John Robie, legendary producer and musician known for "Planet Rock," started his musical journey at age five during The Beatles era. Their innovative approach to music and cultural impact significantly influenced his early development.

His electronic music journey began with a Farfisa organ, a generous gift from his father worth $700 in the 1960s. Robie played in various bands, including "Backdoor Man," where he alternated between guitar and keyboard.

A pivotal moment came when he met Ray Jones, who introduced him to the Moog synthesizer. This experience shaped Robie's understanding of electronic music fundamentals, leading him to prefer simpler synthesizers over today's complex versions.

Through Eddie O'Loughlin's Next Plateau Entertainment, Robie immersed himself in diverse music genres. Initially skeptical of disco and hip-hop, experiencing these cultures firsthand transformed his perspective. He considers himself a "sound architect" rather than just a keyboardist.

The 1980s music scene naturally embraced diversity, with Robie working alongside artists of various backgrounds. This exposure broadened his worldview and musical approach.

A crucial career breakthrough came with his track "Vena Cava." Though initially met with skepticism by R. Rodriguez at Disconet, it led to a connection with Tom Silverman of Tommy Boy Entertainment and producer Arthur Baker, culminating in the creation of "Planet Rock."

Today, Robie warns against musical mediocrity and conformity. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards in artistic creation, noting how easily people can mistake competence for arrogance. His passion for music innovation continues to influence the electronic music landscape.

"Being part of the culture changes everything," Robie reflects. "When you experience so many cultures, you see things through that lens. You start to appreciate how different music moves different people."

Related Articles

Previous Articles