Last December, Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Addy Watkins captivated listeners with the release of her emotionally charged EP, Temperance. The project, which combined introspective lyrics with a unique blend of folk and indie influences, was celebrated for its honesty and stripped-back production. Now, after a brief hiatus, Watkins returns with her first new release since the EP: a fresh single titled “rosemary.”
With “rosemary,” Watkins presents a marked evolution in her sound. While her earlier work—particularly Temperance—was rooted in intimate, folk-leaning ballads, this new track ventures more firmly into the “alt” side of alt-country. It’s a sonic expansion that feels both bold and organic, highlighting Watkins’ willingness to push boundaries while staying true to the authentic charm that has become her hallmark. The single is a departure from the subdued, reflective tones of her past work, leaning instead towards a fuller, more textured soundscape, while still retaining the warm, feel-good aura that has endeared her to listeners.
Described as one of the “biggest-sounding” tracks Watkins has released, “rosemary” brims with a newfound energy and dynamism. This expansion in sound is perhaps most noticeable in its production, which incorporates lush, layered instrumentals that are a far cry from the minimalist arrangements found on Temperance. Yet, despite its sonic breadth, “rosemary” never feels overwhelming. Watkins carefully balances the weight of her instrumentation with a sense of intimacy that keeps the listener grounded in the emotions at the heart of the song. It’s a track that feels expansive but never impersonal—a difficult line to walk, but one Watkins handles with grace.
A comparison to indie-country duo Hovvdy at their most upbeat is apt here. Much like Hovvdy, Watkins takes elements of alt-country—soaring guitars, rolling percussion, and a hint of folk sensibility—and imbues them with a certain brightness, a peppiness that doesn’t diminish the emotional depth of her songwriting. The result is a track that feels hopeful, almost effervescent, without losing its introspective core.
At the center of “rosemary” lies its lyrical content. Watkins has always been a storyteller, using her lyrics to explore complex emotions and relationships with nuance. In “rosemary,” this talent shines once again. The song revolves around the pull of intangible connections, with Watkins singing, “Intangible magic/ Pulling me in/ Pulling me closer to you.” There’s a simplicity to these lines that belies their emotional weight. Watkins doesn’t need to use elaborate metaphors or overly complex language to convey the power of these feelings; instead, she lets the rawness of her words do the heavy lifting.
The “intangible magic” she describes could be interpreted in many ways—perhaps it’s the unspoken bond between two people, the magnetic pull of love, or even the way music can forge an invisible thread between artist and listener. In any case, Watkins’ lyrics invite introspection, urging the listener to consider the unseen forces that shape their own relationships and experiences.
Despite its larger-than-life sound, “rosemary” doesn’t stray far from the cozy atmosphere that defines Watkins’ work. This is, after all, what has made her music so compelling: its ability to feel both intimate and universal. Whether she’s playing softly over an acoustic guitar or letting her voice rise with a full band behind her, Watkins’ music always feels like a safe space—an inviting warmth that beckons you in, asks you to stay for a while, and leaves you feeling a little more connected to the world around you.
The “feel-good aura” of the track isn’t forced or overly sentimental; it’s the kind of warmth that comes from genuine emotion, the sort of comfort that comes from knowing you’re not alone in your feelings. Even as the track swells with vibrant energy, there’s an underlying gentleness that keeps it grounded. It’s this balance—between big, bold soundscapes and soft, comforting emotions—that makes “rosemary” stand out.
With “rosemary,” Addy Watkins shows that she’s not afraid to explore new directions in her music. The single is a departure from the introspective quiet of Temperance, but it’s also a natural evolution. Watkins is expanding her sound without losing the core elements that made her music resonate in the first place: emotional honesty, lyrical depth, and a sense of warmth that envelops the listener.
As Watkins continues to experiment with bigger, more dynamic soundscapes, it will be exciting to see where her musical journey takes her next. For now, “rosemary” is a thrilling glimpse of what’s to come, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a chance to experience the next chapter in Watkins’ story.
In a genre where authenticity is key, Addy Watkins has consistently delivered. With “rosemary,” she’s managed to craft a song that feels both fresh and familiar—an exciting evolution of her sound that still retains the heart and soul of her earlier work. This track is a clear sign that Watkins is an artist to watch, one who’s not content to stay in one lane but eager to push boundaries while staying true to her roots.