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1.) We’re very excited to have some time today with singer-songwriter, guitarist, percussionist, composer, and published author Rosemary Schonfeld; greetings and salutations Rosemary and thanks for taking time from a very busy schedule to speak with us here at Vents Magazine! Before we dive down the Q&A musical rabbit hole, how is the latter-part of 2025 finding you and yours?
Good, thank you. I hope 2025 is being good to you too. Thank you for taking an interest in Sandy and Jean.
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your epic yet quite intimate new single Chorus of Friends and Jean which is lighting up record charts and putting a smile on audiophiles faces across the ever-loving globe! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired this ambitious new drop-the-mic gem of a ditty?
I’m sure many of us have despaired when watching a good friend stuck in a bad relationship, in denial about the negative effect the relationship is having on them. This song tries to capture the dynamics between those trying hard to support their friend and get her to open her eyes, and the friend still blinded by love, not able to accept that she should get herself out of an unhappy relationship.
3.) Who handled the producing honors on Chorus of Friends and Jean and what did the in-studio collaboration between artist and producer look like while fashioning and shaping this stunner of a track?
I produced all the songs on the album.
4.) Chorus of Friends and Jean is but the opening chapter for what will ultimately be a much-anticipated rock opera concept album entitled Sandy and Jean; Wow and major congratulations on this ambitious undertaking! Did you know even before you finished writing Chorus of Friends and Jean that you had many stories to tell listeners that could not be contained within the walls of one song?
Indeed. The album tells a story through twelve songs. I wasn’t sure whether listeners would appreciate individual tracks without hearing the whole album, and I am delighted that they are enjoying ‘Chorus of Friends and Jean’ as a stand alone song.
5.) Some notable artists through the years have thematically carried a character from one song to the next, maintaining a sort of informal story (Buddy Holly comes to mind with 1957’s Peggy Sue and 1959’s Peggy Sue Got Married) without committing an entirety of an album to their muse. What made you decide to take the plunge and just go for it with the new single and the subsequent album Sandy and Jean?
My first aim for this story/rock opera was to get it staged. That is still my intention and hope. It seemed to me that the best way to about this was to release the whole thing as an album first, in the hope it will appeal to a theatre, or production company, or director.
6.) The Sandy and Jean LP is set for an October 3 release courtesy of the good folks over at Absolute Lable Services. What makes Absolute Lable the perfect home for you and your music?
They are both very professional and easy to talk to/work with. They respond promptly with any questions I have and take time to explain everything clearly. I felt they took an interest in me as an artist. They even ordered (and read) a copy of a book I’ve written about a completely non-music related subject.
7.) We touched upon sequels throughout the history of popular music a couple of questions ago. Do you feel that there is more story to tell with these characters past the Sandy and Jean LP? Do you think you might entertain revisiting this world in five years’ time?
That’s an interesting question, and I haven’t thought about that at all. I think it would really depend on what sort of response Sandy and Jean gets. So I could be open to that.
8.) In the wake of the release of Chorus of Friends and Jean and the upcoming October 3 release of the album Sandy and Jean, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
I will keep people updated about any future performances/stagings/rehearsals of Sandy and Jean, which would all require a cast. As for me personally, I’ve been so focussed on writing and recording this, I’ve not thought about touring myself. Most of the songs in Sandy and Jean have more than one character – I think there’s only one I can perform as a solo artist.
9.) Could you envision translating Sandy and Jean to the stage, perhaps transposing it into an honest-to-Pete opera? Do you envision this having a life that might transcend vinyl and digital?
Yes, as I’ve mentioned already, I wrote it with the aim of it being staged.
10.) Any final thoughts you might like to share with our ever-inquisitive readers regarding your stunner of an album Sandy and Jean?
You’re very kind. I’d just like to thank anyone for listening to it, and there will be a dedicated website soon via which I can be contacted with any questions.
