Tim Robbins Signs With 429 Records

Oscar winning actor Tim Robbins has signed with 429 Records and is gearing up for the release of his eponymous album, Tim Robbins & the Rogues Gallery Band on July 19th. A star of the big screen, writer, director and philanthropist, Robbins has been writing songs and performing his entire life. With the help of maverick producer Hal Willner, who introduced him to a group of like-minded musicians including keyboardist Roger Eno, musical saw player David Coulter, multi-instrumentalist Kate St. John (ex-Dream Academy) and vocal contributions by Joan as Police Woman (Joan Wasser), Robbins embodies the role of singer, guitarist and storyteller on these 9 hauntingly beautiful songs which reside in the American narrative tradition. The role of storyteller, whether as an actor on a stage or a musician in a band are two sides of the same coin for Robbins.

Music is in Tim Robbins' blood. Raised in a musical household, both parents met as members of the UCLA marching band. His father, Gilbert Robbins, went on to join the influential folk ensemble The Highwaymen in the early sixties. Steeped in a creative environment, Robbins' first memories include hanging out as child at the Gaslight in Greenwich Village which his father managed. Says Robbins, "My first desire to perform came from watching him on stage. I remember it as so intoxicating. Audiences were encouraged to sing along and be part of the event. That is a relationship I've been seeking all my life, that alchemy between performer and audience."

The years leading up to his recording debut at age 50 were spent finding his voice as a songwriter and performer. Robbins has long written songs and performed in small venues, but has kept it under the radar – until now. "I have too much respect for music to put out something that wasn't coming from a genuine place." Before recording his first album Robbins wanted to "understand what my voice was and what kind of stories I wanted to tell. I think I'm ready to tell those stories now." Says Willner of the project: "You're seeing the birth of some really wonderful songwriting. It's got incredible beauty, incredible anger, everything music can do. Right off the bat you hear a very vulnerable, beautiful storyteller."

Tim Robbins and The Rogues Gallery Band track listing is as follows:

1. Book of Josie
2. You're My Dare
3. Dreams
4. Time to Kill
5. Toledo Girl
6. Queen of Dreams
7. Crush on You
8. Moment in the Sun
9. Lightning Calls

Are you interested in checking out Tim Robbins' musical endeavors?