Muse Chronicle

Following up to his previous single “Vacation” which we featured on our website back in May, Robert Vendetta releases his soulful ballad “Here and Now”. “Here and Now” starts off as a stripped-down piano ballad, but as the song progresses and the melody unfolds, it transforms into a soulful landscape. Vendetta’s introspective lyrics mirror a universal struggle, inviting us to celebrate our achievements and embrace the present.

“”Here and Now” is not just a song; it’s a timely reminder to take a pause every once in a while and cherish the present and appreciate our accomplishments and the world around us.”

Drawing inspiration from Norwegian artist Jahn Teigen, Swedish artist Laleh, and Gabrielle Cilmi, “Here and Now” blends influences seamlessly. Vendetta also acknowledges the lyrical inspiration of Leonard Cohen, a fact that shines in the song’s storytelling finesse. His vivid lyrics transport you into a dreamy atmosphere, the lines “I’ll smell the flowers now, I’ll smile at strangers while I’ll stare into the sun and feel the warmth it Brings to my cheek and nose,” are my favourite, and perfectly depict on what we are missing out on.

“Here and Now” is not just a song; it’s a timely reminder to take a pause every once in a while and cherish the present and appreciate our accomplishments and the world around us. With its rich blend of melodies and contemplative lyrics, Robert Vendetta’s “Here and Now” is a must listen, so give it a spin now.

Unveiling the essence of ‘Retropop’ and their creative journey, Robert Vendetta shares how their diverse influences shape their music, collaborative process, vibrant stage presence, and the challenges of global recognition as an indie artist.

1. Your music embodies a fusion of diverse influences, which you’ve coined as Retropop or modern old. Can you tell us more about this genre you’ve created and how it reflects your musical journey?

Good question. Well, Retropop is just a result of me being me, shaped by all the different types of music I’ve listened to and loved through the years. From Rock’n’roll to country music to classical to funk to reggaeton and modern pop. So, it is actually my musical journey, or a result of my musical journey. I’ve played in rock bands and punk bands, I’ve produced so many different genres in my studio, I mean from Latin-American music to metal. I’ve fallen in love with music from all the places I’ve been, I’ve cried to both Lara Fabian and Richard Strauss, because the music just connected with me. So modern-old is basically me, and the name came from a friend. I asked what I should call my music when I was working on my first album and she said: Dear Robert, this is Retropop!

2. Collaborating with your band on the arrangement seems to have played a significant role in shaping “Here and Now.” Could you describe your songwriting process and how you collaborate on creating music?

It sure did, I’m very fortunate to have a great band who cares a lot for my music. So as Always, I wrote all the songs, and then we rehearsed them like in the old days. Where I would have an idea or a finished song I would present to my bands. Then we would fool around with the song, getting the arrangement right and sometimes adding parts, or changing parts. My bass player Håvard Solli had some really good ideas, and was quite honest with what he thought – which makes for an even better album. And my drummer Andy got the ending for the last on the album, he knew what it needed.

3. Many musicians express themselves through music videos. How involved are you in the creative process of your music videos, and what message do you aim to convey through visual storytelling?

I am very much involved. With the exception of one video, Colombian Spice, I’ve always worked with this awesome cameraman and director Marius Martinsen. I pitch him an idea for the video, sometimes with a storyboard or a moodboard, sometimes just the idea. And then we rework it together. We often have the same ideas and we’re just a great team. But he has this unique talent of seeing what will look on film, I love that.

4. You describe the stage as your second home, your live performances are known for their energy and connection with the audience. How do you create that sense of intimacy and engagement in a concert setting?

Frankly, I’m just being me – on steroids. I’ve always said I was taught by the best, be it James Brown, Elvis or Dee Snider. I started out as an eleven-year-old Michael Jackson impersonator. And even then, I wanted to give the audience my best. In my teens I dabbled with both music, theatre and dance. I decided to pursuit music, but adding theatre and dancing into my musical career. And I love dancing, I love the connection you can obtain with a crowd be it small or big.

5. Your music has reached audiences on multiple continents and you’ve been on TV in both Norway and Mexico. How do you navigate the challenges of gaining global recognition as an indie artist, and what do you believe sets your music apart?

That’s so cool! Well, I think it helps that I’ve been a lot to Mexico, so I understand and feel at home with their culture and their history. And I love Jose Jose – whatta voice! I’m not your typical Norwegian artist. I’m… I don’t know… more American in some ways. With my red suit and dancing, and almost no shame, I guess. I navigate as best as I can, but since this is a one-man operation, everything but the playing and recording, it’s not easy to get everything done, I just do my best.

Catch the muse here: