With over 180K streams in the last year, North East chilled indie singer-songwriter ROJOR is hitting the mark amongst indie music fans across the UK and, indeed , the world. As he releases his new album ‘Under the Snow Moon’, Lee Allcock caught up with him to find out more.
Your new album ‘Under the Snow Moon’ was written during the cold, dark months of autumn and winter. How did that season influence the mood and themes of the songs?
Truth be told, not much. I tend to do a lot of writing and recording during that time of year quite simply because, in the summer, I’m usually out climbing mountains or travelling. I love hibernating in a cosy, warm studio in the winter, so I suppose, in some ways, that feeling of home and belonging does seep into the fabric of the songs at a subtle level.
The album touches on themes of searching, longing, and finding a sense of belonging in a turbulent world. Can you share more about the stories behind some of these characters?
It’s certainly an unsettling time. The world is changing so rapidly, and I think people are struggling to hold on to anything concrete in terms of culture, identity and belonging. We all crave that sense of stability – a harbour in the storm. Interestingly, the title track from the album is a song about two wolves living on the edge of extinction. It’s a metaphor for our fragile human existence. ‘Desert Maiden’ is a tale of longing and migration – a love story of a couple separated while travelling across the desert, haunted by a traumatic past. They’re searching for a home, crossing continents in the hope of a better life – it’s a level of courage that many of us will never truly understand.
With over 180,000 streams last year and multiple BBC Introducing ‘Track of the Week’ features, how have you seen your audience respond to your unique blend of chilled indie and ambient soundscapes?
It’s been a fantastic couple of years in terms of streaming success. Every indie artist knows how tough it is out there, so pulling in over 100,000 streams without any label support feels like a huge achievement. There’s a big, untapped audience seeking “good music” – songs with hooks, melody, and intelligent lyrics. That’s the space I’ve found myself in. BBC Introducing were kind enough to champion my material; ‘Everytime I See Her’, ‘Planet Ride’, ‘Disconnected’ and ‘If Luv Could Cure’ all made ‘Track of the Week’ on BBC Tees, back in its heyday under the fabulous Bob Fischer. I think my songs resonate with a North East audience because I’m a Teesside lad, and I often reference home in my writing.
In a time when many music venues are closing, how do you think indie artists like yourself can continue to reach and connect with mainstream audiences?
I think, post-COVID, the live music scene has undeniably changed. People became very used to polished home entertainment – the comfort and control of it. That’s made some audiences feel alienated from the sound, spontaneity, and chaos of a live band – ironically, that’s where the real magic happens. If venues and festivals are going to survive, the programming needs to be more varied and adventurous. Promoters have to fully own their events and fight to sell every ticket. We also need to ensure venues are inclusive, welcoming spaces where everyone feels safe. On a personal level, I’m thinking of doing some semi-acoustic shows in 2026 – intimate versions of my songs, stripped back and performed live.
Your vocals have been described as a trademark laid-back delivery that complements shimmering guitars and melancholy melodies. How do you approach creating that distinctive sound and atmosphere in your music?
For me, vocals are all about tone and a strong melody. I’ve heard so many great songs ruined by singers doing vocal gymnastics. I’d say to any young artist: always serve the song first. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to ambient soundscapes – from Andy Summers’ guitar work in The Police to the synthesisers of The Blue Nile. It’s about space, colour, and mood. Much of my sound comes from musical structures I create on the piano. You’ll rarely find straightforward chords in my songs – I gravitate towards those melancholy minor 9ths. That’s probably why so much of my music has that chilled, atmospheric vibe. As Shakespeare said: “To thine own self be true.”
You can listen to the new album on all major streaming platforms from Friday 5th September.
