A Quick Chat with Robbie Mortimer
Your EP Notes From a Very Loud Mind has just been released. How does it feel to finally have it out in the world?
It honestly feels pretty surreal. I am very proud of this body of work. A lot of these songs started as ideas in my bedroom or on the farm in Orange. To write them with some incredible songwriters and put my thoughts from pen and paper, seeing it transform to where it is today is a great feeling. Music has always been the way I make sense of everything going on in life, so this EP is really a collection of those moments. To finally have it out in the world and see people connecting with the songs means everything to me. It’s a chapter of my journey that is captured in the form of a record which is why it's so exciting to see so many people connecting to it.
You’re also part of Live Nation’s new Next On initiative. What does that opportunity mean to you?
It means a lot to me. Over the last few years, I’ve worked incredibly hard to build this career from the ground up, writing songs, playing every show I can, and just staying committed to the dream even when it felt uncertain. So, to be recognised by Live Nation through the Next On initiative feels really rewarding. It’s encouraging to see those years of work starting to open doors and create opportunities. I’m really grateful to be part of it and excited to make the most of it.
Your Next On showcase at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul. How are you feeling about it?
I’m incredibly excited. Anita’s Theatre is such an iconic room, so to be able to headline there with my band is something I don’t take lightly. My shows are all about energy and connection with the crowd, so having a theatre like that full of people singing the songs back is going to be pretty special. It’s a big milestone for me and something I’ve been working towards for a long time. I am loving the fact that the music is truly connecting to people, so successfully selling tickets in a different territory is a great confidence boost, especially in a world class theatre.
You grew up in Orange in country NSW. How has that shaped your music?
Growing up in Orange shaped everything about who I am and the way I write songs. It’s where I learned the value of hard work, community and storytelling. A lot of my inspiration comes from real life, the people, the pub conversations, working on the farm with Dad, the hardships and the success you get if you work hard. Country music is all about honesty and storytelling, and growing up where I did naturally gave me a lot of those stories to tell. I am most proud of to how my story isn’t one dimensional though, it connects to people from all walks of life and backgrounds. You don't have to be from the country to connect to my music. There is a lot more to it than that.
What are you most excited about for the year ahead?
This year feels like the start of a really exciting chapter. Releasing Notes From a Very Loud Mind is just the beginning there’s a lot more music coming and plenty of shows on the horizon. I’m really looking forward to getting out on the road, playing these songs live and continuing to build this community around the music. That’s the part I love most seeing the songs take on a life of their own once they’re out in the world.
The Next On Robbie Mortimer showcase is taking place on Friday 27 March at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul.
More info on the event can be found here
