Highlight Magazine recently caught up with Robert Schwartzman. From being
the front-man of Rooney, an actor, and now working on his solo career,
Robert is taking the time to become the voice of change within the Industry.
Interview by McKenzie Hughes // Photo by Zoey Grossman
1. After having been apart of Rooney for 11 years, how does it feel to created, record, and release Double Capricorn?
It feels liberating to step outside my band and try something new. I’m inspired and excited by so many styles of music; I’ve always felt limited by sticking to one sound. A band has a sound, hopefully, and it’s hard to get people to embrace something new within that mix of people. We all have certain habits and, within a band, I think those habits can become limiting musically. I went for a certain vibe in my solo album, Double Capricorn. Elements that you don’t find in Rooney and some things that are familiar to my fans. I used mostly drum machines and programmed beats; a mix of inorganic sounds mixed with organic sounds… a blend of quantized parts with human performed parts. I like an album that takes you on a journey…sequence is so important. I feel this album has a lot of sides and shows a lot of my musical interests.
2. Robert’s debut album for his solo artist career was self recorded in LA at his home studio. Was it harder to work in an environment that you lived within?
I’m used to recording in my home studio, so I forget I’m at home. The studio is detached from the front house, so it feels like I’m entering a new environment. I like to record at all hours of the day, to run in there and change something, so the studio at home allots me that flexibility.
3. Through making this project specifically for you, was it challenging to become the ‘one man show’ when recording all parts?
I do like the one man show feeling. This album was written as it was recorded, which was a different process for me…kind of like working backwards, instead of the traditional songwriting way; having the lyrics and bulk of the song finished and then stepping into the studio. But that’s the beauty of art, music, making albums…anything goes, just let it happen and if you’re happy with the result, then you’re on the right track. The one thing I’ve always disliked is waiting…waiting for musicians to play something, for the label to put my music out, to approve my budget, or new songs. That’s why I wanted to be independent, so I could do things when I wanted to, on my terms.
Having the ability to play all instruments on my album, or to play the instruments I like to arrange with, gives me the freedom to record when I want, how I want, and shape the sound the way I hear it. I also love playing everything just for my enjoyment, so it makes the experience more fulfilling.
4. Double Capricorn is helping raise money for the Tibetan Healing Fund, how did this idea come about?
I like trying new things, taking a chance and releasing music in a new way. The music business is changing so rapidly and artists are trying to find a way to sell music, or excite fans. A few years ago, my family had a houseguest who lived with us for almost 4 years. He was a Tibetan Buddhist Monk and doctor of Tibetan medicine. He lived with us while he got his doctorate in public health from UCLA. I spent a lot of time with him, asking questions, learning from him. He’s back in Tibet now and I visited him twice last year.
I got to see the work he’s doing with his charity, the Tibetan Healing Fund, a charity that provides healthcare and education to woman and children in rural areas in Tibet. He’s doing so much for his people and it made me want to reach for bigger and better things…to help people, make a difference. I sometimes feel like I get so caught up in worrying about my music and succeeding that I lose site of what really matters, being happy. I’m at my happiest when I help people, when I use my power for the greater good. After leaving Tibet, I felt dedicated to helping raise money and awareness for the Tibetan Healing Fund. It’s a great cause and a little goes a long way for them. I thought it would be great to donate the album profits to this cause to use the cycle to help raise awareness. It’s a different way of releasing music and I’m hoping it motivates people to get involved.
5. Through developing new music and performing this year, what else can fans see happening in 2012?
Hopefully, lots of positive stuff! I’d like to act again. I’d like to put out another album. I’m releasing an album for an artist on my label, California Dreamin’ Records, called Lots Of Love. It’s a great album and will be out soon. Keep an eye out!
6. What is the “Highlight(ing)” moment from this past decade of your career?
It’s all been fun. I would say jamming with Jeff Lynne from ELO. I hung out at his house and we played songs all night, just the two of us. We covered my favorite oldies songs. He let me play the first guitar he ever owned…an acoustic his Father bought him when he was a kid. After I left his house, I said to myself, “Okay, I can die now and I’ll be a happy man.”
Thank you for your time. You can purchase Double Capricorn off my website by clicking here.
