Bob Simpson

Who’s Bob Simpson?

I ask myself this all the time. I’d say he’s a sportsman. He’s actively pursuing what he feels he’s made to do. Bob Dylan once said something to the affect of only you know what your destiny is and if you share this with anyone, it’s bound to be broken. I’d like to think that anyone who knows Bob Simpson knows or has an idea as to what that destiny is. But all in all, he’s an artist.



How did you get started in the music scene?

I started out by writing songs and learning as much guitar as I could. I used to listen to guys like Neil Young and James Taylor who I thought this is what I want to do. I want to write great songs. As a teenager, I used to sit on my bed and come up with lyrics and chord changes and make stuff up. Not much has changed. Then in college, a friend gave me a 4-track tape recorder, a used Tascam, and I started to demo everything I had finished. Then I started passing these tapes around to show promoters that I knew who were bringing indie artists around and they liked my songs and invited me to open shows. But it wasn’t until I met Gary Laney that I really started actively pursuing it more than just a hobby. Gary was this cat from Nashville who had seen me play on this live radio show he had attended and wanted to work with me. He liked my songs and truly believed that I had something. So he ended up buying all this recording equipment and we recorded my first record in his house. We released it on his label, Wayfair Records, and did a small tour and really pushed everything. Gary has an amzing track record so it really helped knowing I was in good hands.

What are your music influences?

What or who? As far as the ‘what’ goes, really anything ahead of it’s time that doesn’t sound like everything else. Be it Beck or Radiohead or groups like Queen or the Beach Boys. No one sounds like they do. And the best part is that they’re only out there making the best music they’ve never heard. Same for me. Music is art. It’s about creating and expressions. That concept is covered up sometimes I feel. Now as far as the ‘who’s’ go, I’m influenced by Ryan Adams, James Iha, Damien Jurado, Richard Buckner, Mark Kozelek, Neil Young, Lyle Lovett, Merle Haggard – guys like that.



What’s your method at the time of writing a song?

There’s always a method to my madness. I guess that’s really for any artist. I usually start with a melody and then a line. Then I kind of tap into that emotion and just let my imagination go from there. But I like to read so sometimes I refer back to something I read over something I saw or heard. Sometimes my songs are about people and sometimes they’re about nothing at all. What matters to me is what does the song mean to the listener. In the end, it’s very rewarding to hear how something I’ve written made them feel over how much they like the song.



Odd Man Out. How was the recording and writing process? How you came out with the album’s title? Any release date yet in mind?

The writing process started in Nashville several years back. I was out there visiting and networking and learning a lot. I sat in studio sessions and just got real creative. Then it kinda just kept coming to me after I came back home to Texas. I felt like I was growing as a songwriter and still do. So the songs on Odd Man Out are a collective of the past 4 years.

When I went in to record the record, I had a plan as to what I was going for. I wanted to make this alt-country record and ride the whole Texas scene just to get noticed in someway. I knew all the right people and how it worked. But as I got into the groove of things, I realized that I was doing it all for the wrong reasons. Yeah, I wanted to be noticed just as any other artist does but that’s not what was in my heart. It was all about making music and making something that was mine, an offering. This was my Pet Sounds. I’m almost ashamed of thinking what I thought in the beginning. That whole Texas country scene is not me. I like country music and everything but I can’t be pinned as this one thing. I’m not this or that. I’m an artist. I write songs. I make music. Not this kind or that kind. I just do it. The majority of that Texas country stuff I can hardly stand. Then it occurred to me that even if I belong to a particular scene, I’ll still be the odd man out. So that’s where the title comes from. As far as its release date, that’s to be determined. I’m an independent artist so it depends on the funds I raise to get the record pressed and in everyones hands.

How was it to have your music in an independent film Dead In Love?

It was kinda cool. I mean, think about it. Your music in a movie. I’ll never see a dime of it but that’s just the thing. I could care less. I was honored to be thought of for a project such as a film. Indie or mainstream – whatever. People are watching it and then they hear your music in it. It’s just cool. I was happy to help.



What’s the message you want t - Vents Magazine

Do you like Americana? How 'bout a little bit of country or the blues? It's hard to pin him down to one style or the other, but if you like music, you're going to love Bob.

Good Evening, San Angelo!

I'm back, and this week we're hanging with Bob Simpson, who is releasing his first CD on Sunday at Sealy Flats, on the corner of Twohig and Oakes. If anything, you might call Bob "Americana," but please don't pigeonhole him; or as Bob says, there's "no one like me, and I'm like no one else."

Singer-songwriter is his title, and he tries to write tales of life and love. "Life is experience. You won't know until you get there," he says.

