Last year Robby X, so-called because her Christian name is Robin and the “X” comes from the fact that she always signs her name with a kiss, released her long-awaited debut solo album Obsession.
Before that, the classically-trained pianist was better known as the wife of country superstar Lee Kernaghan, happily helping out her husband with songwriting, backing vocals and even cover art.
She wrote nine of Obsession‘s 12 tracks by herself and three with outside writers. The record was a much-deserved success, breaking into the Top 30 of the iTunes pop album chart. How has everything been going since December 2014 when our previous interview took place?
“I’m so happy that the feedback I’ve been getting from Facebook and other social media has been really great,” replies Robby. “I’ve been lucky enough to gain some good traction at radio as well.”
The first single was “Never Wanna Let You Go,” the second single, currently doing the rounds on radio, is “Close To Me.” “I guess it’s about how love never dies,” explains the mother of two, a trained jazz composer.
“This song is particularly special to me as I wrote it after my grandpa passed away. If you break up with a lover, a friend moves away or you lose somebody, they are only ever as close as a thought and remain in your heart, where love resides.”
Most of the video for the new song was filmed on Currumbin Beach where the singer grew up. “Currumbin is on the Gold Coast, on the east coast of Australia,” she says, informing those of us who may not be too familiar with it of its exact location.
“I spent a lot of time on that beach, as my grandparents had a charming little beach-side hut there. I had too much fun surfing, chasing boys and admiring the ever-changing colours and moods of the Pacific ocean. A songwriter’s canvas…”
Although Robby admits she would like to release more singles off Obsession, she has started writing songs for the follow-up and hopes to have it ready by the end of 2016.
“Every album is a reflection of where you are at a particular time in your life,” she muses. “I’m excited about the mystery surrounding this new project, as you never really know how it will sound until you jump right in and just see where it takes you. I’m finding that a lot of the creative process is learning to let go.”
Robby has sung with her husband on a number of occasions before; a favourite duet of mine is “I’m Already Taken” from the Deluxe Edition of Lee’s outstanding album Beautiful Noise.
“Actually we’ve spoken for a long time about a song that Lee started writing over a decade ago,” she reveals, discussing the possibility of future collaborations. “I find that when something is ready to go, the universe will let you know. Note to self: finish my part of this song… and record it!”
Obsession is out now and can be downloaded from iTunes.
For more information on Robby X, visit her official website.
