Irish songwriter and dancer Rob De Boer has released his new song, Our Own Way, from his forthcoming debut album, Man To You. we asked him the BIG questions . . .
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
My family moved around a lot when I was growing up and we settled in Dublin when I was in my early teens. I've always had a strong sense that Ireland is home, coupled with this feeling of being from somewhere else. I think that’s informed my love of travel and interest in foreign languages and cultures.
I spend lots of time in the sea and on the beaches of Co Mayo around Louisburgh and Killadoon. It’s my favourite part of Ireland. The scenery is magical and always grounds me.
Outside of music, I work in film and photography. I co-run a production company called BigStyle Media with my good friend Ben McDonald. We make everything from short films to documentaries and music videos. I love finding creative ways to tell stories - whether that be through music and sound or through visuals. The intersection of these mediums really excites me.
How would you describe your music?
Warm, jazzy, soulful. terracotta hued.
Who are your musical inspirations?
It’s a big mix of old and new and ever changing. My peers - the people I play and perform with - inspire me a lot too. The Irish scene is crazy right now! I actually have a playlist of artists and songs that inspired my forthcoming album, which might be of interest.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
I think it may have been a FOALS gig in the academy. I remember getting a hold of Yannis the frontman’s foot when he was crowd surfing and drinking too much cider.
What was the first record you ever bought?
My first purchase was probably a Bill Withers. Just as I Am/Still Bill double album CD. I picked it up after hearing songs from those albums playing in Freebird Records in Dublin on my first visit to the store.
What’s your favourite song right now?
I can’t say I have a favourite track right now actually. I tend to get into one album at a time and then really sit with that for a bit or listen to nothing at all for periods of time. There’s a Brazilian singer Rogê who I’ve been enjoying recently that my friend Aoife put me on to. He has an album called Curyman which I like. The artwork for the record is also very beautiful.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I learned a cover of Rainy Night in Georgia by Brook Benton after seeing some lads playing a version in a blues bar in snowy Indianapolis last year. I feel the lyrics really put you in a place and time. I love the way his deep voice rumbles and slides on the word 'Neon’ in ‘Neon signs a-flashin’, taxi cabs and buses passing through the night’. Then also like how he paints this lonesome scene ‘find me a place in a boxcar, so I take my guitar, to pass some time.’
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler) - Marvin Gaye.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Best place is Instagram @robdeboer_ to keep up with what’s happening. Then you can listen to my music on the usual streaming platforms like Spotify or can support me on Bandcamp, too. My debut album Man to You is out 16 May and there will be some live shows around that time - get down!
Alan Corr
