BUSC004P-001 25102835

by

Beth Wallington 25102835

ROSCOE

Roscoe is an indie rock quartet based in North Wales/Liverpool, consisting of members Noah Fisher, Theo Whittle, Chris Taylor and Zack Brautigam. They formed in 2023 and have released an EP and four singles since. Their EP, titled What Do We Do It For?, showcases their strong songwriting and commitment to honesty in their lyrics, blended with musical proficiency and instrumental expertise, with an emphasis on dynamics and emotion. Originally named The Public, they formed in Liverpool through their education at LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts) Sixth Form College and were later renamed Roscoe by the Sixth Form after Roscoe Street. Frontman, vocalist and lyricist Noah explains his inspirations: “I personally resonate with the music of Jeff Buckley, Radiohead and Elliott Smith for a very specific reason – they aren’t afraid to be honest. The music of these artists and many similar of the 90’s/early 2000’s changed the way people listen to music, it allowed people to feel emotion freely without shame. The effects of this type of music has saved lives. That’s the sort of legacy I’m pursuing.”, giving them a unique sound reminiscent of 90’s alternative and indie rock. Their live performances are the driving force of the band, making dynamically unique sets to keep audiences engaged, stating, “I think our music itself is unique due to our ability to create atmosphere. I like to think the dynamic range in our set can take control over our audiences, whilst also using unorthodox structures and tones to keep them completely immersed”.

Roscoe has a strong connection to their roots in North Wales and Liverpool. The band explains that their imagery and artwork are inspired heavily by their youth in North Wales “I was completely enamoured by the colours and landscapes of Wales, which is why most of our imagery involves wildlife and countryside settings. I definitely feel a connection towards this part of the world.” Alongside this, Roscoe built their current following through local gigs in Wrexham and at smaller venues in Liverpool. I believe that using this connection to foster authenticity and community within their following will leave these fans with a strong sense of pride, primarily upon returning to Liverpool and Wrexham (something Roscoe prioritises), and, in turn, will incentivise them to promote the band further themselves through sharing on social media and word of mouth. Similar to the association between bands such as The Stone Roses or The Smiths and Manchester. One band that has seen outstanding results is The Royston Club, who, through songs such as ‘Cariad’, showcase their Welsh heritage and language while continuing to gain high streams, with some songs reaching over 2 million streams and consistently engaging social media interaction. Expanding on this, Karma Magazine describes their experience seeing The Royston Club, “It is typical when bands play outside their home country to hear parts of the crowd celebrate being from the same place as the performers, but not so much when you’re in the capital city of that country. No matter where they are, a Welsh crowd always celebrates one of their own on stage.” (Karma Magazine, 2025) I believe Roscoe could build that community and have a similar effect on their audience.

Roscoe shows potential, particularly in live performances, due to their strong. This is key, especially in the changing music industry, where traditional album sales revenue has declined, making live performances a crucial source of income. Festival sets and tours not only provide direct financial benefits through ticket sales and merchandise but also help artists build stronger connections with their audience. This ongoing shift means that bands and musicians need to focus more on delivering memorable live experiences to sustain and grow their careers. Alongside this, they are proud of their self-sufficiency, especially in writing their music, ensuring that the authenticity and originality of their music will not be lost, another aspect which is essential to listeners, with a stronger emphasis within the indie and alternative rock genre. Roscoe is gaining popularity – specifically through their live performances in Wrexham – pulling in nearly 5,000 listeners and 230 monthly listeners despite having a small discography. While they have 1,600 followers on Instagram, they need to improve their social media presence to promote their music and band beyond their gigs. They could also benefit from short-form content on platforms such as TikTok, which is growing in popularity and helps more people discover their music.

