Interview with Rob Lea

Jarod Smith

Sep 14, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I've always been creative in some way, whether it's acting, art or performing, so if it wasn't music I'm sure it would have been something in the entertainment industry. Although, when I was younger I was heavily into computers and at one point in life I certainly could have gone down a path which led me into computer programming. As for what got me into music, it's hard to lay it all at one doorstep. As a child I didn't run for the spotlight, I was always picked out of the crowd for some reason. My teachers and peers always recognized me as that kid who can sing and as I was pushed to do more and more, it eventually turned into a passion with a deep rooted desire to do something with it in my life.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Well I'm a big kid at heart so I love to play. Luckily I have two little boys who I can be a kid with now, so we play a lot. I love to cook, I love to read, I love to go on adventures. I suppose that impulse to investigate and learn and experience new things has always led me to greater experiences in life and allows me greater empathy and understanding when writing.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I am based in Blackpool and although I have deep Yorkshire roots, Blackpool has been my home ever since moving there with my family as a young boy. Blackpool is a fun place to grow up. It's a place of expression and individualism. It attracts many people from around the UK so you tend to have a very eclectic mix of people living and holidaying there. Of course it has it's dark and dirty side, but growing up here has certainly given me a sense of identity. I think that freedom to be who you are in Blackpool reflects in the way I write music. I tend to be unapologetic with my lyrics and music. I do what feels right rather than what I think others want. Hopefully that mixture of bravery and foolishness is endearing to the wider public.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Wow, great question.
Brian May and Joe Perry on lead guitar, Roger Taylor on drums of course. Jonah Nilsson (Dirty Loops) on Keys, Michael League (Snarky Puppy) on bass. The girls from Destiny's Child on vocals with JP Cooper leading the vox whilst playing Rhythm guitar. Myself on lead alongside Alecia Keys.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self to have fun more. I took things way too seriously when I was younger.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

I am very excited about my next song which I'm hoping will be coming out at the End of October called - Time of my Life. It's a song that is quite personal to me and a piece I have spent a long time working on, so I'm hoping everyone loves it as much as I do.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I don't know if I've really landed on what my "thing" is, but generally the bigger message for me is that "You're not alone". Whether it's emotions, frustrations, anger, or fun, celebration and love, ultimately I want to create music which brings people together.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Yes - Time of my Life, my next single should be coming 28th October. I'm hoping soon after that to have my first EP out. Alongside that I'm doing a huge tour with my Queen Tribute ( www.queentributeuk.com ) across the UK, USA and Europe and next year I'm planning to start bringing this music of mine to a live stage. So lots to watch out for!