always hope to make people feel something. What it is doesn’t matter to me, as long as they’re affected in some way.
You’ve mentioned before that you’ve found relief in music while struggling with anxiety disorder. Do you hope that in some way, the songs that you create can then in turn help others?
Absolutely! If only even to inspire people that beauty and joy can come from struggles, it’s all about what you do with the challenges you face.
Recently, you released the emotional, “Note To My Ex Lover” from the EP. What inspired this song?
This song is inspired by the negative spaces that happen when you lose someone who was a major part of your life.
Do you have any other big plans for 2017?
I’m playing my EP release show in LA this Saturday with an amazing group of musicians, and I have some very exciting collaborations coming soon…so stay tuned! Instagram and Facebook are great ways to keep in touch.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for having me.
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