GETLOST WITH: ROWETTA
Not just a Happy Monday: how Rowetta chooses contentment everyday
Hailed for her achievements in the Madchester scene, musical prowess isn’t the only thing that makes Rowetta one of our city’s most inspiring figures.
When she’s not appearing on stage with fellow Manc legends, you’ll find Rowetta walking with her dogs around lakes, beaches and reservoirs for musical inspiration. After the pandemic brought a short hiatus on the gigs and tours, the Mondays’ singer switched her usual adventures for local ones – instead taking her pups to visit our city’s many beauty spots.
Keen to find out which local trails are her favourite, we asked for the Mancunian singer’s top five places to walk across Greater Manchester. “I love really love anywhere with water but not too busy and not too far to walk to. I’ve always had small dogs and, at times, walking has been a problem for them in older age,” she tells Getlostmcr.
“I’m in my studio most days when I’m at home, writing and recording almost every day. I’m a workaholic, so I need to get outdoors and breathe fresh air and see interesting things. I love to be near water and often get inspired when I visit certain places. I also love the different colours that each season brings.”
Like many of us during the pandemic, the once-permitted daily walk helped keep The Happy Mondays’ singer motivated and optimistic. “Getting out, even a little – along with my music – kept me sane,” says Rowetta. “I have to make myself go out sometimes, to take a break from working on music and the business side of things and I always try to plan adventures so there’s something to look forward to, whether it be local or overseas. I think it’s important to switch off and not let things get on top of you, or overthink things. Getting out and about is a great way to clear the mind.”
And if you’re looking to follow in Rowetta’s talented musical footsteps, the Manc legend recommends getting out on the trails when you can. Crediting the outdoors as a great source of creative inspiration, she says she regularly works on her latest tunes while soaking up the outdoors: “Melodies and lyrics often pop into my head, and I record any ideas into my phone.”
Nothing beats a good backing track to accompany your outdoor adventures, that’s for sure – and with lots of releases on the horizon, Rowetta’s ever-growing catalogue of musical brilliance should certainly make an appearance on your next ramble.
Latest track ‘Anytime is House Time’ with Bad Intentions is out now – and you can stay tuned on her upcoming releases over Instagram and Facebook.
In the meantime, be sure to check out Rowetta’s
Top 5 Local Walking Routes:
1. Dovestones
“Such a beautiful place and the closest to home for a real feel of lake and mountain backdrop,” Rowetta says. “It can get really busy – but on a quiet day, it feels magical.”
2. Sale Water Park
“Close to home and usually nice and peaceful during the week (unless the schools are closed!). It’s beautiful when the sun shines here.”
3. Chorlton Water Park
“As with Sale Water Park, this is a really lovely setting for a quick walk but can get really busy.”
4. Wythenshawe Park
“I love taking my dogs for long walks here. Whatever the weather, it’s big enough to feel peaceful and I love taking them to visit the ponies and goats.”
5. Denzell Gardens, Altrincham
“A lovely stroll around the gardens and stately home. It’s a really pretty spot with a maze, wooded area and a huge green for the dogs where you can often spot wild rabbits.”
