Dollie Rot, a gothic poet, writer and singer residing in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is the Roots Local Artist of the Month for October 2025.
Rot uses songwriting as an outlet to express her raw and unfiltered reality. The themes of Rot’s work are an intimate retelling of personal tales and vulnerable experiences about romance, grief and nostalgia.
“What I put out, I feel, is a microcosm of something that is occurring at a much larger scale," Rot said. "My experiences are not unique."
Rot started writing in 2015 when her father passed away and started releasing music in 2017. Growing up watching him write inspired Rot to do the same.
Singing began as the vessel to have the writing be heard. Drawing inspiration from social platforms, including Bandcamp and Tumblr, Rot felt accepted into a community where she could be herself.
Recording songs became a solitary practice through which Rot could connect to her writing. Rot uses unconventional methods for songwriting. Rather than focusing on the mechanics or rhythms that most songs have, Rot starts with a poem or previous piece of writing and builds the guitar chords and then adds in background vocals. Pieces come together as Rot finds the perfect balance of clarity and impact.
“I like to get the words out, thoughts out, message out and then let the words act as my guide for writing the song,” Rot said.
Rot has experimented with different styles, but she found her flourish in a goth aesthetic. For Rot, this includes the clothes and makeup but also influences the subject matter of the songs.
“It's all me, it's all a part of me," Rot said. "I love to be glamorous, fun and look crazy."
Dollie Rot performs at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor on May 16, 2025. (Image courtesy of Dollie Rot)
Catholicism was a part of Rot's childhood, and that symbolism has followed into her adulthood. Iconography is the interpretation of visual imagery in social and political contexts.
For Rot, the image of the crucifixion is enthralling, representing suffering and redemption. Rot is connected to her suffering, and she says it is something that brings her comfort but also adversity.
“There is a holiness in suffering, there is a universal truth in suffering," Rot said. "We all have our own meanings of suffering, but we all experience it."
Dollie Rot performs at Ziggy's in Ypsilanti on December 16, 2024. The crucifix on her forehead inspires her art. (Image courtesy of Dollie Rot)
The sense of solidarity in suffering is the community that Rot has built through online supporters and through in-person shows.
Traveling across the country in recent years and residing in Ann Arbor has allowed Rot to connect with musicians and fans and create a local support system to make the process of creation less solitary.
“I would be nothing without the people who support me and enjoy my music,” Rot said.
Abuse and mistreatment are ever-present motifs in her writing and songs. Rot harnesses the isolation during or after an abusive relationship as a catalyst to share experiences and solidarity.
The need to suffer and build strength to move through the pain is an integral part of Rot’s personal philosophy on adversity.
“Suffering is just a part," Rot said. "Sometimes people act like their parts are in the way when the parts are the way."
The evolution of style and art is what Rot is doing while contemplating her newest release.
Building and growing a community in Ann Arbor has allowed Rot to engage in self-reflection and build confidence as a performer.
“If I don't believe in what I'm doing, how is anyone else going to believe in what I'm doing?” Rot said.
Perfection is not the goal for Rot. The desired outcome is a piece of work to be proud of and grow from.
“Being afraid can be used artistically, evolving stylistically and keep pushing myself and doing more than what I am currently doing,” Rot said.
Dollie Rot can be found on Instagram @DollieRot. Listeners can stream Dollie Rot’s music on all streaming platforms and find updated show dates and merch on DollieRot.com.
