Justin Robinson’s may have traveled the world sharing traditional music as a chocolate drop, but these days he’s been pulling strings of a different sort as bandleader of his own crew of genre bending, crack instrumentalist Mary Annettes. They band’s tackled an EP and is looking ahead to a steady schedule of tour dates, but can their leader handle our five questions? See for yourself after the jump.
1. If your band were a muppet, which would it be?
We would be one of two puppets. Animal, who is crazy wild and unpredictable, and also has great hair or Miss Piggy whose swagger is always top notch. I mean, pearls on top of gloves? Who does that?
2. When did you decide to start this project?
I decided to start this project when I was in Montpellier, France on a unusually warm March day. I was totally overstimulated and starting writing as a way of not exploding.
3. Describe your feelings about performing live music.
I like performing but most times I would like to be in the audience watching what it looks like from there. I want our shows to be magical, transporting, experiences and I hope that comes through during the show. But I also hate watching myself perform because I’m so critical so I just hope it looks right.
4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that would really surprise people?
Oh, I’m not sure anyone could really be surprised by what my influences are because they are so numerous. But just to name a few: snails, a fantasy version of England, big hair, the way sparkly things look on TV/stage, the harp, Loretta Lynn, Nicki Minaj, robots from the 50’s and 60’s, couture of the 1700’s in the Netherlands
5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (how ’d that turn out?)
So many things. A chef (that kinda worked out), a veterinarian (who didn’t?), and a visual artist. The last one is coming along, I have a new embroidery project that will be unveiled in the future (complete with pomp and circumstance)!
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Hop on over to The Pinhook this Sunday, March 6th to catch Justin Robinson & The Mary Annettes live. And by all means, give Justin a high five when you see him!