Robert Silvester is a really intriguing artist, creating unique songs that sounds like absolutely nothing else! I recently discovered his song Secret Obsession, and I really enjoyed it, leading me to delve deeper into Robert’s back catalogue. If you like Robert’s music, you can find out more about this enigmatic artist here!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a single titled Secret Obsession. What can you tell us about the track?

Secret Obsession is a tale of unrequited love, longing and desire. I originally wrote the lyrics after talking to a friend of mine. She said she just wanted to walk in the city by the sea and maybe stop for a coffee. Then the lyrics just started appearing in my mind, and as I wrote them down, they just seemed to have a sad feel, like someone was talking to me about their desire and love for someone who didn’t even know they existed. Then Rowen wrote the music and we began the process of creating the song. It was rewritten a few times and then we removed a verse and added the brass section as a bridge – the song was finally finished and Secret Obsession was born.

How has the reception to Secret Obsession been so far, and where can the song be purchased?

The reception for Secret Obsession has been amazing I’m very flattered and overwhelmed by the response, it’s amazing, thank you to everyone who has streamed and listened to my song. Secret Obsession is available on ITunes, Spotify, Amazon Music and all other streaming platforms.

You worked with Rowan Silvester on the track. Are you related? Would you consider collaborating more with Rowan on other songs?

Yes we are related, I’m actually Rowen’s dad. If you look at the band photos you can see the family resemblance, I’m so incredibly proud of that kid and Rowan is such a talented person. They write all my music and also the songs for Trummerkind, I’m in a band with one of my kids – I’m so lucky. All the music I make or am involved in is a collaboration with Rowen. I really don’t think I’d do it without them.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

I have a new song due out hopefully soon, it’s going to Duncan Chave (the genius producer) to be mixed and mastered and then released. It’s called Grey Eyes and is such a beautiful song, it’s a collaboration between Rowen, myself and Oli Sturdy. Oli is the guitarist from Trummerkind – he wrote the melody while staying on a farm in Italy and the lyrics fit perfectly. It’s another sad love song, I really like this song.

Have you started writing for your next EP/album yet?

I’ve been writing the EP for a little while now and have a few song ideas, Rowen is going to help with the writing process and I’ll also ask Oli to help, the 3 of us work so well together, whether it be post-punk, Trummerkind or my jazzy neo-soul. They don’t really get a choice, as I hassle them until they give in and help me haha.

Secret Obsession has a really unique. sound. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

Secret Obsession does have a unique sound – it’s a fusion of Rowen’s and my writing styles. Personally I love the brass section and Rowen’s haunting vocals give the track a new depth and sadness. My main influences are Leonard Cohen and Matt Johnson from The The. Lately I’ve been listening to ana amazing band called Tindersticks an amazing band and PJ Harvey.

You’re also part of the band Trummerkind. How do you balance everything? Do you have any more projects on the go?

Yes I’m the drummer in Trummerkind, check us out on Spotify. Our new song, Beauty Queen, has just been released. I’m busy, put it that way, but I love it! The main writing for Trummerkind is done by Rowen and Oli, which gives me time to write my own songs. Trummerkind is so special – the potential for the band is huge. We just need the right support and to find a record deal, it’s such a unique sound. Rowen’s writing is incredible and it should be heard!

Do you have anything else exciting coming up this year?

I’m currently trying to, Trummerkind and solo work permitting, start a new project called The D2 Project with my friend Jeff House. He’s a drummer as well, but it keeps getting pushed back because of Trummerkind and now my solo music/ I’m so busy with radio and blog interviews, promotion work and the EP, (sorry Jeff).

Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?

Trummerkind is hoping to tour either later this year or early next year with Tim Holehouse and the Escaped Ghosts, we are trying to work out the logistics of it all at the moment. For my solo music, I want to get the EP finished and then do some small dates, but I have to convince Oli and Rowen to come with me.

Any last words for the fans?

To my fans, I just want to say a massive thank you for all the support and positive messages about Secret Obsession. I’m so incredibly happy and proud of that song – it’s been such hard work but so worth it, you’re all amazing. I also have so many friends and family members that help me make my songs they all do it for love not profit and I truly am such a lucky man, so I’d like to thank them also for all their help and support. You’re all amazing people and I couldn’t do it without you.