Gasoline Lollipops defy genre and gender norms with new album
of human duality and the age-old conflict between man and woman in 1970s Texas, providing Rose with a unique creative outlet.
Rose’s involvement in the ballet forced him to delve into parts of himself that he had previously ignored or suppressed. Growing up in rural Tennessee, Rose expressed his punk rocker identity through long hair, painted fingernails, and eyeliner. However, societal pressures led him to suppress this side of himself, leading to a disconnect from his own femininity and the burying of buried rage that resurfaced during the creation of “Sam and Delilah.”
This internal exploration culminated in the release of Gasoline Lollipops’ album “Kill the Architect.” The title embodies Rose’s desire to dismantle the societal constructs that create divisions between masculine and feminine energies within individuals. He believes that all humans possess a spectrum of traits, including traits typically associated with masculinity and femininity, and that attempting to separate and categorize these aspects is unnatural.
This concept of breaking down barriers and challenging societal norms also extends to Gasoline Lollipops’ music. The band has often defied classification within Denver’s music scene, with critics and fans struggling to place them within specific genres. Despite early recognition as the “Best Country Band in Colorado,” Rose didn’t even realize he was playing country music until it was pointed out to him in an interview.
Gasoline Lollipops’ music draws from a variety of influences, reflecting Rose’s diverse musical upbringing. With honky tonk and outlaw country from his mom, psychedelic rock and folk singers from his dad, and punk rock from his sister, Rose’s musical palette is rich and varied. This eclectic mix of influences has resulted in a sound that defies categorization and resists fitting neatly into any specific genre.
The band’s genre-fluid approach is evident in their latest album, which showcases a blend of influences and styles that are deeply personal to Rose. Gasoline Lollipops’ refusal to be pigeonholed has been both a strength and a challenge, as they navigate their place within the music industry. Despite the obstacles they face in finding a specific niche, the band remains dedicated to creating music that is authentic and true to their unique musical DNA.
As Gasoline Lollipops gears up for the release of “Kill the Architect,” they invite listeners to join them in celebrating their boundary-pushing sound at their upcoming album release party at Boulder’s Fox Theatre on September 5th. The album not only serves as a musical exploration of identity and societal constructs but also as a testament to the power of embracing all aspects of oneself, regardless of societal expectations or limitations.