On Thursday (January 12), Rob Richings will be live at The Stables, opening for West End star Ramin Karimloo on the inaugural date of an 11-show UK tour.
Rob Richings is a man making good on a promise to himself.
The singer-songwriter’s album ‘Parkas and Boots’ is a collection of observant and personal folk songs - the tales of a troubadour who knows too well how fragile life can be.
It was a brush with death that gave him a new sense of perspective and renewed lease for life.
"I don't want my illness to define what I do, but at the same time that illness and the way I look at life now has made me a better songwriter," he realises.
After releasing his debut EP, ‘Half Way Up’, in 2015 Rob decided to head to more distant shores to record the album.
‘Parkas and Boots’ came to life in Sydney, Australia, under the guidance of producer Chris Vallejo, known for his desk creativity with Passenger.
Before stage-stepping on Wavendon's famous stage, Rob went On Track with Total MK...
The song that first awakened your musical senses.
XTC 'Dear God' was one of the first songs to get me thinking about music. Great lyrics, great tune. I'm a massive fan!
Physical or digital - how do you take your music?
Digital is first stop for me but if I like the album I will always go and buy the physical copy.
The first time you thought 'Music - this is the job for me'
From a young age, I've always wanted to write and gig but didn't think it was possible to do this full time until I hit my 30s. Better later than never I suppose!
Your best on stage memory...
I played a sold-out show in my hometown and everyone sang along to one of my songs. The roof lifted and it was an amazing feeling!
And the worst gig you've ever done.
My guitar strap broke mid song at a show. The guitar fell to the floor and was damaged. I didn't have a spare on the night either so pretty embarrassing and annoying too.
What made you take up singing?
I have a very musical family so from a young age we were all performing songs and playing instruments of some sort. Weekends were made up of jam sessions and sing alongs.
Which one song by another artist do you wish you had written.
Blur 'The universal' - still love this song today as much as I did when I first heard it.
And one - by yourself - which holds special significance
From my latest album, a song called 'Parkas And Boots'. It takes me back to my childhood days where I re-live amazing summers roaming around the countryside and a time in life that was very simplistic and stress free.
If you could step into the shoes of another musician, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?
Probably have to go with Freddie Mercury and see what was running through his mind when he wrote "Bohemian Rhapsody," what a track to write.
Are there any current influences you look to?
Ron Sexsmith is always on in my house. I really like The Paper Kites latest album 'Twelvefour' too.
And any genre of music that you simply can't stand?
I'm very easy going with music and like a bit of most styles although I do have certain music for certain places and occasions. in other words, I don't sit at home listening to dance music.
Finally, plug your Stables show - what can we expect?
One man, one guitar and vocal telling stories from my past, places I've been and people I've met along the way.
To book tickets for The Stables show click here
