Rorey describes “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” as a love letter to herself. Though you might not get that impression from the title.
“It marks the moment I began taking accountability for my healing, pain and subsequent behavior,” says the New York-based singer/songwriter, who struggles with bipolar disorder. “I realized that committing to growth was my only way forward.”
A year before COVID hit, Rorey left New York City’s prestigious New School to forge her own path as an artist. And like the rest of her new eight-song EP, “Nobody’s Fault But My Own” has its origins in a manic episode during lockdown.
“The track was born from a place of urgency and discomfort,” says the self-taught pianist and bassist. “I was experiencing a mixed episode—depressed and manic at the same time—so I felt defeated yet determined, energized yet hopeless.”
Thankfully, collaborator/co-producer Scott Effman had plenty of patience. “I was rapid-firing thoughts and feelings in a nonlinear, manic way, and he was able to shape it into a song,” says Rorey. “Usually, we write together with intention, but that day, I wasn’t mentally present. As for the acoustic-guitar-and-vocal feel of the song, it reflects where I was emotionally. All I could do was sing and play guitar.”
We’re proud to premiere Rorey’s “Nobody’s Fault But My Own.” Dysphoria is out Friday on Killphonic.
—Hobart Rowland
