Rob Lynch - Sound In The Signals Interview

I recently had the chance to interview with Rob Lynch. Check out my interview with him after the jump.

For those unfamiliar with your music can you tell me a little bit about what got you into songwriting and performing?

I've always loved music, but until the age of 18 I'd not picked up an instrument. I fancied having a go at writing some songs. I had no idea how, but I wanted to try. So, for my 18th birthday, I asked for an acoustic guitar. I learned how to play a few chords, and I wrote a few songs, and it hasn't stopped since then. I didn't have any expectations about playing any gigs, and I remember that when I played my first ever show in my hometown, I thought it was the coolest thing ever and to me it was the equivalent of playing at Wembley Stadium. That was enough for me.
But then I caught the bug. And, as with writing, I haven't stopped since.

Your No Blood EP came out last year. What was the songwriting process like for the EP?

No Blood was just 3 songs that I'd had kicking about for a little while. They were songs that didn't make it on to my Self Titled EP, and also songs that I knew weren't going to be on the upcoming full-length. So, the song writing process itself wasn't actually geared towards an EP as such, they were just individual songs that I put together for a release. "We Are Nihilists, Lebowski" is a cover song by a band called Portman. They're defunct now, but they came from my hometown, and were one of the first bands that inspired me to play music in the first place, so this cover is my little homage to them.

No Blood is available as a pay what you want on Bandcamp. Why did you decide to release the EP like that and how do you think it has helped spread your music not just in England but around the world?

As mentioned above, the EP is just a collection of 3 songs, so it didn't really feel like an EP that needed a proper release as such. So, I thought I'd put it up as PWYW; if people wanted to pay for it, then that was most appreciated, but if people were just curious then they are more than welcome to download the tracks for free.
I guess in terms of it helping to spread the music, PWYW is useful as you get people who will download it because they don't have to pay anything for it, and if they like it, will hopefully spread the word. And, maybe even in turn, pay for the next release!

Are you currently working on anything to be released in 2013?

I've recorded a full length album, it'll be released by the end of the year. It's about to enter the mixing stage, so once that's sorted, I'll be able to figure out logistics and specifics.

You recently said Groezrock was one of the best shows you’ve ever played. What about that show in particular made it your best?

I love Groezrock Festival, I went as a punter last year, so to actually be playing it this year was really special. I was very humbled by the reaction that I received, especially in a country that I'm not from. So, the combination of the reaction, my personal enjoyment onstage, and the general atmosphere of the day, made it one of my favourite shows.

If you had to pick on or two songs that would be the best introduction to your music what tracks would you pick and why?

I'd pick two songs from my S/T EP. Firstly, My Friends & I. This is a singalong song that is essentially about touring and friends. It is the song that I play last in my set and tends to get the biggest reaction in terms of singalongs. Learn the words if you plan on coming to a show, and we'll have a good time.
The second song I'd pick is called "Plans". It's more of a finger picked, brooding song that showcases a different side to what I do.

What do you have lined up for the remainder of 2013?

The main focus over the summer is getting the album completed, as well as a few festivals and some European shows. Going in to autumn (fall), I have some tours lined up, and the release of the record. And then, tour some more.

I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have any closing comments you’d like to make?

Thanks for the questions Truman!
If you've not checked out my music before, you can head to www.facebook.com/roblynchmusic, roblynch.bandcamp.com, Spotify/iTunes. I hope you enjoy it. If you do, please look out for the album when it's released at the end of the year.
If you want a personal touch, you can read my uninformative quips over at twitter.com/theroblynch.