As North East singer-songwriter, Rojor, releases his new album, Lee Allcock catches up with him to speak about the album launch gig and more.
You’re releasing your new album this May. Tell me a little bit about the release…
The new album is called ‘World in Flames’ and the title track, ‘Watch the World Go Down in Flames’ is a view on how society is struggling to understand the climate emergency. Those who’ve followed me for the last two decades will know my song ‘Primitive’ from the ‘90s on the same subject. As a writer, hopefully, my viewpoint sees me on the right side of history and maybe the world would be in a better place if those in power had been listening back then too. ‘Jupiter & Mars’ also looks at the climate issue, ‘Healing Waters’ addresses domestic violence, whilst ‘Soup Kitchen’ tackles food poverty. There are some big subjects in amongst my trademark love songs and radio-friendly tracks.
What’s your favourite track on the album and why?
I’m still a sucker for a radio track so my opening song, ‘A Place Where the Sun Keeps Shining’, is a favourite. But then again, I love the verse groove and melodic chorus of ‘Lost Here Without You’ and the surprising chord structures in ‘Healing Waters’. I think I’ll sit on the fence here – it’s always impossible to pick a favourite on any release.
What can we expect from the launch gig at The Georgian Theatre?
I’m bringing a full band for the show including me on bass/vocals, drums (Dan Higgins), guitar (Will Philpot), and keyboards (Chris Atkins-Groom)…and maybe a few other additions by the time we go on stage. We’ll be playing songs from the new album but also loads of older favourites too including ‘Walk in my Shoes’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Slipstream’, ‘November Song’, ‘Fallen Soldier’ etc.
You’ve been part of the music scene for the past 25 years here in the North East. What have you learnt over the years?
I’ve learnt that the best writers and musicians are open-minded and listen to all sorts of music and play all sorts of styles. I know you need to practice every day with your instrument if you really want to improve – and I write every day too. I’m still learning though, every time I sit at the piano or pick up the guitar. But the one thing I know above all else is you need to ‘find your own voice’ and put across your own message – be yourself and don’t follow the latest trend as it’ll be over before you even get on the bandwagon. If you enjoy creating new music, then you improve and it’s a friend for life. As a writer/producer/musician/singer, I’m 25 years better than I was when I started, and I continue to learn every day.
Your tracks have been heard in the USA, Canada, Australia and across Europe. That’s some achievement…
Radio is important: people still turn on the radio and I think it’s essential that every album has its flagship songs – its radio singles, if you like. In the last decade, the UK’s most listened to station, BBC Radio 2, has played loads of my tracks including ‘Kane’s Song’, ‘Fallen Soldier’, ‘Every time I See Her’, ‘Planet Ride’, ‘The First Time Again’ and others – it’s been a great privilege, and when I see my songs on playlists with Bowie, Van Morrison, Elton John, etc, it still blows my mind.
And finally, what else have you got lined up for 2022?
With the advent of streaming, I now try to release material on a monthly basis so it’s more writing and more recording and more new music. And, hopefully, a vinyl release for Christmas, which is really exciting.
Rojor heads to The Georgian Theatre, Stockton on Friday 6th May. Tickets, priced at £10.00 in advance, are available from georgiantheatre.co.uk.
