Review Fix chats with The Nomadic’s Rob Gaylard, who discusses the band’s new single, “Waiting†and more.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Rob Gaylard: I have always loved, and got lost in music and in the creative process of songwriting! I used to make up funny songs with my grandfather, and from a young age I was tasked with writing a funny family song at Christmas in Australia! At school I met a friend, Nick, at around 16/17 years old. He was a great guitarist and was in high demand, teaching us all Lead Zeppelin, Oasis, and Radiohead songs! My songwriting started around that age, and never really stopped! I guess something magic did happen though when I came to New York in 2012! That’s when my songwriting quickly gathered pace- something I guess about the creative magic of the city sparked something inside me to write more songs!
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Gaylard: I write all my songs in my apt! I am lucky to have a great view of Manhattan from my apartment in Long Island City; particularly at sunset and at night, it is a very inspiring view of the city. I guess start playing guitar or piano, perhaps with some effects on my pedals, and see where the mood takes me with the lyrics. I always record what I do, because I had an annoying experience in 2016 when I thought I had come up with a cool melody/ song, but forgot it within a few days!
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Gaylard: Can be a number of things- my emotional state, a deep conversation with a friend, an interesting TV show or podcast. I am interested and fascinated by people-their struggles to be better, to overcome personal challenges, to fight for justice, to fight for the underdog and support minorities. Topics like depression, family trauma, mental health, addiction are interesting and challenging topics to address through songwriting
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
Gaylard: It means a lot! I notice it when I am in a cafe or restaurant, and a cool song comes on the radio, I get completely lost in the music! And I look around, and most people are just eating and totally oblivious to the music! So that’s how I know that music means more to me than most people!
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Gaylard: I have had some comparisons to OASIS, Radiohead, Coldplay, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan. I would say definitely alternative indie rock, with a strong influence of 90s Britpop.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Gaylard: Probably the live show is a bit more rocky and dynamic!
Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
Gaylard: “Waiting” is a tribute to all the time we spend waiting for planes, trains, etc; for people, for our own true potential to be realized. It is also a tribute to New York, it’s Long Island City port, railtracks with New York views, and amazing people!
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2020?
Gaylard: I will aim to release a single and music video every month or so! To keep introducing The Nomadic to new and diverse audiences, and eventually to get back to playing live again!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Gaylard: To keep releasing singles and videos, write and record more material, and get back to playing live again, hopefully later in the year once we are over the COVID crisis!
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