Blue Rose Down: Bastard Blues and Speaking Out on Mental Health

Interview by Christina Angrabeit

Blue Rose Down is a one-man band that, in my own words, plays raw, dirty blues with profound lyrics. I first saw him live in October 2025 as a support act for Cam Cole at Club Pauli in Hamburg, and I immediately knew I had to interview him – he surely had interesting stories to tell. In this interview, he shares, among other things, his views on his music, mental health, and the idea of resolutions – a conversation full of honesty and unexpected insights.

Christmas Thoughts

CA: I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. What does Christmas mean to you personally? I read on Facebook that you once wrote: ‘It’s the worst time of the year.’ Was that meant seriously or was it more of a promotional slogan?

Blue Rose Down: That was definitely meant seriously, but it was also intended as a promotional slogan. I really don’t get Christmas, mostly because it’s also a Christian tradition that’s being used for commercial purposes.

I am a Protestant Christian myself, so of course Christmas means a lot to me on paper, but there’s no focus on what Christmas is really about, so it actually just pisses me off.

It’s a month where people waste their money on materialism and expensive sh*t for themselves, while the poorest countries around the world are suffering. I have a problem with people spending €100 on sh*t they can’t even remember buying a year later, when sending €100 to people suffering from famine would actually make a difference. I just don’t get it.

In Denmark, where I’m from, we have a lot of Christmas traditions and dinners where we sit down, eat, drink snaps, etc., but if there are two things I really hate, it’s sitting down doing nothing and eating. So it’s a tough month for me.

The Story Behind Blue Rose Down

CA: I already mentioned it in my concert review – would you like to share with my readers how you came up with your stage name Blue Rose Down?

Blue Rose Down: Of course! To make a long story (and evening) short, it was actually my friend who came up with the name.

We were out drinking beers, and then he said to me that I should call the project “Blue Rose Down” because the music was about blues (blue), about being broken-hearted (the rose), and because I was feeling pretty down and low at the time. So I went home, thought about it, and went with it. Huge shout-out to my pal Emil, who came up with the name!

Discovering Blues Rock

CA: How did you get into blues rock?

Blue Rose Down: At some point, it’s a really wack story, but here we go. (laughs)

As a young pre-teen, I used to watch a shitload of football – every Saturday and Sunday. And out of the blue, a TV commercial appeared showing a “Greatest Hits” DVD for this band called AC/DC. I thought it looked and sounded cool. At the time, Michael Jackson had just retired, and because I needed a new favorite artist, I thought I’d give AC/DC a try.

So I bought this DVD called Family Jewels, and I was instantly hooked. After getting to know the band, I picked up some of their inspirations. In fact, my dad was also listening to a lot of John Mayall, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, and others at the time.

So at some point, I grew up with it, but no one ever forced me to like this music, so I like to say I figured it out myself.

In the end, it’s all about AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Rolling Stones. It was around the same time I was learning to play guitar, and my first guitar teacher showed me some blues licks: Stevie Ray Vaughan, Robben Ford, and stuff like that, which really influenced me to listen to more blues. Later on, I discovered ZZ Top.

One-Man-Band Set-Up & Instruments

CA: You play guitar and kick drums – how did you discover that for yourself? Do you play any other instruments?

Blue Rose Down: I used to play in bands, but I didn’t feel like we were going anywhere, so I decided to leave and try to make a “gun-for-hire” career. That went okay. I played a lot of pop, drill, indie, and so on, but it wasn’t really what I wanted (though I still do it at times, and enjoy it!).

One evening, I was fucking around with a one-man-band idea and playing this off-beat riff (the riff for “Look,” actually), when I thought: “I need some f*cking rhythm.” So I put myself behind a drum kit and used just the kick drum, and somehow it worked out pretty well.

That’s basically the story.

Fun Fact: Eminem Song As An Inspiration For “Look”

I also didn’t want to make a typical “singer/songwriter” concept. It had to look weird, it had to be unique. So the idea of buying a resonator, adding a fuzz pedal, and playing a kick drum is what got the project going.

Other instruments? Both a few and everything. I’m originally a guitar player, but I also play bass, drum kit, dulcimer, harmonica, piano, and tin whistle. I’m not very good at anything but guitar, but I do play a lot of different instruments. And banjo, too!

As for the kick drum, I saw some videos of Shawn James and Reignwolf on YouTube, who also use only a kick drum, and I thought it looked and sounded pretty cool so I went with it.

Fun fact: the riff for “Look” actually came from listening to the song “Shake That Ass” by Eminem feat. Nate Dogg.

Songwriting & Lyrics

CA: What inspires your song lyrics? Are they based more on your own experiences, or do you also tell other people’s stories?

Blue Rose Down: A lot. Really a lot.

My early material is 100% inspired by where I was and how I felt in life at the time, anger, revenge, drinking.

