Mama Rosin

My path first crossed with Mama Rosin back in 2012 when they reached out to me through a close friend, inviting me to Wivenhoe, a small town in Essex. They had a show lined up at The Station pub and wanted me to come along to capture it on film. Now, you might be wondering—why Wivenhoe? Of all places, what drew them to this quiet riverside town? Well, there’s a great story behind that, one I’ll delve into further on this page.

The band’s track ‘Wivenhoe’ serves as a bizarre yet fitting tribute to the town, a place where they played some unforgettable gigs. The song itself carries a raw, punk-infused Stones-Faces energy, heightened by scratching and bubbling electronic effects. These elements could have felt out of place or gimmicky, but instead, they only amplify the track’s strange, hypnotic charm.

Produced by Jon Spencer, Mama Rosin’s album Bye Bye Bayou embodies a fusion of tradition and innovation—roots music twisted into something entirely new.

2020 - Wivenhoe

Lights, Film, Action: Documenting Mama Rosin’s Wivenhoe Connection

So, the story of our collaboration on a music video project is a special one. Mama Rosin had just finished their third studio album, Bye Bye Bayou (2012), produced by Jon Spencer, and were gearing up for what I believe was their second UK tour. Hailing from Geneva, Switzerland, this was a huge milestone for them—not only were they touring the UK, but they had also secured a coveted TV slot on Later… with Jools Holland. However, the real highlight for them was returning to Wivenhoe, a town where they had made an unforgettable connection during their previous tour.

Wivenhoe, known for its strong artistic community, had embraced the band wholeheartedly. The locals had fallen in love with their unique sound, becoming devoted fans and supporters. As part of their return tour, they had been invited back to perform with passion, and they knew it would be a special occasion. Wanting to capture the moment properly, they put the word out for a videographer. Through a close friend, the opportunity found its way to me. I was immediately drawn to the story and knew this would be a trip worth documenting. So, I stocked up on Super 8 film, left London for Colchester, and walked south along the River Colne to reach my destination—Wivenhoe.

Once set up and ready, and following the soundcheck, we were invited by the promoters to explore the town. They spoke about Wivenhoe’s deep-rooted artistic history, explaining how, decades earlier, it had become a haven for painters, poets, and musicians. One name stood out to me—John Cooper Clarke. I secretly hoped he might turn up for the show, but alas, it wasn’t to be. However, when showtime arrived, it felt like the entire town had crammed into The Station pub. The atmosphere was electric—packed with people, drinks flowing, and a communal energy that was utterly infectious. In the thick of it all, with my Super 8 camera, I did my best to capture the raw, unfiltered magic of the night. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—watching a town come alive, completely consumed by music, folk, and blues.