Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Wagner.
Robert, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born a musician’s son outside of Detroit, MI and raised by my wonderful Mother in Texas. I had several interests like most young people, but music, and eventually being on stage, were never far from my mind and heart. I played my first club shows fairly late in life, in my early 20’s, in San Antonio, TX. I moved up the road to Austin in 1995 to start again after a short, unsuccessful stint living in Los Angeles. The next ten years were spent writing songs, touring in vans, and playing anywhere and everywhere we could. Formidable years, full of precious memories and hard music business realities. The stuff we all sign up for. Around 2006 I was asked to join a newly-minted cover band ‘SUEDE’ here in Austin, and we have been going strong for 15 years in 2022. And I’m proud to say we have played thousands of shows across Texas, coast-to-coast in the U.S. and Canada…and even the legendary Radio City Music Hall in NYC!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the really beautiful things about getting older as a musician, at least for me, is the pride and experience you carry from that long, jagged path you traversed just to be here today. Still living the life. My personal struggles could probably fill an Olympic Pool…or maybe a really thin book. Lol But, I can honestly say I get more back from playing music and doing shows than I could ever give back. It’s the people and relationships for me. That’s what I love. And I’m truly blessed to still do it every day. And trust me, it’s hard work y’all!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For me, the most wonderful and exciting challenge is putting a great band together. That perfect blend of talent, personalities, and music. Then creating the time, space, and energy in that small musical tribe needed to produce a truly memorable musical experience. And then I get to sing for that amazing musical force! Lol For me and so many of my friends and peers…it’s truly all about playing a great show. That’s the fuel. Writing and recording songs is something I’ve always done as well. Songs are and have always been pure magic to me.
One of my original songs i’m really proud of is ‘Gods Eyes’ written during the lockdown. It’s a song of hope during those early days of the pandemic. And there’s a really great video directed by A.J. Vallejo on YouTube. Check it out!
What matters most to you?
I really just love to see people smiling, having a good time. Pure joy when it’s all landing just right. Maybe just catching a breath, or putting some pain aside for an hour or two. As far as being on stage, I always felt whoever is there deserves the best I have in that moment. It’s a responsibility I try to embrace every day. As far as life goes…family and friends are all we have. And they absolutely matter above all other things. I really just aspire to be a good, decent person. And leave a few good stories for someone to laugh about when I’m gone…
“Each day, we endeavor to meet life on life’s terms- not impose our ambitions on it, to be useful within the present moment.” – David Milch
Contact Info:
- Email: robertwagner44@yahoo.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertwagnerofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RobertWagnerAustin
Image Credits
Seven Pillars Photography Stan Martin Photography, LLC Shannon Thomas Kaderli Photography Kaili Rose @ Kairo.Media
