Rob Tirea is an American DJ and producer who originated out of Los Angeles. He recently released a single titled “The Storm Front & The Sea” Though the track may come across as another alternative heartthrob anthem, the song was actually inspired by our confusing political climate. Here’s what he has to say:
Views On Society
“I think definitely in regards to the current pandemic, our perspectives have shifted. Things that we took for granted before were stripped away, along with a lot of the things that we enjoyed.”
“We really had to learn to deal without them and I think once it comes back, we’re going to appreciate things a lot more than we did in the past — enjoy things, be present, be in the moment, you never what can happen in life.”
Music and Society
Rob grew up listening to a lot of alternative rock from the early 2000s, which heavily influenced his decision to write his music from a political standpoint rather than be feel-good. One of the albums that influenced Rob’s style the most is Radiohead’s album OK Computer, which criticized technology’s grip on society.
“I always wanted to write music with more of a societal impact just to put a time-stamp on the music that I’m writing. I think it’s an interesting take and it’s prevalent in alternative rock music.”
Maddie Eastman
Scripting Lyrics
“One day I was driving down Pacific Coast Highway and it was quite a rainy gloomy day but amidst all of the clouds, the ocean looked so stunning and beautiful and I thought that was so interesting, that in contrast to all of the gloominess you could have something so beautiful.”
This made Rob think of the current pandemic and the potential that awaits for all the art and creative inventions that can emerge from such a dark time. Rob believes we will see many positives come out of this tumultuous time.
Looking Forward
“Mostly traveling, I’m hoping by 2021 to really get on a steady tour schedule and start playing a lot of shows and travel. Society has so much to offer and the world is so vast and you really can’t see enough of it. So that’s one of the beauties of life I’m looking to in these times.”
“Also, you know, going out for a beer would be nice [haha].
Inspiration and Crossing Genres
“I grew up on bands like the Editors, Coldplay, U2, Interpol – a lot of alternative rock. I’m a really big fan of the UK rock scene, especially from the early 2000s. Depeche Mode too. There’s some type of nostalgic feeling I get from listening to their music and it comes from the fact that I had their CDs and I remember my entire summer would be filled just listening to this one CD”
Rob initially started off making electronic music, which is where most of his tracks get their up-beat dance sound. Rob then wanted to figure out a way to bring these childhood idols into his music which is where the inspiration for his house, rock, indie pop genre mix comes from.
Rob’s style is always progressing and working through these multidimensional tracks has really helped him improve his sound.
Maddie Eastman
Learning From The Times
Rob believes as a society, everyone needs a perspective shift. After becoming so accustomed to a certain style of living, COVID-19 has helped ground everyone.
“I think if we come out of it with more appreciation for the little things in life then we’ll be much better as a society.”
Looking Back To The Beginning
“In the beginning your sound and your whole branding isn’t as cohesive and as an artist you’re just really trying to learn how to make music and how to get your mixes and productions to a level that’s competitive. In the beginning, I was making electro house – whatever I thought was popular at the time but now I’m really finding my own sound”
Rob is focused on finding his authentic self through his music by constantly trying new things. He finds it increasingly more beneficial to find and build a sonic identity. Watching his music shift from electro house to where it is today has been a welcomed transition.
“Going back to the topic of society, I think we just all really need to learn to appreciate the small things in life because you never know what’s going to happen.”
Want more? Rob Tirea released a second single last week ‘Hypnotize’.
