Business Side of Music

Can an artist find happiness without finding success? Wanna Be Rock Star, Songwriter, and unwitting comedian Doug Robertson thinks so and shares his story with us on this episode. He got into the business because he liked the idea of girls screaming after him when he performed, an idea he got after seeing the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show when he was a young boy.

At the age of nine, Robertson was ripping off and re-writing Beach Boy and Beatle songs. “That’s how I learned how to structure songs,” Doug says.

Upon moving to LA, his writing education continued under Oscar winner Al Kasha and songwriting guru John Braheny. His roots in ’60’s music led to the “New Vintage Acoustic Rock” style he presents today. 

Whether in bands or solo, Doug developed an engaging audience-centered performing style full of humorous stories and guitar-driven rhythms. If Doug has other performers with him you are going to hear some amazing harmonies. 

Doug enjoyed various solo and combo incarnations like 1975’s formation of Christian band SHELTER, recording his tune "Bridge Builder” on the compilation album "Come Back Soon”. 

In 1996 Robertson recorded his first solo album "New Clothes”. When released, a radio personality introduced the title song saying “Here’s something by a songuy named Doug Robertson”. The “Songuy” nickname stuck. 

The New Millennium saw Doug’s Salute to the Woodstock era with his band “mAX YASGUR’S FARM” recording the ”Salute” CD in 2006. 

Performing credits include opening appearances for Johnny Rivers, Leonard Nimoy, Len Chandler, and Al Jarreau. He has been a featured act as a soloist and with his bands. 

Doug enjoyed 14 years as co-coordinator of Nashville Songwriters Association International’s Reno, Nevada workshop. 

After founding his production company Nostrebor Music, he produced his own  albums “New Clothes” and  “Salute” and the self-titled debut CD for the band ZERO THEORY  (With top 40 placement on national indie charts) 

Returning his focus as a Performing Songwriter, Doug has emerged from the studio with a new 6 song EP entitled “Epiphany” which is expected to be released in November 2020. Singles from “Epiphany included “Portola”- a ’70’s light rock tune about a lonesome railroad worker and “Why Are Armadillos In Nashville” - a Texas Swing explanation for the critters being found in Tennessee that is accompanied by an animated music video of cute armadillos. 

Robertson’s new tunes are filled with delight and insight. “The Bla Bla Cafe” (60’s Calif. Rock) portrays life in a gay cafe; “Like Don’t Always Mean Love” (Joe Walsh Rocker) is about the only guy in the room who doesn’t know he’s falling in love. “And The Life (Ballad) is a tender look at a roadside memorial; “Hey Boss, You’re Fired” (Bar-room Rock & Roll) tells off the boss. Taking your life back! 

Live appearances are jovial and engaging. Robertson has developed a live show entitled “Retrospective of a Western Hippie” where Doug and his band perform original and cover tunes that chronicle his life as a musical wannabe. “There are more people out there who tried and failed to become rock stars than the folks who actually made it.” Says Doug, “I relate to being the wannabe.”

The Business Side of Music ™

© 2020 Beyond the Music

Co-Produced & Hosted (by the guy who has a face for podcasting): Bob Bender 

Co-Producer, Creator & Technical Advisor (the man behind the curtain): Tom Sabella

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Recorded at: The Bunker in Franklin, TN (except during the Covid 19 pandemic, then it's pretty much done VIA Skype or over the phone, with the exception for those fearless enough to come to Bob Bender’s living room… and this is one of those episodes!).

Mixed & Mastered at Music Dog Studios in Nashville, TN

Production Sound Design: Keith Stark

Voice Over & Promo: Lisa Fuson

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The music provided for this episode is from:

Artist: Doug Robertson

Song: Portola

Song: And The Life

Song: Why Are Armadillos in Nashville

Album: Epiphany

Composer: Doug Robertson

Website: www.songuy.com