Most of my material comes from my own perspective. There are stories here and there, but I like to put my feelings and experiences into them.

It’s a way of creating distance from my own life and the people I sometimes write about.

Every song about self-hatred and stuff like that is 100% true. I write about how I feel and explain it honestly. That being said, sometimes you just need a story about something far removed from your own life, and then I make one up. Loner is a good example, it’s a story about a bastard who fucked up his whole life, but it has nothing to do with my personal life. The feelings might be related, but the story is made up.

From time to time, I write songs about society and build a story around the theme I want to explore.

I can also get inspired by quotes, while I’m shopping, at a bar, or from a documentary. Sometimes a sentence just pops into my head, and I build a song around that.

I usually start out with writing something random, maybe something that I’d had on my mind for a while, and when that lyric is done, I either change a few things or I start writing a complete new lyric with another theme, or the same theme. It depends on how I feel and what I think of the lyric and the melody.

Bastard Blues Explained

CA: You describe your music as bastard blues. What characterises bastard blues and what does it mean to you?

Blue Rose Down: Bastard Blues is more of a concept than an actual genre.

When I started Blue Rose Down, I spent a lot of time thinking about what to call it. Back then, it was really important for people to know what genre they were listening to, which is way less important today. But I thought: this is somehow blues, somehow hard rock, somehow country/folk-ish… So what do I do?

I couldn’t call it “Motherf*cker Blues”, that sounded really f***ing wack, so I went with Bastard Blues. It’s music meant for people who might or can be fierce bastards, but also because the foundation of all the music I do is blues. So, yet again, it’s more of a concept than an actual genre.

To me, Bastard Blues means you don’t have any frames. It’s up to me to decide. If I want to make some dirty blues, I do it. If I want to make a basic rock song, I’ll f***ing do it. A bastard doesn’t work in the frame, a bastard works outside the frame. I can do whatever I want, and if people want to call it something else, that’s up to them. It won’t ruin my day.

New Album & Future Plans

CA: Is a new Blue Rose Down album in the works?

Blue Rose Down: Yes, there’s an album in the works.

I’ve already written enough songs for an album, and while I’m answering these questions, I’m actually in the countryside, all alone, deciding which songs I want on the album and how to approach it.

The plan is to record a new album in 2026, but I have a small problem called “not enough money.” I really hope I can figure something out.

I really want a new album to come out because I’ve developed a lot as a musician and songwriter/composer, and I want people to hear a proper album.

With my first releases, the concept was to do everything live in the studio. I didn’t have the technique for vocals or anything else at the time, but that was kind of the point. Now, though, I really want to release a proper f***ing album.

CA: I can imagine it’s really challenging to sing, play guitar, and handle the kick drums at the same time. How do you manage to coordinate everything, and how long did it take you to master it?

Blue Rose Down: It’s quite simple: practice.

You start by rehearsing rhythm while playing guitar—which is easy for most musicians—and then you gradually make it more complicated and put more into the songwriting. But in the end, it’s all about practice, practice, practice, and never being okay with a live performance that’s just “okay.” I’m in it to win it.

Live Performances & Touring

CA: In October 2025, you were the support act for Cam Cole at Club Bahnhof Pauli. How did that come about and how did you meet?

Blue Rose Down: Cam Cole was playing Copenhagen in 2023, so I applied for the support gig immediately.

I got the gig and turned up at BETA in Copenhagen, where the concert was.

Cam’s manager invited me in for dinner backstage, and we had a really good chat. They were really down to earth – no bullsh*t. After the gig, we talked a bit more, and Cam’s manager told me we had to stay in touch because they really wanted me to play a support gig again.

In early 2025, Cam’s manager wrote to me and asked if I would support Cam on the first leg of the Europe tour. Of course, I said yes, and that’s the story.

Cam’s team are some of the best people I’ve ever met in the music business. They’re good guys, and we had a chill, great time during the whole run, before Arthur Buezo took over from me. Check them both out: Cam and Arthur!

CA: How would you compare the music scenes in Germany and Denmark? Do you notice any differences? And if so, what are the differences?

Blue Rose Down: It was my first show ever in Germany, so I can’t really compare it to anything.

But the crowd seemed active, and no one left the room, so I guess they were pretty dedicated to the show even though it’s always a tough job being the opening band.

Still, it was an absolutely great and responsive crowd, and I felt really, really good at that show, also thanks to the venue crew and the audience.

Gear & Sound

CA: Which exact guitar model did you play on stage at Club Bahnhof Pauli in Hamburg, and which effects or pedals are most important to your sound?

Blue Rose Down: I’m playing a Morgan Instrument resonator from a company in Norway. It’s a cheap copy of a National/Republic resonator—the same type Mark Knopfler played back in the day.

