WHITNEY ROSE

Whitney Rose is a “story thief.” Those are her words.

The Prince Edward Islandraised, Texas-based country singer is six years deep into a committed relationship, and despite the genre’s reputable candour, her own love story isn’t something she’s too inclined to share. Instead, she upholds the artistry of jukebox-era country by penning twangy interpretations of other people’s great loves and losses. “I think my fella is disappointed I don’t write more about it,” she laughs. “It’s just very dear to me, and when you’re an artist, you don’t get to keep much to yourself.”

Rose’s old-school brand of country hearkens back to the straightforward sentiments of Patsy Cline or Dolly Parton, who used swaying melodies to detail the world-toppling reality of love. “Love is a complicated thing, and the most simplistic genre is country music,” she says, sounding poetic even in casual conversation. “You know what they say: It’s three chords and the truth.”

That truth? Love can be a bitch. “I was a good student, I worked hard in school and I try to be a good person, but being in a relationship that I truly care about and don’t want to see end is the hardest thing I’ll probably ever do,” she says. “Still, when I’m on my deathbed, I hope I’ll be thinking about how I spent my time loving.” Her favourite love song: “Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye,” The Casinos