Rich Robinson, founding member, songwriter and guitarist of The Black Crowes, has music in his blood. 2014 finds him taking full advantage of some down time from his main project and stoking his creative fire. Robinson recently released his third solo album ‘The Ceaseless Sight’ via Circle Sound / The End Records. Having sold well over 30 million albums throughout a career that spans over 25 years, this powerful new album represents the full evolution of Robinson as a songwriter, a vocalist, and a solo artist. Icon Vs. Icon recently caught up with Rich Robinson for a quick Q&A about his career, creation of his new album and more.
Your music has been part of the soundtrack to many of our lives. Take us back to your earlier years — What are your first memories of music in your life?
Growing up my first memories of music was my dad playing Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Sly and the Family Stone, and Joe Cocker. I remember the album artwork, and the feel of the records and the whole sonic and tactile experience. It felt like an alternate world.
You have been very successful through the years as a musician. What do you consider the secret to your longevity as an artist?
Just writing ?is ?what moves me. Never writing for any other reason other than what brings you Joy. What makes you feel good.
Your third solo release, ‘The Ceaseless Sight,’ was just released. What made now the time to create and release this album?
We decided the Crowes wouldn’t be touring in 2014.
How did the title for the album come about and what does it mean to your personally?
As I was writing lyrics for the song ?’?Down the Road,?’? I wanted to reflect my life moving forward. Never looking back. I wrote the line ” Ceaseless Sight on the Horizon”. I thought that would be a good representation of where my beliefs are and what the record represents.
Did you have any particular goals or expectations in mind when you started creating this album?
I don’t have any preconceived goals or expectations other than I want to get a feeling from it and have it move me. If it’s something I want to listen to over and over then I’m happy.
What can you tell us about the songwriting process for this album and how it compares/contracts to your previous work?
I went in with skeletons of songs versus having finished songs. I wanted to use the energy of creation in the studio.
How is the current tour going? How has your approach to touring changed through the years?
The tour is great. I have a great band and even more importantly everyone is incredibly positive.
How do you feel you have evolved as a musician through the years?
Music and life experience changes your outlook. I’ve become much more positive over The years.
Is there still musical ground you feel drawn to explore as an artist? If so, where do you think your musical journey will take you?
There’s always more ground to cover. Whatever presents itself, I’ll head that way. ?
For all the latest news and tour dates from Rich Robinson, visit his official website at www.richrobinson.net.
NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
June 3rd – Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live w/ Jackie Greene Band*
June 4th – New York, NY @ City Winery * SOLD OUT
June 5th – New York, NY @ Webster Hall w/ Jackie Greene Band *
June 6th – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club w/ Jackie Greene Band *
June 8th – Washington, DC @ The Hamilton w/ Jackie Greene Band*
June 10th – Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theater w/ Jackie Greene Band
June 11th – Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Lindsley w/ Jackie Greene Band
June 12th – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
June 27th – St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater
June 28th – Kansas City, MO @ Crossroads w/ Robert Randolph
Jul 1st – Vail, CO @ Bud Light Hot Summer Nights
Jul 2nd – Denver, CO @ Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom
Jul 15th – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
Jul 16th – Spokane, WA @ Riverside Event Center
Jul 17th – Seattle, WA @ The Tractor
Jul 18th – Jacksonville, OR @ Pritt Pavilion w/ Tedeschi Trucks Band
Jul 20th – San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
Jul 22nd – Salt Lake City, UT @ Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre w/ Tedeschi Trucks Band
Jul 24th – Crystal Bay, NV @ Crystal Bay Club Casino
Jul 25th – Las Vegas, NV @ Brooklyn Bowl
Jul 27th – Phoenix, AZ @ The Rhythm Room
Aug 4th – Whitesburg, KY @ Summit City
Aug 6th – Bowling Green, KY @ Warehouse at Mt Victor
Aug 7th – Charlotte, NC @ Visulite
Aug 8th – Durham, NC @ Carolina Theater
Aug 9th – Charleston, SC @ Pour House
Aug 10th – Asheville, NC @ Asheville Music Hall
Aug 12th – Columbus, OH @ Woodlands Park Street Patio
Aug 14th – New Hope, PA @ Havana
Aug 15th – Teaneck, NJ @ Mexicali Live
Aug 16 – Scranton, PA @ Peach Music Fest
Aug 19 – Portland, ME @ State Theatre w/ Jonny Lang
Aug 21 – Fall River, MA @ Narrows Center for the Arts
Aug 23 – Fairfield, CT @ Stage One
Aug 24 – Barstow, MD @ South Maryland Blues Festival
Aug 27 – Buffalo, NY @ Waiting Room
Aug 29th – Turin, NY @ Moedown
Sept 11th – Kitchener, ON Canada @ The Centre in the Square
*VIP TICKET PACKAGES AVAILABLE
EUROPEAN TOUR DATES
June 18th – London, England @ The Borderline
June 19th – Nijmegen, NL @ Doornroosje
June 20th – Hengelo, NL @ Metropool
June 21st – Zoetemeer, NL @ Boerderij
June 22nd – Warsaw, Poland @ Progreja Music Zon
MORE DATES COMING SOON!
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