Q&A Scene: ROBBIE BOSTOCK

Tell us about your new single Cryptic Love?

It’s an instrumental piece. I love writing instrumental music because sometimes I can say everything I need to say with just my guitar. It started off with the bass riff, it really grooved, so I knew I definitely wanted to explore it further. I sat on that riff for years before I dragged it back out. I was toying with some vocal ideas over the top, it was originally going to have lyrics on it but as I started demoing the track, all of the melody just came straight out of my fingers and onto my guitar, it just felt right to keep it instrumental. It’s actually probably one the easiest songs of mine to play but it’s got all the elements I like in a song; groove, harmonies and a strong melody.

What’s your favourite work at this point in time?

The last track on my EP would be my favourite. It’s called ‘Fading Off The Earth’. It’s a song I co-wrote with my brother Brendan and it’s a six and half minute long epic journey. I’m really proud of that one.

How would you describe your sound in food form and why?

I would say it’s like a big breakfast, it’s hearty!

Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.

I was on tour in New Zealand and at this one gig someone in the crowd threw a g-string on stage. Unbeknown to me, my band mate hid it in my guitar case after the gig. We landed back at Coolangatta airport and customs pulled me aside and asked if I had packed my own bags to which I said yes. They did a search on all of my baggage and found the pink g-string in my guitar case. I had some explaining to do! haha

What, or who, inspires you?

Many people inspire me however my mother is a massive inspiration, she is a fantastic artist, she paints a lot of her favourite musicians and mostly music related stuff, she is amazing.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

I wish I had written ‘Albatross’ by Peter Green, that song is a true masterpiece.

What’s next for you?

Well, I’m performing at Blues On Broadbeach festival on the 18th to the 21st of May and my EP is due out May 12 so I’ll be preparing for all that.

What’s your scene?

I’m just your average fella really, I love a beer at the pub with my mates and I love watching the footy when I’m not touring.

A striking collision of slick blues and uplifting retro hues, virtuosic guitarist Robbie Bostock is today releasing his new single via the jubilant instrumental journey that is Cryptic Love. Showcasing Robbie’s burgeoning craftsmanship and dazzling delivery, Cryptic Love also offers a glimpse into the Gold Coast artist’s upcoming EP Explorations, due out on Friday May 12, with local fans able to catch Robbie live in action across a number of shows this May at one of Australia’s largest free music festivals: Blues on Broadbeach.

Busting out slinky basslines, sizzling guitarwork and soaring 80s undertones, Cryptic Love is an oscillating declaration of blues and Robbie’s love for the likes of Phil Emmanuel, Jeff Beck, Mark Knopflerand Hank Marvin, while ultimately also allowing the instrumentals to glimmer and shine. Self-produced, mixed and mastered by Robbiehimself, Cryptic Love is a creamy and buoyant delight for guitar fans and beyond – and, as Robbie explains, it’s equally a family affair, “For the single Cryptic Love I wanted to write a piece that incorporated a blues sounding verse but with a big uplifting chorus, with a bit of an 80’s flavour as well. Originally it was going to have vocals on it but my Strat guitar insisted on doing the singing! My sister Rachel Bostock alsocontributed a killer electric violin solo on it too!”.

Like a jet engine taking off into the atmosphere, Cryptic Love firmly opens the door for what’s to come on Robbie’s forthcoming EP Explorations. A wall-to-wall musical guitar journey, with Robbiehelming the entire EP’s creation, alongside co-writing on final track Fading Off The Earth with his brother Brendan Bostock, Explorationstruly lives up to its inquisitive moniker. Erupting with the toe-tappin’ Bostock Boogie, Explorations flits from blues and lush retro flavours (Cryptic Love) to hazy undulations (The New Rivals), surf-soaked doo-wop (Seashells), classic rock fare (In Guitar We Trust) and crystalline sonic fire and ice (Fading Off The Earth). With additional violins on the EP provided by sister Rachel, as seen today on Cryptic Love, Explorations is an overall a fascinating expedition, led firmly by Robbieand his trusty Stratocaster. “I do love to sing as well, but for me sometimes the music and my guitar can say everything I need the song to say without putting pen to paper,” shares Robbie of the ultimate decision to present Explorations as an entirely instrumental outing. “I decided to keep the EP all instrumental; I wanted the whole EP to be like an intriguing movie and take people on a journey”.

Discovering music at a very early age, Robbie started playing the guitar when he was age 7, going on to form a band with his siblings, including Rachel on violin, Brendan on drums, and sister Sara Bostock on bass. With genres ranging from country to Irish, blues, heavy rock and more, the Bostocks performed into adulthood at pubs, clubs, festivals, weddings and parties, with their father’s work van transformed into an honorary tour bus for the siblings on weekends. But from competing with sister Rachel for the best solo on the night to Robbie himself branching out as a solo artist, Robbie has since gone on to turn heads across the industry, including performing with some of the greats from Tommy Emmanuel to Normie Rowe and the late Stevie Wright, as well as past appearances at Blues On Broadbeach and The Gympie Music Muster. Releasing a collaboration album with his mentor and long-time friend, the late Phil Emmanuel, via 2013’s Chariots Of Fire, Robbie also took home Instrumental Single Of The Year at the Australian Song Writing Awards in 2019 for his track The New Rivals. And as an accomplished session guitarist, Robbie has also recently contributed to a range of successful releases, including Amber Lawrence’s Living ForThe Highlights, which hit #1 on the ARIA Top 50 Chart.

Returning once again to Blues On Broadbeach in his home town in 2023, fans on the Gold Coast this May will be able to witness some of Robbie’s brand new musical creations live in action, with multiple performances across the festival locked in following the release of Explorations on May 12. And, as Robbie concludes, these shows are set to showcase his incredible guitarwork as well as vocals, originals, covers and beyond. “My shows at Blues On Broadbeach will be half singing and half instrumental, I do like to sing as well,” shares Robbie of his upcoming performances. “I’ll play my own stuff as well as some classics. 10 years ago, I released a collaboration album at the festival with Phil Emmanuel, so I will also play some songs from that album in honour of Phil’s legacy.”