Legendary vocalist Robin McAuley (McAuley Schenker Group, Grand Prix, Survivor) is releasing his latest solo album Soulbound. McAuley gives us the lowdown on the new record, the status of some of his other projects, and more.
Chad Bowar: How did you put together the lineup for this album?
Robin McAuley: Like my two previous solo records Standing On The Edge and Alive, the process was the same except this time Alessandro De Vecchio left the Frontiers label.
I was introduced to Aldo Lonobile as the new Frontiers in-house producer and together we laid the plan for moving forward with Soulbound. I have always loved Andrea Seveso’s guitar playing. His sense of melody and his tone on my first two records established the sound that I wanted and so it was important for me to continue on that path with him. Plus he was more involved in the writing process this time and most of the songs have been written by him, Alessandro del Vecchio and myself.
Aldo brought in additional guitars from Alessandro Mammola, who’s amazing, and also added additional guitars himself. Aldo of course is an incredible guitarist. Drummer Alfonso Mocerino brought his thunder which I love and then Antonio Agate added keys where needed. All in all it’s a new band for Soulbound and we created a more edgier, harder sound for this record.
How did the writing and recording process for Soulbound compare to your previous solo albums?
Pretty similar to the previous records with Alessandro Del Vecchio before he left the label. Andrea is more involved on this record and co-wrote most of the songs and then we added co-writers Giancarlo Floridia and David Julian on “Wonder of the World,” Terese Persson and Jan Akerson on “Soulbound” and Martin Jepsen Anderson on “Crazy.”
How has your sound evolved from Alive?
I really wanted to have Andrea’s guitars more front and center on Soulbound and together with Aldo’s and Alessandro Mammola guitars it’s amore guitar driven record than the first two.
Aldo’s production really highlights that aspect of harder and edgier sound overall on Soulbound.
I’m definitely happy with how this record sounds.
What lyrical topics do you cover on this one?
I never know what the subject matter or title of any of the songs is going to be until I sit with each one for some time. After that the chord structure usually dictates the direction I end up taken it to. Lyrically it’s very much in the moment as I’m putting pen to paper. I might have several different versions before I settle on the final one and the subject matter varies from current topics, to love lost, to horror stories, to escaping reality and God knows what else. (laughs) Life, usually which is very complex and full of twists and turns.
How was the video shoot for “Til I Die”?
This was such fun shoot. I wanted to channel Motorhead’s “Ace Of Spades” image with the badass outlaw image. I didn’t want a performance on stage video, but more like mini movie. Kinda Quentin Tarantino style. I’m running away from something, I’m been followed by someone or something but you never actually see what or who it is! Is it myself? My worst nightmare? Do I escape or just keep running? Sometimes in life we’d rather run than face the music, never taking into consideration those left behind to clean up your shit! But you keep going nonetheless!
Do you enjoy filming videos, or are they a necessary evil for promoting an album?
This kind of movie/video I love doing much more than the staged performance in front of the camera. Stories are more my thing and like the movies you need to create good visuals, lighting, mystery and the unexpected. All part of the big picture so to speak and very important, and also a fun element.
The album promotion process has changed a lot since you started. Do you prefer the pre-internet days where there was much more mystique around an album release, or do you like today’s social media driven promotion with a lot of transparency and interaction?
It’s certainly easier today with so much access. You get immediate updates most of the time regarding what the artist is doing. Record release dates, tour dates, appearances, etc. That said, there was something very special about going to the record store and sifting through the vinyl and CD shelves in search of that record you wanted. Yes, you can order product through the record label, etc., but it’s not quite the same for all. Thankfully labels like Frontiers Music continue to produce beautiful vinyl copies and CDs with exceptional artwork all available through their site or other outlets. Such a huge amount of records are made remotely and that process continues simply because of logistics. So technology does have it’s advantages.
You have some European dates scheduled for this year. Any plans for any North American shows this album cycle?
I have a number of shows already confirmed for the UK in August. Also Sweden and Germany and possibly Spain. MORC March 10th-15th with MSG and Frontiers Music Festival April 25th-27th.
Regarding the U.S., I would absolutely love to have shows scheduled and we will be looking into that with various promoters to see where the interest if any, lies.
On your solo shows, do you also play any material from your previous bands?
My solo shows all stemmed from promoters who had seen the MSG shows and didn’t hear any McAuley Schenker songs. I was approached and asked if this was something I’d like to do and now we are lining up 2025 shows with a ton of McAuley Schenker songs, plus my solo songs and also a big demand for Grand Prix songs. All this because UK promoter Bruce Mee brought me over to the UK to Headline Firefest Festival in October 2024. 2025 already looks like it’s going to be busy so come out and see us.
Give us a preview of the next Black Swan album and when it may be released.
This will be the third Black Swan record for Frontiers Music and my sixth in all if you include my three solo records. I don’t have a drop date in my timeline but given the fact we are just about wrapped up on the recording front, I’m hoping around the third quarter of 2025.
Is progress still being made on a new Grand Prix album?
We started writing new material but then Uriah Heep got very busy for Phil Lanzon. I know Mick O’Donoghue is still down for getting more songs together and so I hope we can complete the job.
I think it would be awesome!
Are you still involved in Raiding The Rock Vault?
I performed almost 1500 shows with RTRV in my seven straight years in the show, right up to the pandemic. Michael Schenker Fest started touring and so I eventually left the show and went on the road. RTRV continues to perform at The Hard Rock in Vegas.
At age 72, your voice is still in fine form. Is it just genetics, or have you taken specific measures to protect it and keep it in shape over the years?
Maybe it’s in the water. (laughs) Honestly I don’t know, but at 72 it doesn’t get any easier and so it’s especially important to pay extra attention to my health. I’ve always made my voice a priority when it comes to performing or recording. I don’t smoke which for me is a major NO! While I enjoy a glass of wine I never drink when I’m working. I believe the fans deserve a good show and I always try to give them my best. I can only do that by taking care of my voice. Warm water and salt to gargle! Steam! Humidifiers and most important, quiet time to rest your vocal cords as much as possible. No whispering as whispering can put more strain on your vocal cords. Do the research as they say!
What are some of your non-musical interests and hobbies?
I love walking, gardening and just been outdoors!
Anything else you’d like to mention or promote?
Soulbound‘s release date February 28th on Frontiers Music Srl. Play it loud! Thank you for listening.
(interview published February 27, 2025)
Watch Robin McAuley – “Til I Die” Video
