ROBIN BECK
www.robinbeckrocks.com

(Summer 2005) by George Dionne

Robin Beck released her first album in 1979. Although it was not exactly what you would call a rock release, it wasn't long until she found her calling. In 1988 Robin gained some notierity with her hit single "First Time", which was used in a Coca-Cola ad campain. Over the next fifteen years Robin would release four solo rock albums. On these four releases she collaborated with a virtual who's who of songwriters. On top of all that, Robin has done session recordings with some of the biggest names in the industry. In 2005, Italian record label Frontiers released Robin Beck's fifth solo record Do You Miss Me? (read CD review). Rock Is Life interviewed Robin via e-mail.

RIL: If I knew absolutely nothing about Robin Beck, how would you describe your music to me?
RB: If you like songs that have huge sentiment and emotion, big vocals and great players that rock then you would love the music that I do. Rock and Roll with soul.

RIL: Your new album “Do You Miss Me” was recently released on Italian label Frontiers Records; do you plan a U.S. release?
RB: I believe that Frontiers has arranged for some U.S. partners to release Do You Miss Me.

RIL: Why do you think that your music, and music like yours, is so popular in Europe, but not so much in the Untied States?
RB: Europeans rock harder and they are always loyal to the bands that they grew up with. They recognize heart when they hear it. Americans are guided more by hype, and the span of music is more largely embarrassed here. For instance country and the blues are not a favorite in Europe but in America it's a staple.

RIL: On your new album, what song are you most proud of?
RB: One of my favorites is "Your Love is Tough". It gave me a chance to see if I still had my range and emotion in check.

RIL: Do you plan to tour in support of Do You Miss Me?
RB: I would like to. I may go out with House of Lords next summer.

RIL: You're married to House of Lord’s vocalist James Christian, how did you meet?
RB: We met at a friend’s house in L.A. We've been together ever since.

RIL: James has worked with you on your last couple albums, have you two discussed the possibility of a duet or complete album together?
RB: We do discuss it. We are sharing a song on the next James Christian record. I would love to do more with him. We both love the same kind of music and we sound awesome together.

RIL: Looking at your discography, there was a break in your recording career from 1994-2003, what were you doing then?
RB: I did put out one CD Wonderland. I was working on several projects outside of my solo career. I even started a management company for young artists.

RIL: Was it difficult getting a record deal after so much time had past?
RB: No, not really. I am asked to do a record at least twice a year. It's a matter of picking the right company. The last company that I recorded Wonderland with took 4 years of my life.

RIL: You’ve worked with some very prominent songwriters over the years; Diane Warren, Paul Stanley, Desmond Child, Michael Bolton (to name a few). Who was your favorite?
RB: I would have to say Steve Kipner was my favorite, although he is not on your list. He is one of the nicest guys. Working with Desmond was wonderful too. He always knows how to add to the music rather than take away.

RIL: You’ve also done session work with some prominent artists over the years; David Bowie, Joe Lynn Turner, Cher, Chaka Khan (to name a few). Who would you love to work with again?
RB: Someone you left off the list, Patty Austin. She is my favorite singer to record with. She is awesome, funny, and a great person to work with.

RIL: Was there anyone that you wouldn’t work with again?
RB: I choose to just forget about the people that I’ve had bad experiences with. So I can't even remember who they are to talk about them after the fact.

RIL: Your first album Sweet Talk was more of a disco oriented album. How and why did you make the transition to rock vocalist?
RB: Really it was an R&B record. I had to learn who I really was and that took some time, but it wasn't long before I was singing what I was really made to sing, and that was rock and roll.

RIL: The rock music industry is general viewed as being a male dominated genre, did you face any obstacles during you career because of this?
RB: Not really. All of my male peers were glad to see me doing it and were always inviting me to sing with them. I think that there are only a handful of female rockers that were accepted and I was fortunate to be one of them.

RIL: What’s one thing that you think people would be surprised to know about you?
RB: I'm pretty sure I've told all, but I think only a few know that I am just 5 feet tall. I also have my own website for the first time in my career [here], and I answer all my emails.

RIL: What does the future hold for Robin Beck?
RB: All good things I hope. I want to be touring with House of Lords and I want to keep putting out great records. I think that this record Do you miss me will open up some new doors and some old ones too.

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