before close share brand new indie-folk stunner ‘roisin’ featuring Amelia Coburn

Earlier in February this year, Generator’s Sonic Futures project took part in an exciting Regional Showcase Series in partnership with the Hertford Quarter - a community-focused initiative led by acclaimed artist George Ezra and his sister Jess. Not only were artists invited to take part in the showcase, but they were also invited to record new music.

Tees Valley artists Jodie Nicholson, Joe Ramsey and Amelia Coburn crafted new music at Hotel Quebec Studios, under Nicholson’s and Ramsey’s project ‘before close’, with the first single release, ‘Roisin’, coming out on Friday 28th August.

Of the song, the duo say:

"We wrote Roisin about a fictional couple, who’ve either grown apart or need to resolve their differences, with the seasonal references reflecting how relationships change over time. To us, it’s picturing a guy sitting under an Autumn tree, reflecting on this relationship and wishing for one more conversation with Roisin. It’s warm, it’s nostalgic, it’s longing, it’s hopeful. We loved writing it and bringing it to life at Hotel Quebec."

Joe adds:

“Recording at Hotel Quebec was an amazing experience, as well as having the opportunity to work with producer and fellow Northerner Liam Thorne, who was so fun to work with. In only a few days it felt like we became best friends, and there was so much joy and laughter in the studio that feeded into the ethos of before close. ‘roisin’ feels like a song from the 60s, honing in on our vocals and harmonies in this dreamlike atmosphere that encapsulated an absolute dream of a week.”

before close have garnered critical acclaim from the following outlets:

“The pair’s sparse, careful songs are packed with close harmonies and reflect
northeast England’s light and geography” - CLASH Magazine

“Wall-to-wall cosiness... channelling an idyllic world of firesides and pumpkin
spiced lattes. It’s intimate, homemade, raw, and deeply human” - DIY Magazine

“Fragile, but powerful”- Shakk, BBC Introducing North East

As well as featuring Amelia Coburn, Tom Blackwell of Young Rebel Set also contributed to songwriting, with the song emerging from an earlier Sonic Futures writing session in 2025.

In celebration of the releases, Amelia, Jodie and Joe are hosting a songwriting camp with Chad Rodgers, 22-24 September.

James Hewitson
Sonic Futures Programme Coordinator