We caught up with musician ROBERT VENDETTA following the superb release of ‘Colombian Spice’. Read the full interview now!
How did you first get into music?
I grew up listening to my dad singing and playing his old, rusty Yamaha guitar and listening to Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis and a lot of country music. So, it was in my bones already as a kid. When I was 11 years old, I visited a friend who had a new, high Fi stereo. He played me “Black or White” by Michael Jackson, so I got hooked on MJ. Through Michael, I discovered James Brown and right then, I knew music was my thang; what I wanted to do in life.
What is the first song that captured your attention as a youngster?
The first songs I can remember hearing was ‘Cat People (Putting Out Fire)’ by David Bowie and ‘Moody Blue’ by Elvis. The latter I had on a cassette, and I can still remember the colours of that tape.
Who influenced your latest release, ‘Colombian Spice’?
James Brown for sure. There’s a lot of funk to that song. But I also got down to my hard rock chops in the vocals. And in some parts, there’s a bit of David Bowie in the vocals. And the breakdown was inspired by “Perm” by Bruno Mars!
What draws you to the alternative-pop genre?
Good question. I like people who dare to think different, I guess. I like all kinds of music, but people who deliver some fresh music, like I haven’t heard before, always trigger my curiosity. Be it Billie Eilish or Lorde or David Bowie.
There is a wonderful video which accompanies ‘Colombian Spice’; what sparked the idea for the video?
Believe it or not – a horse commercial! The studio where we’ve made a lot of the videos High and Low, they mostly do commercials. They showed me one they did for a company called Horze, a company that makes clothes and such for horses, and I loved the look of that commercial. So it was, the idea for the music video was born.
What motivates you to make music?
Life, I guess. Things that move me, people that move me. That makes me feel something strongly. Be it happy or sad. And then my love for the piano or that old rusty guitar of my dad’s inspires me too.
If you could open for any artist/band, who would it be?
Great question; I’ve never been asked that before. In my dreams, it would be Elvis! I mean, that would be awesome. But as you know, it’s not possible of natural causes. But I’d love to open for the likes of Tom Odell or Paloma Faith. That would be cool.
What are your other passions aside from music?
Dancing! I love it! And I read a lot of books, and walk a lot in mother nature. We’ve got such a beautiful scenery here in Norway. And just talking to people is something I love doing. And movies, great movies. And smart comedy shows and the news. I try to keep up with what goes on in the world.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I’ve always had a passion for young, unknown acts that didn’t have the funding to record an album and such. Some of them have recorded an album in my studio; it’s kinda my way to reach out. I guess it goes back to my youth, where I wish somebody did that for me. So I help them with the album and give advice on promotion and distribution and such.
What new music are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve got three favourites at the moment… or actually the last couple of years. Shakira, Ariana Grande and Selena Gomez. I just love ’em. But I also go back to what I’ve always listened to, be it Elvis, Julio Iglesias, Willie Nelson, KISS or Richard Strauss. But those three women are for sure my most played artist on, say, Spotify. And on cd as well.
What musical plans do you have for the next two years?
Everything is a bit in the wind right now. But this year I’ll be out with an album called ‘All by His Handsome Self’ at the end of September. Before that, we’ll release three more singles, the first one being ‘If It’s Over’, due march. There will be a lot of videos, music videos and such. And I’ve got concerts booked in Mexico and Singapore. I just don’t know when we can do them. And of course, if faith may have it happen – a tour or five would be great.
I’ve got a great and truly supportive band now who’s hungry for some concert action. Next year we’re thinking of doing a live-album, actually, maybe a live video as well. And I just can’t wait to see the response it gets.
FV Music Blog February 2021
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