John Robie, legendary producer and musician, shares his journey through music history, from his early beginnings to becoming a pioneering force in electronic music. Starting at age five, Robie's musical journey was influenced by The Beatles' transformative impact on the industry.

His electronic music journey began with a chord organ and later expanded when he formed the band 'Backdoor Man.' His father's investment in a Farfisa organ proved pivotal, allowing Robie to develop his skills across multiple instruments.

A significant turning point came when he met Ray Jones, who introduced him to the Moog synthesizer. Robie learned the fundamentals of synthesis before the era of programmable instruments, expressing concern about modern synthesizers being "over-sophisticated" with unnecessary features.

Through Eddie O'Loughlin's Next Plateau Entertainment, Robie immersed himself in various music genres. Initially skeptical of disco and hip-hop, his perspective changed after experiencing these cultures firsthand in streets and clubs. This cultural exposure shaped him into what he calls a "sound architect."

The 1980s music scene, according to Robie, naturally embraced diversity. "Everyone worked together. I worked with black, white, gay artists because there was such diversity in the 80s," he reflects. This exposure broadened his worldview beyond music.

A pivotal moment came when his track 'Vena Cava' caught the attention of R. Rodriguez at Disconet. This led to a meeting with Tom Silverman of Tommy Boy Entertainment and producer Arthur Baker, resulting in the creation of 'Planet Rock.'

Robie warns against settling for mediocrity in music, noting how conformity can lower creative standards: "Something becomes fashionable, then everyone does it, and that becomes what everybody wants."

Emphasizing the importance of passion over arrogance, Robie continues to advocate for artistic innovation as the industry's driving force. Through his partnership with Downtown Music, he maintains his commitment to authentic musical expression while organizing his legacy.

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