John Robie, renowned producer and musician behind iconic tracks like 'Planet Rock,' shares his journey through music's evolutionary landscape, from his early introduction to electronic instruments to becoming a pioneering force in the industry.

Starting at age five, Robie's musical journey began with an electronic chord organ, simultaneously learning guitar and keyboards. The Beatles' emergence proved transformative, inspiring his generation to pursue music actively.

His first significant venture into electronic music came through the band 'Backdoor Man,' equipped with a Farfisa organ. A pivotal moment occurred when Ray Jones, featuring a micro Moog synthesizer, joined his post-college band. This introduction to early synthesizers shaped Robie's understanding of electronic music fundamentals.

Robie's musical evolution accelerated after signing with Eddie O'Loughlin's Next Plateau Entertainment. His immersion in various music cultures, from disco to hip-hop, transformed his perspective and approach. "Being part of the culture changes everything," Robie reflects, describing himself as a 'sound architect' rather than just a keyboardist.

The creation of 'Planet Rock' emerged from a serendipitous meeting with Tom Silverman and Arthur Baker, marking a significant milestone in electronic music history. This collaboration demonstrated the power of artistic innovation, which Robie considers crucial for industry advancement.

Regarding modern music production, Robie cautions against overcomplication, noting that today's synthesizers are "way over-sophisticated" with "too many bells and whistles." He emphasizes the danger of accepting mediocrity in music, warning that when something becomes fashionable, it risks becoming standardized and expected.

Throughout his career, Robie witnessed and embraced the natural diversity within the music community. "Everyone worked together. I worked with black, white, gay artists because there was such diversity in the 80s," he notes, highlighting how exposure to different cultures enriches both musical perspective and worldview.

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