There are a lot of different pedals on my board, but I can’t play without my fuzz pedal, the Spooky Tooth. It’s absolutely my favorite fuzz pedal.

I also have an old spring reverb that’s really important for the vibe, especially when I play acoustic songs.

All in all, the effects I use during a show are fuzz, reverb, octave, delay for certain parts, and an overdrive pedal which I actually use to control my sound while playing solo. I also use the overdrive when playing the more “calm” songs.

I used to play with a boost pedal called Bobster. It has a really awesome sound, but unfortunately, it’s broken.

When I end my shows, I add a flanger to the sound, plus one more delay pedal, to wrap everything up in an intense outro.

CA: You’re playing at the Nordic Noise Festival 2026 in Denmark. Are you excited yet?

Blue Rose Down: Oh yes! Definitely!

It’s my first appearance at this festival, so I’m really looking forward to it!

CA: Are there any plans for more concerts in Germany?

Blue Rose Down: Yes! I’m working on more German shows and hopefully I’ll be able to be back in 2027 but hopefully in 2026 already!

If anyone reading this knows a booker or a venue, please let me know!

CA: I recently saw a post where you were wearing a Black Sabbath sweater. Are you a fan of the band and what does it mean to you?

Blue Rose Down: I’m a huge Black Sabbath fan. They were one of the first bands I listened to, and I’ve been following them ever since.

The first time I heard Black Sabbath was in the game Guitar Hero. I was a pre-teen and didn’t know shit about rock or heavy metal, but I bought the album Paranoid and then just started researching them.

It’s a band that means a lot to me, also because they did whatever the f**k they wanted to do. Who would’ve ever thought of a classic instrumental before going into “Children of the Grave”? I love their way of writing and the fact that they just did whatever they wanted and I’m still listening to them a lot these days.

Mental Health

CA: You don’t have to answer this question if you don’t want to: In Hamburg, you mentioned to the audience that people struggling with depression should reach out and talk to someone they trust. How important is mental health to you, also in the context of your song lyrics?

Blue Rose Down: This is why I do music.

I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental issues myself, and being able to talk to people and tell them how important it is to reach out really means a lot to me.

Every time I’ve reached out to someone about what I was dealing with, anxiety, stress, depression, really dark thoughts etc., I’ve been met with a helping hand. It can feel impossible when you’re caught in your own darkness, but still: if any of you reading this are dealing with stuff like that, reach out. People actually want to help you. They just need to know that you’re asking for help before they can help you.

Exclusive Acoustic Video & YouTube

CA: You have the opportunity to contribute an exclusive video to my Angrabyte Journalism YouTube channel. Would you like to briefly tell us what you have planned for it?

Blue Rose Down: It’s an acoustic version of “Hang“ from the EP “It Might Get Dark“, and hopefully there’ll be a rig rundown as well, another time. I’m still looking for a new rehearsal space, though, so hopefully I’ll find one soon and be able to show you what kind of pedals I’m using, etc.

Thoughts On Resolutions & 2026

CA: Do you have any New Year’s resolutions for 2026, or do you not believe in resolutions?

Blue Rose Down: I don’t believe in resolutions. To me, they often feel like an excuse to stop doing something, and then people “forget” about it because they’re too busy or come up with some other stupid excuse.

I don’t like lazy people who use non-excuses to quit what they’re doing. Don’t be a victim take some responsibility. And the fun part is, you can do that anytime: January, March, August… just do something.

Not that I’m particularly good at doing what I need to do myself. I f**k things up plenty, but I do always take responsibility for it, even when the disaster is 100% my own.

Final Thoughts & Message

CA: Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of Angrabyte Journalism?

Blue Rose Down: I want to say this: if you’re dealing with mental issues, do something about it.

It’s f***ing scary. It might feel embarrassing. It might feel like you’re bothering others with your sh*t, but I’ll tell you this: they’d rather have you here alive than not. Talk to someone and stand up for yourself. We all have problems, and you know what? That’s okay. But it’s also possible to fix them it just takes time.

And one more thing: support your local venues, support the underground, and remember to stand up for yourself and if you like to listen to my music and want to support my music and me, you can buy merchandise from my website: https://www.bluerosedown.com/

CA: Thank you so much for your time and effort in giving this interview and contributing the exclusive video to Angrabyte Journalism.

(Editor’s note: This interview may be updated at a later date.)

Blue Rose Down Discography

Bastard Blues ( Album) (2018)

Closer Than Death (Album) (2019)

Incandescent (Single) (2020)

August 12 (Single) (2023)

It Might Get Dark (EP) (2023)

Links:

Website: https://www.bluerosedown.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluerosedown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluerosedown/

Concert Review: https://angrabytejournalism.com/2025/10/23/cam-cole-concert-review-bahnhof-pauli-hamburg-2025/