Robbie Rapids is a young artist with a wealth of creativity contained within his sound, as his song April’s Gonna Rain shows. The track can be found at the bottom of this interview – check it out now if you haven’t already!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a song titled April’s Gonna Rain, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
Yes, it is dark as you said in the review, like a rain cloud. Test exciting and scary like a good thunderstorm, that was the intention. It is doing quite well since its release last month. It’s gotten on 40 Spotify playlists and my YouTube channel has gotten thousands of views. It seems to be growing on its own. I put it up into the atmosphere and I hope it rains down everywhere. I just created a playlist of my favourite songs about rain and the song fits in so well.
Where can April’s Gonna Rain be purchased?
Apple Music/iTunes, or stream on Spotify, YouTube, etc.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Yes, I have an albums worth of songs and the way to release is one by one nowadays. If I would have done whole album vs. song by song, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am now. Each song fits different playlists and each song needs its own promotion.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
Yes, an album once all 12-15 of my top songs are released.
You fronted a Tom Petty cover band at one point. Do you still perform with the band? Do you have any other projects on the go?
No more impersonating Tom Petty full on, it was fun for a bit but it helped me realise that I’ve got great songs, which is why am I spending so much time and energy on it. I just do 3 songs of his in a large set. I’ve been in a local top 40 rock cover band called Jukebox Caper in Atlanta for 3 years and we are working up the Robbie Rapids original songs. 4 are currently in our set list. Once we work up enough songs and the product (songs) are all released, we will begin touring original clubs, perform an album release party, etc. Also the group will go by the name of Robbie Rapids.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
Live shows yes, and recording yes and no. I have more time for recording ideas at home but many there were many cancelled shows and recording sessions due to COVID.
Your music contains a number of genres. What/who influences you most as an artist?
1960s-2000s rock. Since David Levene and I are the only 2 working together in the studio, it’s falls under our common influences. British rock is our favourite. I wrote the song, music and lyrics, but David rearranged it slightly and created some great riffs and hooks. He took it from a sedan and made it into a Ferrari.
What have you been listening to recently?
The Spotify playlists I am on, which is mainly indie rock from all over the world. I’m trying to step outside all the normal top 40 rock I always hear. I’m surprised by how much great rock is out there, yet the rock radio in Atlanta and the USA is only recycling old rock. I’m hearing such great stuff out of Europe. My next release, Rock Ain’t Dead, hits on that topic.
You’re based in Atlanta, GA. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
Good for country and rap, not so much anymore for British influenced rock, lots of rock groups recorded here in the 90s. Now it seems its called Southern rock down here because of the sound and location. I’m a big fan of some of those groups as well, like Lynyrd Sknyrd, The Black Crows, Blackberry Smoke, and Tom Petty. Tributes and covers make more than originals around here, unless there is a big local following. And promotion. We are working step by step.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I would love too, but we’re not at that level yet. We’re not there yet with streams, followers etc., or songs released. That could change tomorrow if I’m offered a good deal. The group would be ready and flexible. I know there are a lot of US bands that break in the UK., then come back to USA famous.
Any last words for the fans?
I hope my music connects with you and is understandable. That is my goal, to make the lyrics and story of the song understandable to the audience. When it continues to grow, I will ramp it up with touring, probably locally first.