Robert ft: Rag 'n' Bone Man, SonnyJim, Skinnyman + Dirty Dike - Porridge (Remix) (Single) + 10 Questions
ROBERT's painfully remorseful debut single ‘Porridge’ features the powerful tones of Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, and is an open-hearted, melancholic look back at time spent behind bars and the agony imprinted in his family’s life.
From the moment the song opens with the line "grey’s growing faster than my seeds…", the pain is etched into the ears of the listener, proving to be a more harrowing and gripping experience, rather than something for the listener’s pleasure.
The song was produced by SonnyJim & The Purist and features additional vocals from UK legends Skinnyman and Dirty Dike. 'Porridge' is taken from 'Orange Is The New Black’ an unapologetically English rap album. Tales of misspent youth, drug deals gone awry and prison bids, laid over epic folk, punk and psychedelic rock soundscapes. All from from the life of rapper Robert. Featuring appearances From Rag N Bone Man, Sleaford Mods, Kool Keith & Slug of Atmosphere fame and produced by The Purist (Loyle Carner, CASisDEAD, Freddie Gibbs, Danny Brown) & Sonnyjim (Conway, Chris Crack, Vic Spencer).
Robert sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I think what sparked my love for music was my mum and dads vinyl collection and record player. It wasn’t extensive but I would sit for hours on my own in the dining room with my headphones on listening to music by queen, the Beatles, old johnny cash stuff 50’s and 60’s swing and rock & roll and black sabbath. Then when I got a bit older I was intrigued by the diff cultures in music.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Damon Albarn, I’ve been a blur fan since I was teenager. The guys a genius. I suppose Raekwon has been the biggest influence on my rapping. To get on a track with him would be something special. Kanye, Sonic Youth, The Fall, Pixies the list could go on and on such I feel the disparity in influence on what I do.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
Mainly the disruption in connecting with people in person in the studio because I like to do work in the studio and not at home.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Abrasive and sometimes too honest.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
If you ask The Purist or Sonny Jim, they will say that “Orange is the new Black” is the best work they have ever done and if you ask me I’ll tell you the same. I’m so proud of everything we have done, everyone bought their A-game, and everything was just right. I mean the energy, it was perfect.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
You’ve got to be in it for the love because you need it sometimes to keep going. Always remember why you started making music and make music that you want to make. You don’t have to be the next big thing there’s numerous ways to craft a living in the music industry and lots of the are well paid too.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Dry Cleaning
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
‘New long leg’ by Dry Cleaning, ‘I’d Die for This’ by Grip, ‘Hive Mind’ Tirzah, ‘Every Bad’ by Porridge Radio, The new ANKHLEJOHN ‘As a man thinketh’ and Conway’s ‘La Maquina’.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Think about making music, everything else is fluid love.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
The right people, a good engineer, good takeaway food.