What’s new in the world of The Nomadic? Spending time working on projects?
The Nomadic has just released “Waiting” on April 17th, with the instrumental version out on 24 April, followed by the full length and video on 1 May. I am really excited about the release of this song! It’s one of my favorites, and it has been some time in the making! “waiting” might at first listen come across as a traditional love song, with the protagonist “waiting” for his or her long lost lover; it is as much about “waiting” for your best self/ potential to be achieved; for the conquering of demons, for your ideal self to ‘seize the day’ and live your best life. Its also a portrait of all the times we spend “waiting” for people of things- planes, trains, cars etc. or for a period of isolation or difficulty to pass.
– Let’s talk about a day in the life of a musician in the studio. How do you spend your time in the studio?
I (Rob) will write a whole bunch of songs, then take it to the studio and play them to my producer (@axissoundny, @steverossiter) and we will lay down a few tracks. Then we will will work through the priority ones, do quite a few guitar takes and vocal takes. The other instrumentation will follow from there.
– How important is artwork for singles or albums?
It’s extremely important, and it needs to fit the them or ‘vibe’ or the track. I was very happy with both “Drifting” and “Waiting” and credit goes to the amazing Graphic Design work of Macoi Vhadir for those! @vhadir on FB and IG.
– When writing a song, is there such a thing as investing too much time? What’s the shortest time you ever took to write one? What was your strangest inspiration?
Each song is different, so there’s no such thing as investing too much time! Some of them are written very quickly, others the music may come quickly, or the lyrics or vice versa. I have one called “The Absolution” which is partly a story of loss of love, and forgiveness of yourself or someone else for something not working out. But sometimes I will be listening to a podcast or watching TV and get inspired. For example, in 2016 I was addicted to the podcast, Serial, both season 1 and 2. Season 2 covers the case of the American soldier Beau Bergdhal walking off his base in Afghanistan, and quickly being captured by the Taliban. It is an absolutely fascinating story, and was also part of the inspiration for “The Absolution” and the lyric “you never leave a rebel man behind”. Sometimes inspiration might come through a TV show- Game of Thrones for example could get quite ‘dark’ and inspirational for lyrics! I have a song (upcoming) called “Treading Water” that has a line “A loss of innocence in the shadows.. all you keep is your good name” I am pretty sure that was inspired by one or several GOT characters story arcs! It can make for tough situations with people close to me! ie. my mum will sometimes read and analyse all my lyrics and sometimes think of things too literally! Like I am in a dark place, when in fact it was just where I took myself for that moment of writing a song.
– Do you follow a formula when you write?
Not really! I just pick up the guitar, maybe stick a capo on a random fret, put my pedals on (delay works well for a good songwriting mood!) and see where it takes me musically and lyrically! I will try to record everything on my phone, just so I have it. I had a terrible experience in Nov 2016 when I was on a trip to Kenya (for work) got a great song hook, melody, idea. and somehow I didnt record it, and by the end of that very busy week I had forgotten it! So I always record everything nowadays! Some of my best songs in my opinion have come through combining different hooks, melodies and lyrics from different ideas and songs, into one song.
– How important is merchandising? Could artists survive without?
It is extremely important. I think the days when artists could just live off their music alone, and/ or record contracts, are long gone. Although when you really study the kind of deals and contracts those artists were on, I wonder in most cases whether that was even a good set up for them, even in those halcyon days!
– What would be some of your main musical influences today?
OASIS, Coldplay (early Coldplay) Radiohead, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, War on Drugs, Phosphorescent. (I was severely addicted to “Song for Zula in 2016!)
– What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
The OASIS complete songbook! and a 1970s “learn guitar” songbook that my dad gave me!
– How important is it for a musician in this generation to spend time on social media?
I believe it is very important. You have to get the word out about your work. I would recommend just focus on 1 or 2, and get good at those, rather than spreading yourself too thinly. And at the end of the day, the main focus needs to be on the creative craft of songwriting. You can have the most creative IG and FB posts going around, but ultimately the main ‘content’ needs to be the music to make it sustainable.
– With the music industry shutting down presently. How are you dealing with these issues?
Well I am very grateful to have a job, working at the United Nations on humanitarian issues around the world. It is a nice balance with the music, and helps to put me in the right mood and space when it is time to create music. Like everyone else, I am still adapting to this strange new world, and the uncertainty of it all. But I try to stay grateful for my situation and what I have, and mindful of the many people at the front lines of the COVID response, and risking their lives every day for the greater good. We can never repay our debt to them, although we can start by elevating these people to a higher societal status and paying them better! (humanitarians, doctors, nurses, teachers and all emergency workers). But that’s a longer conversation, for another day, and for another (upcoming!) song!
– Thank you for taking the time in doing this interview.
Wish you all the best.Thank you, plse check out our last 2 releases “Drifting” and “Waiting”. Hope you enjoy them! http://thenomadic.band