Page 73 - ION Indie Magazine MarchApril 2018 Issue

Music is life. I bet you have
heard that phrase before.
Sometimes music is bigger than
life. Other times, life is surely
bigger than music. Perspective
means everything. What if your
perspective was put to the test
every day? Let us hold those
thoughts for a brief time.

The Santa Monica, California-
based Americana band/duet
ROSES & CIGARETTES are
selected as ION Indie
Magazine’s “ReverbNation
Artist of the Month.” R&C
consists of Jenny Pagliaro and
Angela Petrilli. Jenny handles
the lead vocals while Angela
plays guitar and also sings.
Together they are magic. I
consider them “love in motion”
while on stage. It just works.

Their style, which I consider
roots rock, is very likeable. It is
a down to Earth sound with
some grit and tenderness
sprinkled in. Anyone can relate
and have a lot of fun doing so.
There is something about
Southern California grittiness
that I enjoy. I think it has to do
with the irony in that. When
one thinks about Los Angeles
music, over-production and
dancing mimes come to my
mind. That is definitely NOT
Roses & Cigarettes! They own a street quality that is hell bent on having a good time. You surely hear that
with their single “Whiskey Down.” I also think that “Laurel Canyon,” “Driving,” and “Gypsy Woman,” stand
out on their self-titled debut album. The entire work reminds me a bit of Sheryl Crow’s storytelling -- with a
hint of Bonnie Raitt’s in-your-face attitude.

When I was first introduced to Roses & Cigarettes it was a beautiful, clear, Austin, Texas Spring night. I was
at one of my favorite haunts to catch a showcase of independent artists during South By SouthWest. I was
enjoying my Lone Star and the vibe. Jenny and Angela walked onto stage and I took notice. If I did not know
they were from Santa Monica, CA, I would have sworn they were from Texas. They had that self-assuredness
-- or what I call “Texas confidence.” You could tell it was going to be a fun set and they did not disappoint.
They easily won the crowd over. I smiled, “Los Angeles, you just torched Austin.”