MUSICAL AND VISUAL EXAMPLES

“Wait, But”

Part of their new EP, What Do We Do It For?, “Wait, But” is a beautifully tender love song that captures the bittersweet feeling of hopeless yearning. The calm beginning. This emotion reflects the youthful, raw, and emotional brand of Roscoe, who, with this EP, chose to play on their feelings that most would hide. The heavier choruses counterbalance the soft verses, highlighting the contrast between rational and irrational, and the spiral that comes with heartbreak. This kind of honesty resonates with audiences of all ages and truly shows their down-to-earth approach to storytelling, making their music feel relatable and deeply human. “Wait, But” can be a powerful tool for promoting Roscoe because its raw emotion and honest storytelling create an immediate connection with listeners and draw them in to discover more. The song’s blend of vulnerability and dynamic contrast perfectly aligns with their truthful nature, showcasing their willingness to explore real feelings that many shy away from, which will help to build a loyal and engaged fanbase.

“Gabriel Guinness”

Contrary to “Wait, But”, “Gabriel Guinness” is an angry song that channels intense feelings of rage and frustration toward a partner. The lyrics, tone and instrumentation capture the genuine emotions of conflict and disappointment in a relationship, making it a powerful expression of those experiences. This song doesn’t hold back and, like “Wait, But”, exemplifies those youthful feelings when thrown into a new experience, just in a different way. This song gives the audience something to connect with and forces listeners to focus on its angsty lyrics, drawing on honesty while encouraging it from those in similar situations. By tapping into brutal, relatable emotions, the band can create a genuine connection with listeners who see their own experiences reflected in the music. This honest approach not only sets them apart but also encourages people to engage with these songs that speak to real feelings.

Legacy (Acoustic)- Single

Roscoe decided to release this single, featuring the acoustic songs “Legacy” and an acoustic cover of the aforementioned “Wait, But”, to clearly showcase their product and demonstrate their understanding of their instrumentation and dynamics, as well as their aims with their music. This single allows Roscoe’s powerful lyricism to shine through, ensuring their audience understands their feelings and intentions. This aligns clearly with their brand image and who they are, as highlighted by the band: “All of us are newly adults and have been passionate musicians for years now. We are nonstop working towards building a fanbase and creating more music.” Releasing an acoustic single at this stage in their career demonstrates Roscoe’s commitment to themselves and their product, taking a break from trying to bash out hits, to refine previous songs and present them in an alternative way.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

To further develop Roscoe, live performances such as support tours and festival sets would increase their following and engagement, as the audience already trusts and enjoys the headlining act, making it easier to attract new fans and build a more substantial presence in the music scene. In turn, this will also give them experience in performing in larger venues, expanding on their professionalism and understanding of the industry. By supporting artists such as The Royston Club and Arkayla, both from the North and Wales (expanding on their loyalty to their home), Roscoe would benefit significantly from increased exposure to broader audiences who appreciate similar styles. Given that their live sets are their strongest asset, these opportunities would allow them to showcase their performance skills to enthusiastic crowds, helping them build a loyal fanbase. This kind of support slot can also open doors for networking within the industry, leading to more gigs and potential collaborations. Wunderhorse is an example of a band that has gained a large following and fame by supporting acts such as Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C., and Pixies. They supported these artists in 2022 following the release of their EP Cub, which massively aided their growth and allowed them to play Glastonbury the following year, 2023. The unique sounds and expressions of ideas are shared by both Wunderhorse and Roscoe. In turn, through these opportunities, they will gain experience in performing in larger venues, expanding on their professionalism and understanding of the industry.

Sets at festivals also help artists reach a wider audience. For Roscoe, festivals such as Kendal Calling, Tramlines and Neighbourhood Weekender would not only showcase them and their presence on stage but also allow them to reach people more interested in indie and alternative music, increasing their chances of gaining a following. Roscoe highlights that they have upcoming festival slots – potentially Sound City Liverpool and Focus Wales – which they hope will increase exposure, leading to connections and opportunities that will allow them to play larger festivals. Sound of Life (2023) also mentions that through festivals, artists often have their music added to playlists for their festivals, meaning they are “potentially being exposed to an even greater number of ears”. Alongside this, the community a festival brings to the audience is vital to Roscoe, as is protecting the live music sector and supporting smaller venues and festivals.

Roscoe stands to grow significantly through support tours and festival appearances, as these opportunities closely align with their performance style and brand identity. Since their live shows serve as the medium through which they convey their image and connect with audiences, performing alongside established acts can expand their reach while maintaining the authenticity that defines them, boosting their profile and creating a reputation as a compelling live act.

