In March, Rosali—the North Carolina–based songwriter and guitarist Rosali Middleman—released her Merge Records debut Bite Down, called “one of 2024’s most remarkable records” (Bandcamp). The album has also received a slew of Best of 2024 So Far accolades from Rolling Stone, Stereogum, Consequence, Aquarium Drunkard, UPROXX, BrooklynVegan, Paste, The A.V. Club, and beyond.

Today, her single “Hey Heron” is now available across all platforms after being featured exclusively on Cardinals at the Window, a compilation fundraising for recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. Originally slated to be released in early October, “Hey Heron” gained new meaning as the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene unfolded in Rosali’s home state. She explains, “Although it was written two years prior, the imagery of the song took on a powerful newness that it only felt appropriate to offer it up as a first listen to raise funds for the recovery efforts.” 

Middleman expands on the song: “It’s a reflection on our existence and interconnectedness with all things. I was seeking answers to sadness and suffering while walking the river path daily, speaking to the trees, the rocks, and the birds. I found solace in the practice and learned to trust in the timing within my life. And what a joy to witness—to imagine oneself as a droplet, or an ancient stone carved by the rushing water, to be part of the whole. And within these great cycles, there are ups and downs, light and dark, and lessons and inspiration.”

Bite Down captures Rosali in the midst of a transition, resolving to “sink my teeth into the flesh and bone of being in the world, devouring the obstacles in my path and gloriously savoring all that is on offer,” she elaborates. The album is elevated further by Omaha’s finest, the Mowed Sound: David Nance (bass, guitar), James Schroeder (guitar, synth), Kevin Donahue (drums, percussion), and Destroyer collaborator Ted Bois (keys). 

This year has seen Rosali and Mowed Sound touring extensively behind Bite Down, selling out headline shows and opening for the likes of Mary Timony, Iron & Wine, and Jessica Pratt. The band is currently supporting Mdou Moctar on their West Coast run. All dates are listed below, and tickets can be purchased here.

Rosali on tour: 
Oct 22 Seattle, WA – The Crocodile *
Oct 23 Portland, OR – Revolution Music Hall *
Oct 25 San Francisco, CA – Regency Ballroom *
Oct 26 Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom *
Oct 28 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom *
Oct 29 Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater *
Nov 04 York, UK – Fullford Arms
Nov 05 Glasgow, UK – Hug & Pint
Nov 06 Edinburgh, UK – Sneaky Pete's
Nov 07 Norwich, UK – Norwich Arts Centre
Nov 08 Ipswich, UK – Steven's Church
Nov 09 Falmouth, UK – Cornish Bank
Nov 10 London, UK – Pitchfork Music Festival