His Web site, bobsimpsonmusic.com, says, "We all have questions about life and love. Bob's songs give us an insightful look at the sacrifices, challenges and consequences of living." That's a big 10-4.

He says he remembers his dad playing a Merle Haggard album when he was 2 years old, and he says he's been hooked ever since. At 15, with no money to afford lessons, he taught himself to play guitar after reading that Eric Clapton did the same.

Three interesting facts about Bob:

1.His favorite book: "High Fidelity" by Nick Hornby.

2. Favorite movie: "I'm Not There," the Bob Dylan biopic.

3. Favorite song: "Train Whistle Blues" by Jimmie Rodgers.

Bob's CD was recorded by Gary Laney of Wayfair Records, and his is a story onto itself. Gary is a San Angelo businessman and a great music producer. He worked for 18 years in Nashville, Tenn., at the Sound Emporium Studios, where he was chief engineer and manager, until he got burned out on the scene and moved back to San Angelo.

Gary wasn't planning on ever getting back into the music business, but after being blown away by Bob one night at a show with Gary's wife, Tamara (namesake for one of Bob's best songs), he bought new recording gear just so he could work with him.

According to Tamara, "Gary is computer-phobic. Just shows you how much faith in Bob he has to jump in with both feet and learn all about computer recording."

About Bob's album, Gary said, "His CD is as good as anything I have ever worked on."

That's saying something. Gary has worked with such greats as REM, the Texas Tornados, Alan Jackson and Ricky Van Shelton. In 1991, he won the Metro Magazine Engineer of the Year award, and his work with the Texas Tornados netted him a Grammy.

Bob says that Gary has a great ear for music and that he did a great job on the album and taught Bob an infinite amount about the recording business.

At 7 p.m. Sunday at Sealy Flats, we will be making some great music and having a blast. The show is free, and it's BYOB. Enjoy the shade and some great tunes.

As Bob said, "It's hard to find a niche here, but after this Sunday, I'm really hopeful!" Have a great weekend, San Angelo, and see you at Sealy Flats! - San Angelo Standard Times

Do you like Americana? How 'bout a little bit of country or the blues? It's hard to pin him down to one style or the other, but if you like music, you're going to love Bob.

Good Evening, San Angelo!

I'm back, and this week we're hanging with Bob Simpson, who is releasing his first CD on Sunday at Sealy Flats, on the corner of Twohig and Oakes. If anything, you might call Bob "Americana," but please don't pigeonhole him; or as Bob says, there's "no one like me, and I'm like no one else."

Singer-songwriter is his title, and he tries to write tales of life and love. "Life is experience. You won't know until you get there," he says.

His Web site, bobsimpsonmusic.com, says, "We all have questions about life and love. Bob's songs give us an insightful look at the sacrifices, challenges and consequences of living." That's a big 10-4.

He says he remembers his dad playing a Merle Haggard album when he was 2 years old, and he says he's been hooked ever since. At 15, with no money to afford lessons, he taught himself to play guitar after reading that Eric Clapton did the same.

Three interesting facts about Bob:

1.His favorite book: "High Fidelity" by Nick Hornby.

2. Favorite movie: "I'm Not There," the Bob Dylan biopic.

3. Favorite song: "Train Whistle Blues" by Jimmie Rodgers.

Bob's CD was recorded by Gary Laney of Wayfair Records, and his is a story onto itself. Gary is a San Angelo businessman and a great music producer. He worked for 18 years in Nashville, Tenn., at the Sound Emporium Studios, where he was chief engineer and manager, until he got burned out on the scene and moved back to San Angelo.

Gary wasn't planning on ever getting back into the music business, but after being blown away by Bob one night at a show with Gary's wife, Tamara (namesake for one of Bob's best songs), he bought new recording gear just so he could work with him.

According to Tamara, "Gary is computer-phobic. Just shows you how much faith in Bob he has to jump in with both feet and learn all about computer recording."

About Bob's album, Gary said, "His CD is as good as anything I have ever worked on."

That's saying something. Gary has worked with such greats as REM, the Texas Tornados, Alan Jackson and Ricky Van Shelton. In 1991, he won the Metro Magazine Engineer of the Year award, and his work with the Texas Tornados netted him a Grammy.

Bob says that Gary has a great ear for music and that he did a great job on the album and taught Bob an infinite amount about the recording business.

At 7 p.m. Sunday at Sealy Flats, we will be making some great music and having a blast. The show is free, and it's BYOB. Enjoy the shade and some great tunes.

