Rosemary Schultz unveils new single "Betty & Jesse" and connects with us to discuss the powerful story behind the song
- STAFF
- Sep 20
- 8 min read
By: Staff
“Betty & Jesse” is a breathtaking journey through raw emotion and cinematic storytelling by Rosemary Schultz.
A haunting new single has arrived from an artist who weaves raw emotion with cinematic storytelling. Rosemary Schultz’s latest release, “Betty & Jesse,” cuts deep into the fabric of generational cycles and the choices we inherit or break free from. The song’s strikingly intimate presentation pulls you in with soft vocals and poignant acoustic textures, delivering a narrative that feels as if it’s unfolding before your eyes. With a voice that feels both personal and powerful, Schultz paints a picture of youthful defiance and the struggle to rewrite one’s story, no matter how daunting that might seem.
We spoke with Rosemary about the inspiration behind the track, how it ties into her personal journey, and the lessons hidden within the song. “Betty & Jesse” is more than just a cautionary tale; it’s a call to action. The song’s characters are not just figures in a story, they’re reflections of the past, challenging us to make different choices and shape new paths. But what exactly is it that makes this song so compelling? Is it the cinematic sound, or is it the way it speaks directly to our own fears and desires?
In our conversation, we dove deeper into how Rosemary’s sound has evolved over time and how this particular track came to life. Was this sound always part of her vision, or did it emerge over time, shaped by experiences and influences? And what is it about “Betty & Jesse” that will stay with listeners long after the last note fades?
The journey that led to this track is as captivating as the song itself.
Now, join us as we explore the heart of “Betty & Jesse” and uncover the story behind the music in our exclusive interview with Rosemary Schultz
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Rosemary Schultz, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We adored “Betty & Jesse.” The lyrics felt like a counterpoint to the American Dream, with its moments still landing just as hard. Your beautiful acoustic presentation was captivating, and your dreamy, soft vocal delivery was absolutely exhilarating. The way you commanded every word, almost whispering the trust in our ear, and it felt so personal. How has your personal musical journey brought you to this point? Did your evolution into a professional career happen gradually, or was there a pivotal moment or event that set everything quickly in motion?
A. Oh that’s so kind of you to say, I’m so glad you resonated with it. My musical journey started about 4 years ago. Although I did grow up playing the trombone, I never saw myself as musician or ever considered being a singer/songwriter. I started playing guitar during a heavy time in my life just trying to make sense of everything. That led me to humming melodies and eventually lyrics and singing. I moved to Nashville 6 months into that and it kind of snow balled from there. I definitely dealt with imposter syndrome for some time, I didn’t really believe I could this. This new single feels like the first time I am owning being an artist so it feels really special to me.
Q. What’s the story behind why you created “Betty & Jesse,” and why did you choose that title? What is the impact it has on you personally?
A. I was thinking about how different my life would have looked if I hadn’t made the choices I did to get to where I am now. As I was thinking about it, two characters popped into my head, playing out what life would have looked like if I didn’t choose to break some generational patterns. I wrote that song in one night, just writing down what I saw playing out in my head. I really didn’t expect to record it but when I played it out, people seemed to connect with it so here we are!
Q. The title “Betty & Jesse” suggests a deeply personal connection to the characters in the song. Are Betty and Jesse based on real people, or do they represent more universal archetypes that anyone might relate to? What do they symbolize in the context of the story you’re telling?
A. Betty and Jesse are more a universal archetype. This story doesn’t fully reflect my generational patterns but I see it all in the same and I think others can seem themselves in this story too. These characters symbolize how easy it is to repeat a generational pattern even when we think we’re running from it.
Q. After experiencing this song and sound, we were blown away by your style and presentation. It’s clear you’ve cultivated something distinct. Is this particular musical genre something you’ve always embraced from the very beginning of your journey, or has it evolved over time from influences or other genres you experimented with earlier?
A. To be honest, I’m still learning my voice and style. I think I naturally lean into an Americana/Folk sound. Someone once told me I have a very “nostalgic” voice and that resonated with me. Fleetwood Mac was the soundtrack of my childhood so I am sure that has some influence. I’d like to experiment adding in different soundscapes, maybe some more rock influence. We shall see!
Q. If you had to describe “Betty & Jesse” in one sentence, what would you say to intrigue someone to listen and discover its meaning?