VISUAL POTENTIAL

Roscoe has already developed a truly distinctive and powerful visual identity that sets them apart, and they aim to further strengthen it. This strong visual presence is more than just eye-catching—it’s a strategic asset that can drive their marketability and ultimately boost their profitability. Their signature style, combining vibrant, colourful stage lighting with deep, moody shadows, draws inspiration from the raw energy of grunge and rock. This contrasts beautifully with their softer, blurred countryside imagery, creating a striking visual duality, balanced like night and day. This blend of contrasting elements gives Roscoe a unique edge, enabling them to produce merchandise, specifically apparel such as t-shirts and hoodies, that stands out and appeals to a broad audience. Fans who are drawn to the gritty, edgy side can connect with the darker visuals, while those who appreciate a more serene, natural aesthetic will find the softer imagery appealing. This versatility in their visual style not only broadens their reach but also allows them to stay authentic to their personal identity. By embracing this duality, Roscoe can build a diverse fan base without compromising who they are, making their brand both relatable and memorable.

Beyond this, it could lead to selling limited-edition merchandise and copies, particularly vinyl, which have made a comeback as collector’s items. This is not uncommon in the industry now, with many artists releasing different vinyl editions to appeal to a broader audience and give consumers a sense of personalisation through choice. Some vary in album art or vinyl colour. I believe this is something that Roscoe can use to further play into the duality of their visual appeal. However, this needs to be limited, as there is growing discourse about artists, for example, Taylor Swift, releasing multiple copies of the same vinyl, which encourages overconsumption and has adverse effects on the environment. Dazed highlights, “music fans have always collected vinyl, and owning physical media is an increasingly crucial way to enjoy and support art outside of the glare of our data-grabbing tech overlords. But the way fans now buy music in excess suggests that the rampant consumerism defining the 2020s has fully seeped into the music industry.” (Molloy, 2025) This is something now pointed out not only by conservationists but also by other artists.

On top of this, Roscoe’s live visuals are not only something they are passionate about but also something they recognise as essential to the industry. They acknowledge that live performances are an integral part of being successful and generating the income needed to grow as a band. As this importance grows to counteract the rise of streaming, they show great potential to deliver visually and dynamically interesting tours and sets. An example of a band who does this is Beach House, who use lighting and colours to reflect their ‘dreamy’ instrumentation, encouraging more people to attend the live shows beyond the music. In addition, visually or aesthetically intriguing and unique tours can increase attendance by being documented by fans on social media platforms such as TikTok. Artists such as Zara Larsson, Raye, and Sabrina Carpenter have gained new followings and reached broader audiences through their live performances shared on TikTok. While these artists are from very different genres, I think this would allow more opportunities for Roscoe to be groundbreaking.

RE-EMERGENCE OF LYRICISM & STYLE

Roscoe’s relationship with lyricism is something they hold dear to themselves. As previously highlighted, they find honesty, especially inspiring honesty, an essential part of who they are and what they want to do with the band, especially for younger generations, as young adults themselves. This is something the band can utilise, as there’s growing criticism of “shallow” or “insincere” lyricism in modern music, and audiences, with the growth of AI and consumerism, want music they can connect with and relate to. This creates a deeper connection between them and the band, fostering community within their fanbase and setting them apart from many other bands with similar goals.

Two of their main lyrical inspirations include Elliot Smith and Jeff Buckley. Both of these artists have established passionate followings throughout their careers, and since their passing, their existing fanbases have continued to seek out additional content and works similar to theirs. While these were both very influential people, and many bands credit them as inspirations, Roscoe explains that their connection to their lyricism, along with Radiohead’s, lies in honesty. Like these artists, Roscoe’s lyrics possess a poetic quality, incorporating lyrical devices that enhance the storytelling. The use of devices such as metaphor, imagery, and rhythm feels natural and unforced, creating vivid narratives that engage listeners on a deeper level. This approach allows the band to craft songs that are both artistically rich and emotionally resonant, something modern audiences and existing fans of these artists are searching for.

