“SPACEY AND FIZZLY”-
ROSS ROBERTSON ON HIS MUSIC, MENTAL HEALTH AND AN UPCOMING EP RELEASE.
The best part of a Ross Robertson set, is the beautiful way in which he remains entirely himself throughout. You can feel the exact moment he’s stepped behind the decks. Whether he’s playing to five, or five hundred, he plays with his heart. His style is not easily defined, his seamless mix of genres from all across the world creates an entirely new experience. Having welcomed guests such as Mele, Giovanna, Homeage Records and Dhrama Collective to his monthly radio show, Ross has created his own space within the ever-growing musical hub that is Melodic Distraction Radio. The passion Ross holds for music is profound. He can get any room grooving with his exciting and diverse sets. But it is within his own, original work we are allowed a glimpse to much different side of Ross. Tracks such as Eyrka and She’s a Spy are much more grounded, with earthy percussion and floaty melodies. Ross describes his own work as “spacey and fizzly”. His tracks, crafted with slick precision, are filled with emotion and personality. Ross brightens as he tells me about the EP he is currently finalising. He tells me he takes inspiration from everything, even crafting a song from percussion samples taken from a train. “Eryka taught me act more on impulse” he explains, adding that when an idea for a track pops into his head he makes sure to stop what he is doing and get it down. He explains how “tracks can just come out of nowhere” and begin to build themselves as he explores new sounds and ideas. In simple terms; Ross’ music speaks for itself. It is difficult to focus on other tasks while listening to Ross play, his music demands full attention, which it receives from listeners with ease.
Ross’ journey as a musician began as a young child where he first learnt to play piano, at which he excelled. His love for music has never faltered and having been such a huge part of his life it is no wonder he makes it look so effortless. But his success hasn’t grown from seedless soil. Ross tells me about his decision to leave his full-time recruitment job to pursue music full time. This risk, although at the time seeming massive, has surely paid off. Since then, Ross has been seen to play over 150 shows up and down the country, appearing at Gottwood Festival and Folie Douce in the French Alps. He has performed alongside artists such as Moodymann, Motor City, Groove Armada and Nightmares on Wax. Despite his snowballing success, Ross is an incredibly humble soul. It is clear as our interview passes easily, that Ross is remarkably hard working, and what’s more remarkably caring. Ross tells me about his struggle with anxiety, something I feel connects so many of us. During this time Ross shares with me how he began to question himself musically, and how the stress of his mental health began impacting his life not only as a performer, but also as an individual. As he reflects on this time, it is clear to see how much Ross has grown from this dark spell.
Having personally battled a mental illness, I feel genuine compassion and admiration for his efforts to overcome his anxiety. And my joy for his success deeply heartfelt. But I suppose, this is what music does to us as people. It opens up our hearts and connects us in ways we didn’t realise were possible. It makes us vulnerable, and human. It makes us dance in weird and wonderful ways, fully expressing the way our body wants to move, grove, shake or two-step. And it makes us smile. Because, at least for the time being, we can fully submerge ourselves into this new way of being. We are all present. For a while, at least, no one is checking their phone. No swiping, tapping, filming or filtering. We are all just here. Ross tells me as we zip up our jackets and leave the bar, “I don’t care if I’m rich or whatever, as long as I’m making music, I’m happy.” Ross is sure to continue growing in his success, and though he is aware of the hard work and determination needed within this “cut throat” industry, he seems at peace with himself. And as he keeps growing and glowing in his career, he welcomes many more wavers and wobblers to come along with him. At a time when the world feels a little unloving, it’s people like Ross who remind us to simply smile and enjoy ourselves.
https://melodicdistraction.com/podcast/blue-orange-february-20/
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