We had a chat with former Two Spot Gobi frontman James Robinson about his Start A Fire EP, dealing with ego in a band and losing toenails in the gym…
How would you describe your music for people who don’t know you?
Soulful acoustic folk.
You’ve just released your Start A Fire EP – was it easy to write and record?
Some of it was easy to write, and some of the songs changed shape over the course of time. We tried a couple of producers before we were happy with the direction of the songs, so it was quite a long process, but we are all very happy with the end results!
What’s your favourite song on the EP?
It has to be the title track, Start A Fire – I co-wrote the original structure of the song whilst still in my previous band, but that was a couple of years ago, and since then it has really turned into something with so much energy and intention. I’m very proud of the way it has come together. The song itself is really about finding your way through life via trial and error and about trying not to worry too much if you aren’t presented with all the answers straight away.
How hard was it to go from fronting a successful band (Two Spot Gobi) to being responsible for a solo project?
It’s hard. I think you feel a much greater sense of pressure when you’re on your own than when you have a group of co-collaborators (whereby you’re all in it together). That said, a band dynamic can be one of the most draining and challenging environments in which to foster creativity. I wouldn’t change anything about any of my musical experiences to date, and I like being the one who has the final say, but there really is nothing like writing, making and performing music with others.
Do you miss being in a band?
Yes and no. I do miss the magic of creating something amazing as part of a collective and having that feeling of togetherness onstage in front of a buzzing crowd, but at the same time I don’t miss living in each others pockets or dealing with people’s egos.
Any plans for live dates soon?
Hopefully!
What’s the best thing about playing live?
As a performer and a writer it gives you purpose and fulfilment – the adrenaline is so addictive. There are few better things in life than knowing you have just given a great performance to an audience who are clearly enjoying every minute of it.
What made you get in to music in the first place?
My parents had a huge record collection, and from a young age they always used to take me to gigs and festivals. I bought my first guitar at sixteen and started learning other people’s songs. I never really thought it would go anywhere or that I would join a band – it just happened.
What’s your favourite lyric from your EP?
On the current EP it would be ‘When there’s no one to stop you folding, do you collect or do you stay? When you can see the stacks come tumbling down, what colour flag will you display?’
Who’s your ultimate musical icon?
I would have to say Sting. In my mind, The Police are one of the greatest bands in history, and I think that Sting himself is a phenomenal writer, musician and performer.
Out of every song ever recorded, which do you wish you’d written?
Gotye, Somebody That I Used To Know – I think we can all relate to that one!
What do you hope to do in the next year?
See more of the world, work really hard, treat other people well and be the best human being I can be!
What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you?
I once dropped a plate on my big toe and the whole thing went black! A few weeks later I was in the showers at the gym and my big toenail came off whole! I put it on the changing room bench meaning to throw it in the bin as I left, but I forgot and only realised I had left it there on the way home… After deliberating for twenty minutes as to what I should do I rang the gym and told them that there was a large toenail on the bench in the men’s changing room and that I was really sorry. Very embarrassing.
Describe yourself in three words?
Ambitious, inquisitive and compassionate.