Gemma Rogers recently released her Bandcamp only release of WORDS FAIL with all proceeds from the sale of the single going directly to HEAL PALESTINE.
We recently caught up with Gemma to ask her all about the single release and what it means to her.
Words Fail” is clearly a powerful response to recent global events. What moment or story first compelled you to start writing this track?
There are so many nightmarish stories, each one unbearable in its own way. But the moment I wrote WORDS FAIL was after reading about a father in Gaza who had just gone to register the birth of his newborn twins—only to return and find them dead. That image shattered something in me. At the same time, the self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell felt like a visceral, undeniable wake-up call—a human body turned into protest, into fire. But even that, as powerful as it was, didn’t stop the genocide. Of course it didn’t, we knew it wouldn’t, even he, i’m sure – knew it wouldn’t. We are witnessing unimaginable horror through screens, again and again, and there’s something profoundly dark and disorienting about that. The distance between our eyes and the reality we’re seeing—between awareness and action—feels heavier every day.
You paused work on your second album to create this song. How did that shift in focus impact you creatively and emotionally?
I found myself incapable of writing about anything but the war in Gaza. Sometimes, words truly fail—nothing felt humorous or hopeful, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise. There was a sense of urgency, a need to take the grief and helplessness off my chest and pour it into music. We create from our realities, and this is the reality we’re living in now. For some, it’s up close—an everyday, all-consuming hell. For the rest of us, we’re watching from a distance: helpless, heartbroken, and mourning with the Palestinian people.
The song is being released exclusively on Bandcamp with proceeds going to HEAL Palestine. Why was it important for you to connect this release with activism and charity?
We’ve all got to do our bit, however that looks.
The line “Stay watching, Say nothing, One voice is burning as it’s screaming ‘freedom'” is incredibly striking can you talk us through how those words came to you?
The passive observation of those in power who are unwilling to speak out. That unbearable weight of watching, witnessing both personal and collective acts of suffering It’s about the loneliness of a voice that risks everything to scream freedom, and the eerie quiet of a world that keeps scrolling past the flames.
How do you see the role of artists like yourself in responding to political and humanitarian crises? Do you feel a responsibility to speak out?
I’ve always believed that having a platform comes with a responsibility—to speak out, to use your voice. It’s a privilege, not a given. And that platform only exists because people have supported you, lifted you, and listened. That’s why it feels less like a choice and more like a duty—to those who’ve given you that opportunity—to speak with purpose, and to stand up for what matters.
With a string of live dates ahead, including Glastonbury, how do you plan to bring the emotion of “Words Fail” to the stage?
I won’t be playing Words Fail live – we’ve got a super setlist with new tracks and old favourites – Words Fail was a one off and not really written for live.
How has your sound evolved since your debut album?
Lately, I’ve been much more focused on creating songs that will really translate live. The first album was mostly written in the studio, right before COVID hit—so we never got the chance to road-test those tracks, which I think is a crucial part of the process. I’m also working with new producers now, each bringing their own vibe, which is shifting the sound in exciting ways. And naturally, what I’m writing about has evolved too—how could it not? A lot has happened since 2019.
What artists or writers are inspiring you right now?
Nadine Shah is a brilliant artist, I am enjoying WOLF ALICE all over again too. Properly dig Benefits new album, it’s a banger and listening to DJO too – DECIDE is a wonderful record
When you’re not making music, what keeps you grounded?
My 3 year old. And running. I run as often as I can. It helps keep me sane.
You can check out WORDS FAIL and donate to HEAL PALESTINE on Gemma’s band camp – linked below.
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