As Bob said, "It's hard to find a niche here, but after this Sunday, I'm really hopeful!" Have a great weekend, San Angelo, and see you at Sealy Flats! - San Angelo Standard Times

If you ever wondered how Eric Clapton would have turned out if he grew up in West Texas, then meet Bob Simpson. This singer-songwriter is a triple threat: Guitar skill, vocals reminiscent of Marty Robbins mixed with a little Hayes Carll and, finally, a knack for writing heartfelt and penetrating lyrics. The combination makes this album a winner.

Simpson's debut album has a folk/country/Americana groove that would allow it to be enjoyed by both country and mainstream fans. The mood of the album is a unique mixture that is sometimes melancholy but always earnest. But the feeling in Bob Simpson's vocals and instrumentation on the guitar is intense without being overbearing.

However, it is the hopeful "Angel On My Shoulder" where Simpson gives his finest performance. Tracy Chapman had "Fast Car" and, now, Bob Simpson has "Angel On My Shoulder." The catchy melody, memorable lyrics and perfect harmonica interludes introduce a song that could be a hit on multiple radio formats, including Texas country and even Christian/Gospel radio.

"Ballad Of A Breaking Heart" is another winning track that mixes a little Cat Stevens with some John Prine and a little Elton John. Bob Simpson is a student of good music, and it shows. Self-taught on the guitar, Simpson utilizes his instrument to complement his lyrical and musical style that bridges the old with the new.

Bob Simpson has created an interesting and thought-provoking work of art with his "Bob Simpson" project. While it's not easy for a debut album to live up to a grandiose first song title like "Good As Gold," Bob Simpson has come really, really close. CountryChart.com - countrychart.com

Like millions of budding musicians, he once dreamed of becoming the next Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton. He learned that it’s better to become the best Bob Simpson he can be.

One of San Angelo’s most accomplished singer-songwriters, Simpson, 37, is working on his third album, one that he believes will best represent who he is as a performer.

“Like a lot of kids, when I started playing the guitar, I wanted to become the next Jimi Hendrix or Eric Clapton,” Simpson said. “Then I started listening to Neil Young and James Taylor and discovered there was a lot of power in words also, and together it could be so powerful.”

In addition to working on his next album, Simpson hosts and performs at the weekly Songwriter Series at 4 p.m. Sundays at the Casual Pint. He also hosts a monthly open mic night at The Penny Tap House.

Simpson began teaching himself to play guitar and starting writing his own songs at 15. He was 17 when he played his first professional gig. It took him time to find his own style and identity.

“I was using a beat-up Fender Stratocaster at the time,” Simpson said. “The night before my first gig, which was at the old Cactus Hotel Coffee House, my mentor, Mark Smith of Dallas, called me over.

“He handed me a 1957 Gibson J-50 and told me to use that for my first gig.”

He’s been performing ever since.

Simpson recorded his first solo album in 2008 under the tutelage of Grammy Award winner Gary Laney, who has engineered and produced albums for some of Nashville’s biggest stars.

The self-titled album featured a strong collection of folk and Americana songs, but Simpson grimaces when he thinks about it.

“I was honored that Gary thought enough of my music to offer to record the album,” Simpson said. “He did a great job on it. But I find it unbearable to listen to. Those were some of my earliest songs, and looking back now I don’t think they were that good.

“I’ve gone back and re-recorded many of them.”

For his second album, Simpson decided to record country. On paper, it made sense; he grew up listening to greats like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charley Pride, Ray Price and Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys.

“I was having an identity crisis at the time,” he said. “I was trying to figure out what genre of music I should play. People were telling me that I needed an image.

Because country music was enjoying a popularity wave in 2012, Simpson though with “a little luck” he might get a hit.

“It was the worst mistake I’ve ever made,” Simpson said. “For one thing, I looked stupid in a cowboy hat. I also hated singing those songs – they weren’t me.

“What I learned is that it was about the music. I want to make a living out of being myself.”

The decision to be himself has made Simpson highly in demand. He has performed at some of the most famous Texas venues, including the Blue Light, the Mucky Duck and the House of Blues.

Although he has a busy summer concert schedule, Simpson is spending every spare moment working on demos for the upcoming album. In September he will step into a Fort Worth studio with acclaimed producer Lloyd Maines, who is also the father of Dixie Chicks lead singer Natalie Maines.

“I’m excited about working with Maines,” Simpson said. “I’m much more confident now. I can just be myself.

“I’m at a point when I’m allowing myself to be vulnerable. I just want to be about playing my songs in venues and hopefully, please audiences.”

Standard-Times multimedia journalist Federico Martinez is a longtime music writer and Texas music fan. Follow Tejas Jukebox on Twitter @Tejasjukebox and Facebook every day for breaking news, concert updates, videos and more. - San Angelo Standard Times