After taking a short break from releasing music last year, comedian, voice actor, and recording artist John Roberts is back, back, back again—this time, with singles like Make Me, and Something Ain’t Right tapping back into the new wave vibe that he’s become known for.
Roberts dials into Not Safe For Queers from Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles in between sessions (the same studio which has accommodated musical legends like Beyonce and Lady Gaga). It feels right, he says, with the studio’s retro fit-out being heavily influenced by the same era as his music.
Those familiar with Roberts may know him best as the voice of kooky wine mum Linda Belcher on Fox’s Bob’s Burgers. But what his more casual fans may not know is that Roberts’ journey as a musical artist began some 10-odd years before his voicework.
“Music has always been so fun for me. I’ve always had samplers and keyboards and fiddled around and shared things with my friends, but in 2002, Opti-Grab (my first party band) was, really, me getting my feet wet,” he explains to Not Safe For Queers. “It was more of a jokey type of band. I was just having fun being in the band, writing music with friends and stuff. So, it wasn’t as serious.”
“But I think around 2016 is when I started working with Big Black Delta. And it was so much fun to put something out that was a little more LGBTQIA+, a little more what I had in mind for making music. It just felt more personal, and, yeah, I was really proud of it,” he shares.
Over the past five years, however, Roberts has started venturing out on his own, releasing tracks as a solo artist which pay homage to the most popular genres of the 80s and 90s (including new wave, funk, and dance music).
“I just love the 80s in general. I think it was the best decade for music, because you had all these different genres: new wave, and hip hop, and all that stuff. And I do like to venture into something newer sounding, but I do enjoy a good first chorus, and something you could do unplugged as well,” he explains.
“But, yeah, I’m inspired by old stuff…because I’m old,” he laughs.
With his two most recent releases (Make Me, Something Ain’t Right) Roberts is unabashedly tapping right into those influences, solidifying his space in the electronic dance scene—with audiences excited to hear what he releases next.
With only one more release planned, however, the future is hinging on nothing but vibes for Roberts. “I’m kind of just doing singles right now and seeing what sticks,” he states. “Usually, my favourite song that I just wrote is what I’m going to put out. But you never know, I could write something stronger that could resonate more at the time.”
Of course, the singer-songwriter has his aspirations—and they’re exciting ones. “I always think about starting a side project with just instrumentals or guest vocals, because I do love to make beats, and I know my way around a sampler and program some beats,” he says. “But because I’ve been working with Junior Sanchez and Big Black Delta and the Scissor Sisters, they’re all so good that I’ve just been focusing on writing the lyrics and melody.”
“But I would love to work with other artists. I’d love to have a few female artists, someone who’s more RnB in their style of music. Maybe Normani, that’s who I want to work with.”
John Roberts’ newest single, ‘Something Ain’t Right’, is available to stream now.