In an exclusive and heartfelt conversation on Metal Mayhem ROC, Robert Fleischman delves into the depths of his latest musical endeavor, "Emotional Atlas." Known for his journey through the music industry with iconic moments in bands like Journey and the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Fleischman opens up about his personal and professional evolution.
The Birth of Emotional Atlas
“Emotional Atlas” is an album born from a place of deep personal introspection and emotional storytelling. After an extensive hiatus from music, embraced by visual art, Robert returns with a body of work inspired by significant life events, particularly the loss of his wife. In this reflective interview, Robert shares how his wife’s last words motivated him to create the best album he could make. This poignant commitment has fueled a melodic exploration into themes of loss, love, and rebirth.
Creating a Personal Soundscape
Robert’s frustration with traditional composition and a longing to venture beyond the constraints of guitar-dominated rock led him back to the ambient and techno influences of his early career. He explains how he revisited his past experiments with synthesizers, which laid the groundwork for “Emotional Atlas.” It is a synthesis of his musical past and present, aimed at channeling his emotions into a cohesive, expressive narrative.
From Ambience to Rock: The Album's Journey
Dive into the album, and you will find tracks like “Great Lake View,” which encapsulate the emotional tether that inspired much of the project. Moving through the creative process, Robert discusses working with friends like Chips Enough for additional contributions and reflects on the album's thematic elements designed to meld with his lyrical content. The journey through these tracks reveals a spectrum of moods, from upbeat and optimistic to meditative and introspective.
Visual and Artistic Integration
Robert’s talents extend beyond music into the visual arts, and this duality is expressed through the album’s artwork, designed and crafted by him. Describing the visual concept, he aligns the imagery with the album's thematic depth—piece by piece—enhancing the storytelling through a collage of visual artistry. He compares the tactile nature of vinyl pressings and the nostalgia of classic English album covers, underscoring the project’s aesthetic vision.
Musical Reflections and Personal Growth
Reflecting on songs like “House on Fire” and “Comfortably in My Skin,” Robert discusses the motifs of personal trials and new beginnings. He speaks candidly about embracing vulnerability through his music—a sentiment resonant in tracks like “Pretty Butterfly,” which uses nature's symbolism to explore themes of love and legacy. Each song stands as a testament to his ability to merge sonic landscapes with striking lyrical sincerity.
Insight into the Industry and Collaboration
The interview traverses back in time, revisiting notable moments in Robert’s storied career, including his pivotal role in reshaping Journey’s sound and enduring relationships with musicians from various projects. Insights into his experiences with legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker and his involvement in collaborations that were both challenging and rewarding showcase Fleischman's adaptability and resilience in an ever-evolving industry.
Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
Robert Fleischman closes with reflections on his professional journey and future aspirations. He shares a candid outlook on how experiences have shaped his art, emphasizing how direct support from fans through purchases of his music benefits artists substantially more than streaming. He also shares his excitement about participating in music events like Rock and Pod Expo to spread the word about “Emotional Atlas.”
Through this rich tapestry of emotion and artistry, Robert Fleischman's “Emotional Atlas” emerges as more than just an album. It is a sonic exploration of personal history and emotional truths, shaping his legacy in the world of music and beyond.
To follow Robert’s art and music journey, purchases and updates can be found on http://robertfleischman.com where fans can connect directly with his creative output.
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