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Rob Lear

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Rob Lear
Birth nameRobert Lear
BornMid Glamorgan, Wales
OriginWales
GenresIndie rock, Alternative rock, Singer-songwriter, Folk Rock, Pop, Country Folk, Americana, Cymrucana
Occupation(s)Singer, Songwriter
InstrumentVocals Guitar Keyboards Ukulele Mandolin
Years active1995–present
MembersRob Lear
Terry Payne
Pete Hurley
Liz Mullins
Brett Green
Tim Robinson
Websiteroblearmusic.com

Rob Lear is a Welsh-based singer-songwriter. He began his career as the principal songwriter and lead singer of Welsh bands Lear and the Proud Marys. An early solo performance came supporting "Rue Royale" on January 27th 2013 in the venue 10 Feet Tall[1], Cardiff.

His music has seen him tour the UK and Europe, including a residency at Liverpool’s Cavern Club, performances at Wembley Arena and playing support to "Amy Wadge", "Henry Priestman", "Bernard Butler" and "Ian McCulloch". As a dedicated song-smith he has also been sought after to co-write songs from Country to R&B, has written for "X-Factor" finalists, right through to Spanish "Emo" artists and has written songs for animated films, as well as for the motion picture musical released by Tornado Independent Films Ltd[2][3] entitled "Rain".

Lear was voted the best live act[citation needed] while touring Scotland, during which he played in support of Mark Morriss, Dodgy, Mystery Jets, Tom Hingley, Stories, The Crocketts and Thousand Reasons.[4]

The Rob Lear Band blends instrumentalists including "Van Morrison" bassist Pete Hurley, African rhythm student Liz Mullins, country guitarist Brett Green, Back Of Beyond’s drummer Tim Robinson and flautist & acoustic guitarist Terry Payne.

History

2011-2012: Solo beginnings and Little Acorns and the A Million Stars Mini E.P.

Lear’s first solo recording, ‘A Million Stars’, was a six track E.P., the success of which resulted in the title track becoming Single of the Week on BBC Radio Wales. Rob’s second single ‘Little Acorns’, produced by celebrated producer "Greg Haver" was also made Single of the Week. Following these releases Lear linked up with a unique and eclectic supporting band of musicians which added "djembe", "accordion", "bass guitar" and "guitar" to the live line-up.

2013-2015: The release of debut studio album Let It Go

The success of the Let It Go release was quickly followed by appearances playing a host of shows and summer festivals alongside the likes of "Seth Lakeman", "Show of Hands", "The Mystery Jets", "Hayseed Dixie" and "Martin Simpson".

“If nothing happens to these songs then the record industry must have s*** in their ears” – Kingsley Ward, Founder of Rockfield Studios [5]

About recording the album Lear has said "there are some personal stories that I don't mind telling people about, like (the song) No Way Home which follows the story of my mother's grandmother's family who sold everything to leave Dublin, jump on a boat and come to Cardiff to find work. Selling up in a time when there were no benefits and taking that step looking for a better life seemed like a courageous thing to do. Others songs are personal, but in a more emphatic way where I've drawn inspiration on a situation where I've been an observer".[6]

2016-2019: The release of second studio album Motorcycle Heart

From his base in the Welsh valleys, 2016 saw the release of Lear’s second album, ‘Motorcycle Heart’, and as with his debut album ‘Let It Go’, once again, Rob teamed up with Richard Thompson (musician)’s Grammy nominated Producer (music) (from their work on the album "Dream Attic") Simon Tassano [7] as co-producer along with Cardiff's Ty Drwg Studio's, Frank Naughton.

The album blended all the skills and influences of Lear’s band to produce 12 tracks that bridged "Americana", "Folk", "Country Music" and "Pop". The songs themselves took their inspiration from Lear’s experience growing up in a homestead dominated by motorcycles and motorcyclists and the unique characters and stories that flowed from them.

2020: Writing and recording for the forthcoming album

Discography

Main article: Rob Lear discography

References

  1. ^ {{cite web | url=https://www.getawriggleon.com/guides/cardiff/10-feet-tall
  2. ^ {{cite web | url=https://cineuropa.org/en/prodcompany/157079/
  3. ^ {{cite web | url=https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05650087
  4. ^ Dave Owens (12 July 2011). "Rob Lear Review". South Wales Echo. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  5. ^ Dave Owens (12 July 2011). "Futuretown & Rob Lear Review". WalesOnline. Retrieved 22 March 2013.
  6. ^ Jessica Risby, Stephen Round, Dexter Walkley, Sam Rees and Darren Warner. "Rob Lear Interview". Plugged In Magazine Wales.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  7. ^ {{cite web | url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Attic
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References

[1]


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  1. ^ https://issuu.com/plugged_in_magazine/docs/plugged_in_issue_17, pp 18-19
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