BMA Band Profile
Everyone’s favourite fourpiece folk rocksters, Magic Rob Universe, are launching their new Live Album at the venue from which the recording originally came. Confused? Good. You’re in the perfect headspace to step into the extended MRU…
Where’d the band name come from?
Our songwriter, Rob Burgess, has been called “Magic Rob” by people for years because of his song, Magic Potion. We figured the band was an extension of his imagination, so we’d have entered his Universe.
How did you start on this magical musical journey?
Rob started on this magic musical journey as a kid when he learnt the piano at a convent. He then progressed to the clarinet in the school orchestra. After school, he switched to guitar and joined his first band, The Rainlovers.
Rob then went solo for a few years before forming the Magic Rob Universe band.
Describe your sound:
Folk rock with a medieval twist and a bit of glam.
Key tracks:
Green Witch or Space Girl on Spotify, YouTube, etc.
Who or what are your influences?
We’re influenced by Led Zep, David Bowie, and The Beatles, and science fiction/fantasy art and literature drawing inspiration from the early ‘70s progressive rock scene.
What are some of your most memorable experiences?
Monday nights with small groups of fanatics losing their shit at The Phoenix provide lots of fond memories – crowd surfing, Magic Rob Dancers, crowd tambourine solos, half-naked stage invaders… lots of fun.
What is it you love about your scene?
We generally love how supportive local venues and musicians have been in helping us put on shows. We feel like we’re in a scene that nurtures originality/weirdness. Thank you.
Proudest moments?
It’s been pretty special to have some local artists occasionally perform some of our songs live at gigs. Plus airplay on triple j Unearthed a few years back.
Plans for the future?
We’re releasing an album, Magic Rob Universe Live at Smith’s Alternative that, fitting enough, we will be performing live at Smith’s Alternative on 26 October. You read that right.
Also, building a warp-speed spaceship would be pretty cool.
What makes you laugh?
Our gigs make me laugh a lot… The costumes, capes, unicorns, improv jams… the list goes on.
What pisses you off?
Reality. Such a wet blanket on the good stuff.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Come to a gig. This band is all about the live experience of people getting together and getting a little (or a lot) crazy.
Where can people check you out?
Saturday, 26 October at 6pm at Smith’s. In the meantime, on Spotify, YouTube, etc.
Listen to the new album on Spotify and get yer tickets to the show via Smith’s Alt.
Keep up with Magic Rob Universe news on Facebook.
