Swindon’s home-grown music scene has long been a hidden gem for lovers of live music. From the bustling Swindon Shuffle — which sees dozens of local bands take over Old Town each summer — to grassroots festivals like My Dad’s Bigger Than Your Dad in the Town Gardens Bowl, the town continues to nurture a vibrant mix of talent.
Among its proud musical residents is Jol Rose, a London-born singer-songwriter who has called Swindon home for the past decade. His fourth album, Ragged Stories, was released on 1 October, offering a heartfelt reflection on home life, memory, and the hope for a better world.
Described as “rough-edged Americana,” the new record strips back to basics — just voice, guitar and harmonica, recorded live in the studio without overdubs or studio polish. “I wanted this one to sound like I’m right there in the room with you,” says Rose.
While the album carries the familiar twang of Nashville and Phoenix, one track in particular hits closer to home. ‘Swindon Saturday Night’, a long-time fan favourite at gigs, has finally been recorded for the first time.
“I wrote that after lockdown,” says Rose. “We were all so chuffed to be heading out to the pubs again — especially us musicians, having the chance to play in front of real people. I wanted a song that gave a shout-out to all our great pubs in town.”
The song name-checks venues from the Railway Village to Old Town, with tongue-in-cheek nods to regulars and characters along the way. “It’s been tricky keeping the song up to date,” Rose laughs. “New pubs come and, sadly, some others go.”
The CD launch show for Ragged Stories takes place at The Pulpit, Old Town’s newest pub and live music venue, on Tuesday 21 October at 8pm. Entry is free, but with the venue’s intimate size, early arrival is recommended.
The Pulpit gig also doubles as a warm-up for Rose’s upcoming Germany tour, which kicks off on 23 October and includes 19 shows across the country from Hamburg to Bavaria.
“I have great memories of my time in Germany and I love touring there,” he says. “Some towns seem stuck in another century, while cities like Berlin change as you watch them.”
The track ‘Meet Me in Berlin’ nods to those years spent abroad — a wistful tale of late nights, friendships, and fleeting connections.
Ragged Stories and Rose’s previous albums are available on Spotify, iTunes and via www.jolrose.com.
In addition to his album launch, Jol will also support Americana artist Rob Vincent at The Hop Inn, Old Town, on Saturday 11 October.
