Juno-winning Rose Cousins explores love’s many layers on intimate new album

Juno Award-winning musician Rose Cousins shares the story behind her new album.

Juno-winning singer-songwriter Rose Cousins is diving deep into the messy, beautiful realities of human connection on her new album, “Conditions of Love - Vol 1.”

Released earlier this month, the record is a reflective exploration of love in its many forms—romantic, familial, and self—woven with themes of grief, longing and acceptance.

“There was a character in that movie that said, “Love has conditions,” and I was like, whew,” Cousins said in an interview with CTV Atlantic’s Katie Kelly, recalling a line from the Canadian film “Wildhood” that sparked the album’s concept. “It lined up with a few songs I had already written, and I knew I had something to build around.”

Recorded and co-produced with longtime collaborator Joshua Van Tassel, the album marks a return to her first instrument: the piano. Much of the record was created in her living room, offering Cousins time and space to experiment freely.

“Once I got this piano in here—it’s my first ever piano—I thought, ‘Yeah, this is going to be a piano record,’” she said. “Josh set up a beautiful home recording setup, and it gave me the privilege to try every idea.”

Van Tassel, a composer and sound designer, helped shape the sonic texture of the album.

“He’s an exceptional listener,” Cousins said. “He helped influence the air around each song.”

The project was funded by fans through Kickstarter, with more than $50,000 raised to support its creation. Cousins has crowdfunded every one of her albums, with supporters often gaining early access to tracks and behind-the-scenes content.

“It’s overwhelming and incredible,” she said. “I’m terrified every time I do it—and amazed every time.”

Cousins is touring the Maritimes with performances in Charlottetown, Halifax, Moncton, and Saint John this week. The live show features a trio—Cousins on vocals and piano, Van Tassel on percussion and synths, and musician Dean Drouillard on guitar and bass.

“It’s intimate and atmospheric,” she said. “I think it’ll probably be pretty emotional.”

“Conditions of Love – Vol 1” is available on all streaming platforms. Cousins says she hopes listeners find themselves somewhere in the record.

“Maybe they find relief, maybe they find understanding,” she said. “Maybe they just feel a little less alone.”