ROCKNATION ISSUE 22
PETRO
Interview with Bob Dee by Tom Mathers
Hello Bob Dee of PETRO and welcome to Rocknation. Congrats on your latest single
“Socially Awkward “ on AMG/Universal Records. Please tell us about the writing and
recording process for this Single release.
Thank you Tom for interviewing me. I write all my songs I tend to come up with the chorus first
and then try to write the first two lines of the verse. As far as recording I learned a few tricks
from working with legendary producer Nick Blagona (Deep Purple, The Police) I always start
with my Les Paul through my Marshall and I double that but Nick taught me to add an acoustic
played with a thin pick put a mic on the 12th fret and strum it this adds the high end he also had
me put a cinematic string type keyboard bed in all my songs even in the rockers like new single
“Socially Awkward”.
Wow a cool trick I will try that next time in the studio. Do you have new music lined up to
release in the near future?
Yes I have a full 5 song EP coming out on AMG/Universal records its called “Pretty Things” New
single Socially Awkward is out and 2nd single “Obsession” is starting to get airplay in the UK.
It looks like you had too much fun shooting your latest video “Socially Awkward” Who
produced that and what experiance did you have?
Hah yes we had a blast making this video. This will be our 5th video working with Director Michael Stern. The funniest part of
the video is the Native American Indian played by Sicanni. He stayed in character all day, everytime I went in to change my
clothes he was just sitting there arms folded stern face. We couldn’t stop laughing, the only time he broke is when he wanted
my autograph. The video is doing well just sold it to Zoom Media, Zoom Media represents every major gym chain in America.
The video will be in rotation on the big screen played while people work out!
How has working with AMG/Universal Records been?
I was signed by the music mogul Mark Berry he has something like 16 gold and Platinum albums he signed me on the song
“Socially Awkward” He has been awesome to work with he actually just got me a licensing deal with South Korea for “Pretty
Things”.
You recently went overseas, what was it like touring the UK compared to USA shows?
Yes I played a UK tour It was awesome the crowds the venues were amazing. When I play in New York City it seems like
people are to cool for school most of the time they just stand there but in the UK we had people rocking encores. I played
with some really amazing musicians overseas Adrian Fisher on guitar, Norman Appleby on bass from F.I.S.T and on drums
Paul AT Kinson. We also had an amazing young band called “Erica” for support, if I were an A&R person I would sign them.
What shows are lined up for the future?
We are booking a few high profile shows around New York City then in 2016 EP will be out back to
the UK and will be rocking Namm show in LA.
What is some of the music you listen to now?
I have always liked the band “HIM” I go see them when they play in NYC. I love Ace Frehley too,
his new album rocks I got to see him play in NY, I got his guitar pick and book.
What plans do you have for 2016?
My new album will be out and we have plans to shoot another video for the second single then
back to the UK for a tour. We also have major interest going on for a tour in Asia I can’t wait!!!
Thank you for taking time for this interview and last words to the fans?
Thank you Tom its always a pleasure to talk with you. I want to say Thank You for all the love
and support I get from my fans around the world, it is sometimes mind blowing to have so much
love from all parts of the world. A special thanks to my new UK fans and I cant wait to play an
Asia tour.