A. It’s a folk cinematic cautionary tale about the repeating of generational patterns.
Q. In “Betty & Jesse,” the narrative explores a pattern of generational struggles and cycles. How do you hope listeners connect with the theme of breaking free from these patterns, and is there a particular message you want them to take away from the song?
A. To make a real change, it takes time and a whole lot of awareness and accountability for ourselves. My aim is not to create a narrative of “this is just the way it is”, my hope is that listeners question where in their life are they just repeating patterns and start making choices for the better.
Q. How did you wind up in Nashville? Are you a native, or did some other force bring you to such a music-driven city?
A. I had never once imagined moving to Nashville. No one in my direct family was a musician or ever talked about it. When I got out of the military I ended up moving to an east coast beach town thinking that was what I needed to heal. That’s also when I picked up the guitar and I just got the nudge to go move to a town that had more music going on. Nashville was one of the top cities obviously, so I took the leap and have not regretted it at all.
Q. Throughout your career, from a business perspective, has there been a particular moment, whether it was learning a specific instrument, a conversation with a collaborator, or an unexpected opportunity, that had a powerful enough impact to change or solidify the path you’re on today?
A. Yes actually, this past fall I met someone who was mentoring a small group of musicians and I was lucky enough to be a part of those conversations. They shined a light on some of my unique strengths and helped me identify the kind of artist I wanted to be. I don’t think it’s a coincidence a month later I ended up writing “Betty & Jesse”.
Q. Is “Betty & Jesse” a story you feel is meant to teach a lesson or perhaps inspire others to reflect on their own choices and shape a different path?
A. I feel like in all the songs I write, whether intentionally or not, seem to be teaching some kind of lesson. I think it’s so easy to coast through life numb to our potential. I want my music to wake people up and yes that includes “Betty & Jesse”.
Q. Where does the rough work of your music production begin? Do you start things off in your home studio, or do you team up with an outside producer? And when it’s time to wrap things up, do you handle the mixing and mastering yourself, or bring in someone to help perfect it?
A. I start most songs just messing around playing the guitar. Usually it evokes some kind of emotion and I start humming until a phrase or melody comes to mind. I try to feel into as much as possible when I first start writing a new song because the emotion is fresh but I have also had phrases and melodies reshape into entirely different songs a year later or so. When I took “Betty & Jesse” to Polychrome Ranch where I recorded it with Jared Corder, it was mostly flushed out and he helped open up some space and add the beautiful instrumentation you here in it now. He did the mixing and mastering as well.
Q. What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve discovered about yourself through the songwriting process, especially with this track?
A. I thought I would be so attached to the raw un-produced version of this song, but I really love how it all came together. I realized when the collaboration feels aligned, it can infuse an entirely new energy into the song.
Q. Do you have any plans to take your music out to local stages or get on the road?
A. Oh most definitely! This is the first year I feel like I have taken booking seriously and there is certainly a learning curve and a lot of patience needed. My hope is to do more east coast cyclical touring in 2026 through Tennessee, North Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia. So if anyone who is reading this knows a place, let me know!
Q. Outside of music, who or what has had the biggest influence on your personal growth or artistic perspective?
A. I’m sorry if this is cheesy but it really has been my mom. My childhood was not easy, I think that background adds to my perspective a lot. I had a complicated relationship with her for awhile, but as I get older, I learn more and more from her. I also admire her strength despite her own circumstances. She is my biggest supporter in anything I have ever decided to do. Anytime I start to doubt what I am doing, she reminds me I can do anything I put my heart into.
Q. What do you want people to remember most about you after hearing this song and reading this interview?
A. I hope they remember how worthy and capable they are of making real change in their own life. There is never going to be a right time or easy way out, but damn is it worth it.
Q. Rosemary Schultz, we can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! So, what’s next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We’d love for the readers to hear the news directly from you!
A. Thank you so much for taking the time to ask these questions, this has been great! I have an upcoming single called “Run With The Wolves” coming out in November and yes it is named after and based on one of my all time favorite books. I am also going back to Polychrome Ranch to record a few more songs to tape in October so hopefully those will start coming out early 2026. And of course, plenty of live shows are being planned!
Rosemary Schultz, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Rosemary Schultz’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
