With the release of his new album, Life, Rob takes a reflective turn by delving into personal themes and universal experiences
The album is a captivating blend of classic rock and pop influences, representing a significant progression in his musical journey; It encapsulates a variety of emotions and narratives, from the joy of coming home to the pain of heartbreak and loss, all while pondering life's big questions and celebrating love. This thematic richness is complemented by the artist’s diverse instrumental palette, showcasing his talent for crafting melodic and emotionally resonant songs that often feature his beloved guitars and other carefully chosen instruments.
After a 20-year hiatus, Rob's return to the music scene is marked by his dedication to authenticity and artistic integrity; His collaboration with Sean Weyers on tracks like ‘Bulletproof’ and ‘You Ain’t The One’ adds a fresh dynamic to the album, highlighting his adaptability and creative evolution. Drawing inspiration from his idols, The Beatles, Rob's self-taught musical abilities are evident in the intricate arrangements and heartfelt lyrics - Life not only reflects his personal journey but also connects with listeners on a profound level, making it a standout in his discography!
In a candid conversation, he shares insights into his inspirations, the collaborative process, and his views on the current state of the music industry.
What was the inspiration behind the title of your new album, Life?
When I got back into writing and recording in 2020 it all became around the idea of getting “Back to the Start”; thus the title of my last album. When I started writing for this album in 2023, one theme (Life) after another kept creeping into each song and then when I wrote the song “Life” as the album closer, I knew that was it. “Life” picks up right after my last album saying ok, I am back now, and this is where I am at in my life. Who else is there too? “Life” touches on so many themes like coming home after being gone, heartbreak and loss, questioning what’s out there, and of course love.
Can you share more about your experience collaborating with Sean Weyers on 'Bulletproof' and 'You Ain’t The One'? How did these collaborations come about after such a long hiatus? Sean and I have been working together for just about two years now. He has mixed and mastered both of my albums. Spending a lot of time in the studio with him I learned about his own journey writing music and listened to a few of his older songs. What struck me was that he hadn’t written in a long time due to being busy at his studio. I simply asked him one day if he’d be interested in trying to write together. I hadn’t collaborated with anyone for a long time and Sean had never done it. We met one day and for two hours nothing came about. I was starting to think we were just trying too hard but then all of a sudden I started playing a chord on my guitar and Sean joined in and “Bulletproof” was written. I took the masters home and wrote the lyrics that night as well as laid down the guide vocal track the next day. Overall it took about 2 days to finish. “You Ain’t The One” was our second attempt to write together a few months later. This song was built off a guitar riff I had from an unfinished song of mine. Sean simply jumped in and this song was also done in about 2 days. We are already talking about working on another song real soon!
You’ve used a wide range of instruments on this album. How did you decide which instruments to incorporate, and do you have a favorite one to play? When I am writing music I usually grab the closest guitar or piano and go from there. I know what each of my guitars sound like and how I can bend them to get what I want out of them. I could use three or four different guitars on one song if needed. My favorite guitars right now are my Epiphone Casino and Epiphone Riviera (Noel Gallagher Edition). All of my guitar solos were done on my Gibson Les Paul and my favorite bass to use is my Hofner. I just love the feel of the Hofner. It is hard for me to pick a favorite because I love them all!
Streaming has significantly changed the music industry. How do you feel about the current state of the industry, and what challenges have you faced in this new landscape? Streaming has definitely changed the music industry today in a big way. On one hand it is easy for anybody to put music out there but on the other hand it is harder to make a true living off of it. Back in the day when you sold a single or an album you got real money. These days a stream equals almost nothing. “Back to the Start: The Album” had a million plus streams and I believe I made more money on pure sales of the album than I did on those million plus streams. Something has to change for artists to keep doing this.
Looking back at your journey from rediscovering music during the pandemic to now releasing Life, what has been the most rewarding part of this process for you? Hearing from the fans that are listening to the songs, relating to the songs, and living the songs. I have always written songs with all of that in mind. Thank you!
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