Building on this foundation, Roscoe is well-positioned to find listeners who crave authenticity in an era dominated by mass-produced music. Their commitment to honest storytelling not only honours their inspirations but also creates a unique space where fans feel seen and understood. Especially among younger generations, as shown in a 2021 study into “the link between songwriting, self-expression and wellbeing in young people”, explaining it can be used to “process emotions and events, and as a therapeutic tool for regulating and channelling experiences into something positive”, tying into Roscoe’s goal to inspire honesty and build community. This genuine connection fosters loyalty and word-of-mouth growth, which are essential for emerging bands in today’s competitive music landscape and by blending poetic lyricism with relatable themes and their own personal past, Roscoe has the potential to establish a positive reputation as exceptional writers instantly.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

To be successful, Roscoe will have to improve its social media presence and find ways to attract an audience that interacts. While they have over 1,500 followers, respectable for a band with such a limited discography, the interaction from their posts and stories doesn’t reflect their following. They typically gain 100-150 likes per Instagram post, meaning roughly 10% of their following sees or interacts with their posts. This could be due to breaks in their posts; for example, there are gaps in the regular posting schedule between the 24th of September and the 31st of October, which can cause followers to disengage and discourage new audiences from following. Their TikTok following is even smaller, at just 380. Indie and alternative bands can sometimes struggle to use short-form content creatively, as the more playful or humorous content produced by pop or other genre bands may not align with their brand identity. However, sharing content such as live performance videos and tour dates can effectively help grow their audience, particularly on platforms like TikTok, where the algorithm enhances the visibility of music to users who are likely to appreciate it. While social media is an essential part of being a music artist or band today, I believe these analytics are not a significant concern. This is because Roscoe already has a relatively large following in relation to their releases and performances. With the right campaigns and marketing, they have a solid foundation to improve interaction, which will lead to more followers and help expand their audience. As a result, I feel Roscoe would see the results they want with a clear marketing campaign and schedule, allowing their audience to follow their development into new releases and concerts, and encouraging new audiences to follow, in turn attending these concerts and streaming their music.

In addition, another weakness of Roscoe’s is their small discography and slow release schedule. Since 2023, Roscoe has been active for two years and has released just eight songs. This is due to funding, they state: “We want to sound as true to ourselves as possible in recordings, and working towards that has been difficult. Keeping consistent releases isn’t easy for any band, but without the use of a label financially backing us, we have left our audience in the dark for quite some time now.” While this is something they aim to improve on, finding the money to pay for studios and equipment has proven challenging, and despite their creativity and effort to find contacts that can help them, they still have experienced repercussions as part of this, not just slow releases, but also limited marketing and equipment maintenance. They refuse to compromise the quality of their product through taking shortcuts, however, and insist on being true to their expanding fanbase by releasing music to a high standard despite their schedule. Beyond this, I believe the quality-over-quantity approach will benefit them in the future, were they to receive the funding and facilities they require, as it has for so many bands in the past.

This plan to develop Roscoe combines strategies that have been successful for bands with similar aims in the past, such as growth through support tours and festival sets, with strategies designed to appeal to a modern audience, such as an emphasis on authenticity and a strong visual image. I believe this plan is absolutely feasible, as it involves simple, inexpensive methods, such as improving their social media marketing. Alongside this, these points primarily aim to build on Roscoe’s existing strengths, which already set them apart from many other new and upcoming indie/alternative rock bands. The sequence of events in my plan starts with growth in their social media and brand image, allowing them to gain support and festival sets, and build notoriety to do their own tours and sell merchandise. This gradual progression allows the band to gain confidence and experience while steadily increasing their visibility.

Roscoe’s blend of honest songwriting and dynamic live performances sets them apart in the alternative rock scene. Their strong connection to their background and unique imagery adds depth to their identity. The band’s focus on authenticity resonates with audiences seeking genuine emotion in music. By building on these strengths, Roscoe has the potential to grow steadily and gain wider recognition. This plan emphasises practical steps, such as improving social media and securing support tours, to increase visibility. Overall, Roscoe is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact on modern music.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • Roscoe (2024) What Do We Do It For? [Digital] Roscoe