Robbie Bostock Interview on EP Explorations
A striking collision of slick blues and uplifting retro hues, virtuosic guitarist Robbie Bostock is today releasing his new single via the jubilant instrumental journey that is Cryptic Love. Showcasing Robbie's burgeoning craftsmanship and dazzling delivery, Cryptic Love also offers a glimpse into the Gold Coast artist's upcoming EP Explorations, due out on Friday May 12, with local fans able to catch Robbie live in action across a number of shows this May at one of Australia's largest free music festivals: Blues on Broadbeach.
Busting out slinky basslines, sizzling guitarwork and soaring 80s undertones, Cryptic Love is an oscillating declaration of blues and Robbie's love for the likes of Phil Emmanuel, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler and Hank Marvin, while ultimately also allowing the instrumentals to glimmer and shine. Self-produced, mixed and mastered by Robbie himself, Cryptic Love is a creamy and buoyant delight for guitar fans and beyond – and, as Robbie explains, it's equally a family affair, "For the single Cryptic Love I wanted to write a piece that incorporated a blues sounding verse but with a big uplifting chorus, with a bit of an 80's flavour as well. Originally it was going to have vocals on it but my Strat guitar insisted on doing the singing! My sister Rachel Bostock also contributed a killer electric violin solo on it too!".
Like a jet engine taking off into the atmosphere, Cryptic Love firmly opens the door for what's to come on Robbie's forthcoming EP Explorations. A wall-to-wall musical guitar journey, with Robbie helming the entire EP's creation, alongside co-writing on final track Fading Off The Earth with his brother Brendan Bostock, Explorations truly lives up to its inquisitive moniker. Erupting with the toe-tappin' Bostock Boogie, Explorations flits from blues and lush retro flavours (Cryptic Love) to hazy undulations (The New Rivals), surf-soaked doo-wop (Seashells), classic rock fare (In Guitar We Trust) and crystalline sonic fire and ice (Fading Off The Earth). With additional violins on the EP provided by sister Rachel, as seen today on Cryptic Love, Explorations is a overall a fascinating expedition, led firmly by Robbie and his trusty Stratocaster. "I do love to sing as well, but for me sometimes the music and my guitar can say everything I need the song to say without putting pen to paper," shares Robbie of the ultimate decision to present Explorations as an entirely instrumental outing. "I decided to keep the EP all instrumental; I wanted the whole EP to be like an intriguing movie and take people on a journey". Private stream Explorations.
Discovering music at a very early age, Robbie started playing the guitar when he was age 7, going on to form a band with his siblings, including Rachel on violin, Brendan on drums, and sister Sara Bostock on bass. With genres ranging from country to Irish, blues, heavy rock and more, the Bostocks performed into adulthood at pubs, clubs, festivals, weddings and parties, with their father's work van transformed into an honorary tour bus for the siblings on weekends. But from competing with sister Rachel for the best solo on the night to Robbie himself branching out as a solo artist, Robbie has since gone on to turn heads across the industry, including performing with some of the greats from Tommy Emmanuel to Normie Rowe and the late Stevie Wright, as well as past appearances at Blues On Broadbeach and The Gympie Music Muster. Releasing a collaboration album with his mentor and long-time friend, the late Phil Emmanuel, via 2013's Chariots Of Fire, Robbie also took home Instrumental Single Of The Year at the Australian Song Writing Awards in 2019 for his track The New Rivals. And as an accomplished session guitarist, Robbie has also recently contributed to a range of successful releases, including Amber Lawrence's Living For The Highlights, which hit #1 on the ARIA Top 50 Chart.
Returning once again to Blues On Broadbeach in his home town in 2023, fans on the Gold Coast this May will be able to witness some of Robbie's brand new musical creations live in action, with multiple performances across the festival locked in following the release of Explorations on May 12. And, as Robbie concludes, these shows are set to showcase his incredible guitarwork as well as vocals, originals, covers and beyond. "My shows at Blues On Broadbeach will be half singing and half instrumental, I do like to sing as well," shares Robbie of his upcoming performances. "I'll play my own stuff as well as some classics. 10 years ago, I released a collaboration album at the festival with Phil Emmanuel, so I will also play some songs from that album in honour of Phil's legacy."
Robbie Bostock Interview
How would you describe your music, Robbie?
I would say blues/ surf/ rock/ instrumental. My music is very guitar driven and focused. I love letting my guitar portray the feeling of a song and I've always loved the idea of the guitar being at the forefront.
Can you tell us about your new song Cryptic Love, and the Explorations EP?
For my song 'Cryptic Love' I wanted to write a piece that incorporated a blues sounding verse but with a big uplifting chorus, with an 80s flavour as well. The melody came to me pretty quick once I started demoing the song. My sister Rachel contributed a killer electric violin solo on it too.
For the whole EP I purposely wanted to create a body of work that was all instrumental. I love instrumental music. For me sometimes it's easier to convey what I want to say without lyrics. The whole EP is a journey and I tried to give it as much passion and flare as I could. The whole thing was self-produced so it was a lot of work but I'm really proud of the end result.
What inspired Cryptic Love specifically, and why did you choose to share an instrumental release?
I actually got the name out of a local form guide, it's the name of a horse I think. I thought it was a great name for a song. Some time ago I started sharing more of my instrumental works on social media and I was getting such a positive response I thought I should release a track properly. At some point I will release a track with vocals but I wanted to establish myself as a guitarist first, guitar instrumentals are my true passion.
Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?
If I can move people with my music, then I have done my job. I feel very grateful to be able to do what I do and if my music resonates with someone else then that's pretty special.
Do you prefer performing live or recording?
As much as I love the creative process of recording I would say I prefer performing live. It's just an awesome feeling when it all comes together and there is an energy in the room.
What motivates you most when writing music?
Many different things influence my songwriting, however just my overall desire to be creative is what really motivates me at the end of the day. I'm always keeping an ear out for little things that might spark something, it could be a small section of a song, a beat, a conversation, a word or a movie scene; I'm always paying attention for that one bit of gold that grabs me.
What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
My Dad played a bit of guitar and would take me and my brother to a Country Music club, we would watch the musicians in awe as they performed so that's what inspired me to play guitar. My siblings all played instruments too and we formed a band (The Bostocks). We were getting paid gigs as kids and continued on performing together right up until adults. We would have done thousands of shows together.
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Well, not that they would need me but it would be a dream to do something with either Hank Marvin or Tommy Emmanuel, they have both inspired me and so many other guitarists. I've performed alongside Tommy a couple of times before and it's like sparring with Muhammad Ali in his prime, it's frightening but he brings the best out of you.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?
I would say just learning to be patient which is something I am getting better at. I remember when I first started learning the guitar when I was a kid I just couldn't get the hang of it, it took a lot of persistence for me. For me, music is a lifetime commitment, so my biggest goal is to just get better as a musician. I think the most important thing is to remain a student of music, remain patient, there is always something new to learn or get better at.
What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists?
I would say; follow your passion and be as prepared as you can be before a performance. And don't be too hard on yourself, trust the process and enjoy it.
What's next, for you?
I'm performing at Blues On Broadbeach May 18-21. I'm really looking forward to showcasing my songs there. It's such a great festival and in the perfect location. It's a free festival too! I've got some new songs in the pipeline too, so hopefully I'll get some time to get back into the studio and start recording them.
Can you share your socials? (links please)
https://www.facebook.com/robbiebostock/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClHpD-nUGBsLCeCpD1S1-Pg
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