Dublin-based musician and producer Rob Smith returns under his Swedish Railway Orchestra guise with his fifth full studio album, Once Upon A Time . . . , which will be released on 7 March. Lead single Obelisco is out now. We asked Rob the BIG questions . . .
Once Upon A Time . . . is the third collaboration between TSRO and Galway-based independent label Blowtorch Records, following up 2022's acclaimed Dance To The Drum Machine and last year’s Connotations EP.
Speaking about the new album, which was recorded and mixed between Ireland and Spain throughout 2023, Rob says, "The album took an unusually long time to make. I wanted to get everything right. It’s got hints of dance-punk, some psychedelia, some melodic verses and some interesting lyrics all over it. I’m so proud of it."
Once Upon A Time . . . will be released digitally from all streaming sites worldwide and on violet transparent 12" vinyl.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a longtime resident DJ in the Workmans Club in Dublin. I am a huge fan of Argentine football team Boca Juniors. I am married and live just outside Dublin with my wife and daughter.
How would you describe your music?
Good music to chill out to and good music to dance to, in equal measures.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Bands like Talking Heads, Suuns, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, The Stone Roses, Gilla Band, Daft Punk and many more.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I went to see The Bootleg Beatles play the old Midnight at The Olympia when I was around 13 with some friends and one of the friends' parents. It should have been The Prodigy at the Point Depot but my mother, probably rightly, wouldn't allow me hit a show like that without a responsible adult present.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I'm pretty sure it was Nirvana’s Nevermind on a cassette tape in the old car boot sales that used to be on in the Harold's Cross Greyhound Stadium. When I eventually progressed to a CD player, I do recall the first CD I ever bought was Faith No More's King For A Day, Fool For A Lifetime.
What’s your favourite song right now?
This changes hourly, but right now I'd say the one my friend, The Reverend Tony Bones, turned me onto a great track called Slide Little Monster by Sworn Virgins.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"It's just what you need when you're down in the dumps/One half hillbilly and one-half punk/Eight long legs and one big mouth/The hottest thing from the north to come out of the south" – Garbageman by The Cramps.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
You're Gonna Miss Me by The 13th Floor Elevators. It has everything that's great about music.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Website or follow @theswedishrailwayorchestra on all the socials. The new vinyl is available to order in the Blowtorch Records shop.
Alan Corr
