Two years after the release of his debut album and Rob Richings is right where he wants to be as a singer, songwriter and performer.
The months of touring and playing live have seen him hone his craft and gain an air of confidence in his own ability that has pushed his writing to new highs.
“I’ve had an amazing year,” says the rightly enthusiastic Swindon native.
“I had two theatre tours with Hazel O’Connor and Ramin Karimloo that were absolutely incredible, I learned such a lot.
“Then I toured with the British rockabilly guitarist Darrel Higham and although our music is totally different it was great fun.”
Rob hits the road again this autumn in support of his new EP, Lately I’ve Been Wondering released on September 28 on Crescent Records, with the lead track ‘Be Alright’ available for download from August 10.
“The songs are all very different and I’ve pushed the sound a bit, but they’re all linked by the highs and lows of being a musician,” added Rob.
“It’s an unbeatable feeling, no matter whether it’s walking out on stage night after night or the months of silence when you don’t know where the next gig is coming from, playing music is where I feel most comfortable.
“It’s where I feel like me.”
Lately I’ve Been Wondering was recorded in a new studio set up by Rob with his brother James and Engineer/Producer Damon Sawyer close to home in Swindon.
The opening song ‘Be Alright’ is vintage Rob Richings, deceptively simple with a killer chorus that’ll be skipping around your head for ages, it’s a wonderful way to be told we’re doing fine.
By contrast, the gentle, reflective ‘Paperback Books’ finds beauty in darkness and reminds us not to judge a man until we can walk a mile in his shoes.
The jagged electric guitar figure of ‘Burn Like Fire’ adds an uneasy edge to the smooth finishes of Rob’s signature sound to which he returns on ‘Lately I’ve Been Wondering’ with its acoustic guitar, carefully considered melody and achingly personal lyrics: ‘Lately I’ve been wondering why I’m worrying when I’ve got it all.”
Now, ain’t that the truth?
“Setting up the studio has taken the pressure off so we can record without having one eye on the clock.
“The business is changing all the time so now we can respond almost instantly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh7sFzrVDAI
“The plan is to keep putting out EPs and changing up sounds while staying true to what I believe in – simple, honest songs sung the way I sing them.
“It’s the only way I know.”
The songs on Rob’s first album, 2016’s Parkas and Boots drew on hischildhood in Swindon and rural Ireland where from the age of 12 he was playing covers in pubs and he’s excited to be going back again this autumn to open shows for singer songwriter Tom Baxter.
“I have very fond memories of the free and easy lifestyle we had in the countryside in County Waterford and all the nights sat in the these little rural bars listening to and playing music.
“I’m thrilled to be heading back with my guitar – but I’ll be doing my songs this time!”
Lately I’ve Been Wondering is released on September 28 via Crescent Records and coming to a town near you.
For further information click here.