A Dirty Dozen with ROB McNELLEY – SEPTEMBER 2024

Photo credit: Craig Young

According to a recent press release: “Rob McNelley, the acclaimed Nashville guitarist known for his collaborations with icons like Bob Seger, Dolly Parton, and Luke Combs, has just released his latest single, “The Other Side.” This slow-burning track, built on a growling bass line and featuring McNelley’s signature guitar prowess, is the newest addition to his series of Americana-flavored singles that have been rolling out throughout the year. “The Other Side” follows the release of McNelley’s two previous singles, “Circus Is Leaving Town” and “Right Back To You,” each showcasing the versatility and depth of his songwriting and musicianship.” We get Rob to discuss new music, influences, and more.

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The thing about this project that isn’t obvious to people is that it’s me singing on it. I’m mostly known as a session guitar player for other artists. So, the first assumption is that it’s going to be an instrumental record. Then when they hear it, they often think it’s someone else singing, but it’s me! Haha. There are no real hidden nuggets, per se, but I tried to write some of the songs in a way where the meaning is open to interpretation. I’ve always liked songs that made you think about what the  lyrics mean. So, that’s what I’ve tried to do here.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Music has always been something that drew me in. I can’t think of a specific moment that made me want to be a musician. I kind of just think that’s what was always there inside of me to do.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

My first musical influence would most likely be my father. He was a musician. When I was about 10 years old, I discovered The Beatles and that just opened the flood gates to everything else I love.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

There are so many for so many different reasons. Let’s see.. maybe Tom Waits. Because I just want to know what the hell he’s doing!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

Just hanging at my house with family.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would describe as thoughtful, soulful, hooky, groove music that can rock. The most cringy comparison has been stuff like Steely Dan. I love Steely Dan, but my music sounds nothing like that. Some people just say anything when asked, I guess.

Photo credit: Craig Young

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

This is a funny one, because we don’t hang out like that. We enjoy hanging out, but it’s usually centered around music in some way. We just have a lot of laughs.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

Probably meeting Joe Walsh. Which surprised me, because I’ve worked with so many heroes or met a lot of them. But I turned a corner and there he was. I was probably just surprised and couldn’t put words together quick enough.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

The best part of being a musician is making music that makes other people happy or feel emotion. When you get to see that reaction, it’s pretty special. If I couldn’t do this, I would want to be a comedy sketch writer.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I would want somebody to ask me what it’s like to be so good looking. And my answer would be, “I really can’t explain it. Because of my perfect looks, I really can’t relate to anything else. I just know that it feels good to be the object of everyone’s desire” The question I hate the most is “What’s it like to be short?”

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Honestly, there probably are many. However, just as much good came from my mistakes as bad. So, I think if you commit to trusting your gut thru good and bad, sickness and health, you will land mostly on your feet.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I would probably want to be involved in the recording of Exile On Main Street by the Stones. That record touches all of the elements that I love about music. It’s gritty, soulful, brilliant, ugly, mean, but with heart. Plus, I would want to see that circus with those individuals at that particular time and place.

ROB McNELLEY LINKS:

INSTAGRAM

Category: Interviews