Unsigned Spotlight: Kill Rob Bailey
Inspirational, self-made, Rob Bailey is an example of using art and creativity to inspire and refusing to let industry or genre boundaries stand in the way of his his path to glory.
Please list your name.
Rob Bailey (Kill Rob Bailey)
For starters, what bands were you a part of prior to your solo project, Kill Rob Bailey?
I’m also in a band called Rob Bailey and the Hustle Standard. I’ve been doing this for about seven or eight years. We’ve had a decent amount of success for being an unsigned band.
What’s the origin of that name?
I’ve been going by Kill Rob Bailey for almost 19 years now. The concept revolves around shedding your current skin and getting rid of the current state of yourself to evolve into something greater. It has always been my driving force in life.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
A lot of what I write about has to do with positive affirmations and things I say in my head to get me through trying times. I write everything hoping that people can sing along to the lyrics in their heads and be the hero in their own life. I want to give them support and help them find a voice when they need to get through the tough shit.
What artists are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
For this project I didn’t necessarily look towards any other bands for inspiration, but I feel like a lot of traditional hardcore has a similar message.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to get into music?
I think there are a bunch of bands that got me interested in making music. From Rage Against the Machine, Refused, Bury Your Dead, E. Town Concrete, Poison the Well, and even a lot of rap influence.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Oddly enough I do not perform live. I have so many projects going on in life with other businesses and other brands that I’ve never seen touring as a feasible venture. However, I do have routines for studio time and writing time. The majority of my songs are written at 3:30 in the morning on a treadmill.
What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?
One of my songs “Beast” by Rob Bailey and the Hustle Standard was used in the movie “Southpaw” and remixed with some really great artists. It was the first song that played on the radio and hit a little more main stream.
If you could tour with any musical act, past or present, who would they be and why?
Now I know this is a weird one, but this question was hard for me. I would have to say DMX. Not only was he a very interesting artist, but it seems like touring with him would be extremely interesting and would expose me to a lot of things that I’ve never seen before. Plus, I’ve always been a huge fan of him.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think I would just like to thank some people. I’d like to thank Jake from August Burns Red for the introduction to Grant McFarland, Carson Slovak, Christopher Masciantonio, and Clinton Tustin. With out you guys none of this would have ever been possible. I am excited to continue forward on this journey.