The 411 Magazine The 411 Magazine issue 4 July/Aug 2017 | Page 19
FEATURE
ever been in... gigging there would be awesome!
In 2016, your self-titled ROB.GREEN EP debuted
in the Top 40 of iTunes Album Chart in it's first
week and #3 in iTunes RnB Chart, that's
incredible. How did this feel and what did you do
to celebrate?
UNBELIEVEABLE and really humbling. I mean
myself, Christella Litras and Jonnie Khan,
recorded that EP in the attic of an old church, in a
DIY studio. I hadn't released anything for a while
and I really didn't think the support would be that
incredible. It took until the launch gig, the
evening of the release, for it to sink in really. The
energy was incredible and seeing everyone's
faces at the show filled my heart up big time. It
was overwhelming - definitely a lifelong memory.
Who are some of your musical inspirations?
India Arie, Nat King Cole and Sam Cooke. India's
music has helped me through a lot of key
moments in life. Nat King Cole's vocal is just so
perfect and the catchiness of Sam Cooke's music
always makes you want to sing along. I really
hope my music can connect the way these three
artists do.
How do you prepare for a show?
Normally I will plan out the set at home, set up all
of my looping equipment, amp and microphones
and then flirt dangerously close to getting an
ASBO by running the set start to finish for thirty
minutes in my dining room. I try to put together a
general structure for all of the shows, plan my
interactions and introductions (I chat way too
long if I don't), but you have to feel it in the
moment too and be ready to make changes on
the fly... but a plan helps!
Is there any item/s you always take on the road
with you, good luck charms perhaps?
Yes. Before my grandma died (the one that made
me sing on the table) she used to have a framed
poster of a prayer on the wall in the room I
stayed in, but as an adult I couldn't remember
what it was called. At eighteen I was working at a
sci-fi cult theme bar in Leeds (best job ever!) and I
was talking to a regular there, Ben. We had a
proper, unexpectedly deep chat and I mentioned
to him about my music, my Grandma and staying
in that house. The next day at work my boss
handed over an envelope someone had left for
me, inside was a wallet sized version of that
prayer I'd mentioned and a note that said "sorry I
couldn't get a poster sized one!" - it was an
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