Essential 8+: Rob Morrow

Credit: Daniel Boczarski

In early 2017, Rob Morrow, known for his work on Northern Exposure, Billions, Quiz Show and more, formed a band with guitarist Carlos Calvo, a Hollywood Film & TV Coach who's taught Adam Levine, David Duchovny, David Oyelowo, and many others, to play guitar.  In Calvo, Rob found a simpatico collaborator with many gifts. The two work seamlessly together creating the band’s original songs which will appear on their debut album, set for release by the end of the year. On June 15th, the Rob Morrow Band released “The New, New Face," the debut single from their upcoming album and here Morrow answers his Essential 8+ and talks about friend and mentor Calvo, songwriting, and more.

Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
RM: Carlos Calvo, who is also my writing partner and guitar teacher. He allows me to find my version of music. His approach is to draw out. The best way to inspir

With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
RM: I usually have to live w/ a song, get it in my body, before I really know the potential. That said, when we hit on a cool groove or hook, it’s pretty obvious.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
RM: We are just putting out the single “The New, New Face.” Album forthcoming. “New, New Face” came from an article my wife was reading in NY Magazine. It was comparing types of face lifts. The old “New Face” is the classic pulled back and taught look. The “New, New Face” is the apple shape, puffy lips, Botox thing. The phrase jumped out at me as a zeitgeist thing.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
RM: Anywhere and everywhere…I don’t judge. I write down every thought and end up throwing away most. I keep a song notebook w/ random ideas.

When/where do you do your best writing?
RM: In my living room when no one is home.

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Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
RM: I always draw on what I know then let imagination in the door. By the time a song is done it has many influences.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
RM: Practice.  Everyday.

What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
RM: Practice.  Everyday. 

What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road?
RM: Eggs.

What has been your biggest struggle so far?
RM: Getting people who know me as an actor/director to take me seriously as a song writer/musician.

What has been your biggest success?
RM: Getting “Out & About” placed on the TV show “The Fosters.”

What’s your favorite venue and why?
RM: Disney Hall in LA. The acoustics and design. The overall gestalt.

Who would you love to collaborate with?
RM: Don Henley.

Which song of yours gets the best crowd response?
RM: "As Good As Dead.”

Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended?
RM: Recently saw Paul Simon’s farewell tour at Hollywood Bowl. Def top 5 concerts.

Favorite thing to do on a day off? 
RM: Sleep late, slow start. Exercise, see friends.

Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go?
RM: Jack Nicholson. Everything I hoped it would b.

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
RM: Sting & Shaggy’s new joint.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
RM: Open in a stadium for an appreciative audience.

In addition to Calvo, the official Rob Morrow Band members include bassist Carlos Costa, and keyboardist Jason Libs. Over the last twelve months, RMB has quickly built a loyal following in LA with spirited shows at The Mint, Viper Room, Bogie’s, Molly Malone’s, Venice Art Walk, and The CMO Club conference.
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http://www.robmorrow.com
http://www.facebook.com/RobMorrowBand
http://www.instagram.com/officialrobmorrow