Hiya Robin thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
Alright, how’s it going? Thanks for having me.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Well I’ve sort of always been around good music since I was very young, like my dad would play cds in the car whilst driving around and he had a pretty eclectic taste. It would always be either nothern soul compilations featuring acts like Edwin Starr and Martha Reeves or classic bands like The Who or The Jam. So, from then I sort of always had a ear for good music apart from when I went through my teens and became a wee bam for while haha.
But at around 15/16 I started listening to bands like The Stone Roses, Oasis, Arctic monkeys you know the classic bands that can change your life when you’re at that that age and from around that time I knew I wanted to pick up a guitar and learn how to play it and it has probably been the best decision I have made to this day.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
So, my names Robin Brown, I’m A singer/songwriter from Glasgow and I’ve recently set out and started a wee solo project. I Have recently released a couple singles titled ‘Test of Time’ and ‘What Is For You Won’t Go Past You’ which have actually done far much better than I actually thought they would have considering I don’t have any backing from any labels, managers or PR. I’ve literally just put these songs out on my own to see what happens haha. But I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help and support of my friends and family. Big love to them all.
What’s the live music scene like in Glasgow right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (Bar you of course)
Glasgow has always had a booming music scene. There are always bands that are coming out of the woodwork and having a huge buzz around them. Sadly, I feel I’m starting to see less and less bands getting about now which I’d say is due to the closures of so many grassroots music venues. Years ago, you could go to Sauchiehall street and there would be gigs on left right and center and it would be bouncing. But these days it’s a bit of a ghost town. The acts are definitely still there but they just need these venues to get off the ground and build a name for themselves. But if I was to name a band that excites me at the moment it would have to be Brogeal who are actually from Falkirk. They’re absolutely killing it at the moment with the tunes they’re releasing and their folk/indie sound makes their live shows a proper buzz. Proper sound boys too. I’m really excited to see what they do next.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. Whats your view on the industry?
Well following from my last answer I’d say the music industry is kind of on its arse at the moment, isn’t it? People aren’t out to see upcoming bands as much as they used to since before covid and stuff. So, it’s all about promoting yourself online as much as you can and hoping that it will make people come to your shows. but these companys like Instagram and TikTok have clicked onto this and started charging for promotion. So, it has become a sort of pay to play setup to try get yourself a bit of exposure and it really is a struggle for younger bands who might not have a job or a proper income yet and they can exactly make money from gigs if no one’s going can they?
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Well, I’m literally right at the start of my journey. I’ve not even played a live show yet so I can’t exactly say right now. I guess you can say I’m just one of the million other musicians who are releasing music and hoping for it to be recognized and took to the next level.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
Ehhh
I hate the two truth and one lie question
I hate the two truth and one lie question
I like the two truth and one lie question
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
In my opinion if someone has done something wrong it’s good to have a platform to hold them accountable for their actions as some names are too big that they think they can get away doing whatever they want which is very dangerous obviously. But I do think that a lot of people are too quick to jump on the bandwagon sometimes after reading something online sometimes know what I mean?
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not why not?
Nah not really if I’m honest. I’ve got much bigger things to worry about rather than wonder if 9/11 was an inside job or the royal family are shapeshifting reptiles.
What was your best experience on stage?
Well before I started releasing music on my own, I played in a punk band and supported the Strangers at Kelvingrove bandstand. I’d say that was probably the biggest highlight for me gig wise.
What was your worst experience on stage?
Again, playing with my old band I’ve had a couple stinkers at gigs. I’d say the worst one I ever played was a gig at PJ Malloys in Dunfermline. I had to drive to probably about 90% of the gigs we played out of Glasgow, so I was pretty used to playing gigs sober. But this one gig I don’t know why my mind just kept going completely blank and I just kept forgetting my lead parts in multiple songs and just made an absolute cunt of it. Honestly, if you don’t laugh, you’ll greet. So I kind of just laughed it off and cracked on with the set but afterwards I was straight to the car to load up my gear and get out of there whereas usually I would have hung around and met folk and stuff.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I can lick my elbow.
What are the next steps you plan to take as an artist to reach the next level?
The plan is to release more music, play more gigs and just get out there as much as possible. I’m hoping in the new year to take a bit of a break and come back and get proper torn into it.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
I’ve probably been writing now more than ever and I’m probably the most comfortable I’ve ever been whilst writing. I honestly believe it’s the best stuff I’ve ever done. I’ve got a catalogue of songs that haven’t seen the light of day yet and all the time in the world to release them. So, long may it continue
What was the recording process like?
Well I recorded the two singles ‘Test of Time’ and ‘What Is For You Won’t Go Past You’ at castle of studios at Castle of Doom studios in Glasgow with Chris Marshall and Johnny Madden producing. The absolute dream team. They are honestly wizards man. They’re exactly the kind of guys you need in your corner whilst recording. They throw you so many ideas and give you a product that is second to none. It’s amazing how you can go in with a song you want to sound a certain way and they can nail it to a T.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing ‘what is for you won’t go past you’?
I would say whilst writing that song I noticed that the more that I write, the more I realize that there are no restrictions in the process. You can literally take your songwriting in whatever route you want and it will be your sound. The more you stress about sounding a certain way and appealing to others is when you’re not going to be able to really be original and have your own thing going on and where’s the fun in that?
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I wouldn’t change one damn thing about it man. The song gives off the message its meant to. Job done.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Eh my new song is out on all platforms to stream so go check it out and also give me a follow on all my socials.
Apart from that I guess I’ll just say keep an eye out for me next year as I’ll be dropping more tunes and doing more gigs and keep this party going on.
FOLLOW HIM HERE
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