Rob, first of all, what does a handsome guy with German and English roots do in Vienna? Tell us a bit about how you ended up in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.
Well… I think it all started with a two week trip back when I was 17 or something like that. Coming from North-Rhine Westfalia, I was really in awe, especially considering the density of cultural hotspots in Vienna. My opinion didn’t really change, I guess – so that’s why I’m here now.
What are your musical influences? Where does your apparent love for jazz and soul come from?
Many, many long car rides with various oldie channels, family from Michigan/Illinios, crazy friends.
A mere 7 months ago, ROBB appeared on the radar with one of the most beautiful songs of the year 2013: FOURBYFOUR. Two months after that, you gave us BEYOND, a song that starts out jazzy and very chilled out but then grows more and more intense before it finally explodes. Now, just a few days back, you presented your latest song VADUZ, danceable and levitating at the same time. To us, this really sounds like an album is due in the near future?
We’re working on it, yet there will definitely be an EP before any album release. As you pointed out, the ROBB project moves between different shades and colors. This being so, I think it’s important to deliver a glimpse of what might be – in terms of musical and visual variety – before embarking on a bold endeavor like releasing a full LP release. I’d like to introduce our story a little bit – and then unfold the full plot.
What inspires you?
The past & present. For me, inspiration always comes and goes in phases. Sometimes, I lock myself up and work on our own stuff for months, no distractions. Then I run around and soak up whatever I can. It’s a process.
And what do you do when there’s no inspiration to be found?
Take a subway ride.
Tonight, you guys will be playing the sound:frame Festival at brut, here in Vienna. It’s going to be the first time you ever play a gig in Austria. Will it be any different from the shows you’ve already played on tour, in a “firecrackers and cocaine for everyone” kind of way?
Tonight, yes! Lets just say it might get quite colorful.
Who, living or dead, would you like to create music with?
How about Lewis Carroll?
And to wrap it up with a word rap, give us the first word that comes to mind when you hear the following:
Vienna: Sky
Groupies: Who
Favourite colour: Green
Soundcheck: Cables
Panpipes: Essential
Sunday: Slowmo
Spirit animal: Moonraccoon
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