With 'A Red Red Rose', J. Jefferson & Brian Gentile offer a beautifully cinematic reimagining of the emotional world surrounding Robert Burns' timeless poetry. Rather than adapting the famous poem directly, the duo use its themes of love, distance and devotion as the starting point for a dark folk ballad that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably contemporary.
Serving as the first glimpse into the forthcoming project 'Scotland – A Love Letter: Fourteen Postcards from the Highlands', the single combines intimate storytelling with atmospheric Americana, capturing the landscapes, memories and emotions that continue to shape Scotland's enduring mythology.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their background and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Without a doubt, the acoustic guitar. I was fascinated by how just a few simple chords could create an entire atmosphere. Long before I wrote my first song, I realised that an acoustic guitar could tell stories without saying a single word. Even today, every new song I write begins with the sound of a guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a wide variety of music, but I always found myself drawn to artists who told stories rather than simply writing songs. Later, I discovered country, folk and Americana, where lyrics mattered just as much as the melody. That storytelling tradition has had a lasting influence on the music I write today.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I truly remember owning was Hair of the Dog by Nazareth. I must have been around fourteen years old, and it completely changed the way I listened to music. The album was powerful, honest and full of character, but one song in particular stayed with me: "Love Hurts." There was something incredibly moving about its simplicity and emotion. It taught me that a song doesn't need to be complicated to leave a lasting impression. Looking back, I think that was one of the moments that sparked my fascination with storytelling through music.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Without hesitation: "Love Hurts" by Nazareth. It's one of those timeless songs that proves emotion will always outlive trends. Every time I hear it, I'm reminded that the greatest songs are often the simplest ones. They speak directly to the heart, and that's something I've always tried to achieve in my own songwriting.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I never force a song. Most ideas arrive while I'm hiking through the Scottish Highlands. I usually carry a notebook, and many lyrics begin as simple thoughts written down during a walk. Later, back home with a guitar, those notes slowly become songs. Photography is part of that process too. Every photograph captures a moment; every song captures the feeling behind it.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lately I've been listening to artists who have a truly distinctive voice and an unmistakable musical identity. One artist I keep coming back to is Asaf Avidan. His songwriting is deeply emotional, honest and fearless, and his voice is unlike anyone else's. I also continue to draw inspiration from artists like Mark Knopfler, James Taylor and Dougie MacLean. What they all have in common is their ability to tell stories through music rather than simply writing songs. That's something I constantly strive for in my own work.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Without a doubt, The Eagles. Their music represents everything I admire: timeless songwriting, unforgettable melodies and stories that continue to resonate decades after they were written. If I could choose one band to open for, it would be The Eagles—not only because of their incredible catalogue, but because they remind us that authenticity is always more powerful than trends.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Knowing that a song you've written becomes part of someone else's life. When someone tells me that one of my songs reminded them of a place, a memory or a person they love, that's the greatest compliment a songwriter can receive.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The waiting. Writing a song may take a few days, but bringing it into the world takes months of recording, production, artwork, videos and promotion. Sometimes it feels as though the journey is much longer than the song itself.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Write the songs only you can write. There will always be trends, but authenticity never goes out of style. I stopped trying to sound like other artists and started writing about the places that had genuinely shaped my life. That's how Scotland – A Love Letter was born.
Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from Scotland – A Love Letter: Fourteen Postcards from the Highlands?
I hope people don't just hear the songs—I hope they feel as if they've travelled through Scotland. Every track is a postcard from a real place, inspired by real journeys and real moments. If the album encourages someone to visit the Highlands, pick up a camera, go for a walk or simply slow down for a while, then we've achieved far more than making a record.
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J. Jefferson & Brian Gentile's new single 'A Red Red Rose' is out now. Check it out in the player below.