Rob Jones & The Restless Dream Talk New Single, Future Plans And More

UK-based artist Rob Jones & The Restless Dream has released his latest single ‘Tired Old Town’ and we wanted to talk to him about the new track and his future plans:

When did you begin songwriting?

I wrote plenty as a teenager – we had a precocious classic rock band that got a bit of radio play. I sort of convinced myself it wasn’t a realistic way of making a living until a bit of an existential crisis in my late 20s brought me back to it.

Who is in Rob Jones & The Restless Dream, what do they play and how did you meet?

I’m Rob Jones and ‘The Restless Dream’ operates simultaneously as a name for the band and also a description of this dogged ambition to make great music that won’t leave me alone. In terms of the actual musicians, they’re old friends of mine I’ve collected through the years on the cover circuit in Manchester.

What is your earliest musical memory?

I’m not sure, but my dad always claims I could sing all the words to ‘Mama You’ve Been On My Mind’ by Bob Dylan at a very early age. He reckons it’s because he played it to me in the womb.

Your new single ‘Tired Old Town’ is out now. How did you want to approach making the single?

I really wanted to bring it together with James Wyatt – he’s a great producer I’ve admired for a while. I also wanted to capture some of the writers who influenced the tune – particularly Steve Earle and Jason Isbell – but retain a quintessential bit of Englishness.

Where did you record the single and who produced it?

James has a home studio in Chester called SloeFlower studios. It’s a lovely space – he’s a very talented producer.

The single is accompanied by an official music video. What was the thought process behind the video and who directed it?

I was incredibly lucky to be invited by Sitcom Soldiers in Bolton to film the video as part of their emerging artist showcase. I was in and out in an hour! The results are outstanding. I didn’t have any creative input, but I’m extremely grateful to have been chosen to go and film there as part of a great initiative to support independent music.

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

As a former English teacher, I can’t help but read ‘left the stage’ as a metatheatrical Shakespearean euphemism for death. Before that happens, I’d love to have lived a life full of making music with my friends and writing songs that mean something to people.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

I’m famously oblivious when it comes to any understanding of musical equipment or ‘gear’. My bandmates will confirm – a guitar and a microphone are about all I can cope with.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is Bolton – the subject of the song. To quote ‘Tired Old Town’, I often feel like it’s a place where ‘lives come and go without making a sound’. Sorry – I know that’s eight words…

How do you look after your voice?

I’ve started taking this a lot more seriously recently. I now warm up religiously and use a steam inhaler. The biggest game-changer, though, has been a great pair of in-ear monitors from Cosmic Ears.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Oh nice. I think The Remains of the Day might be my favourite novel. The soundtrack would have to be something melancholy and pastoral. Shades of Vaughan Williams.

Who created/designed the single artwork?

The photo was taken quite a while ago by a friend of mine and I’d had it in the back pocket for months knowing it would work well for this tune. I passed it over to a friend of mine named Lance who works as a graphic designer in Manchester and he took care of the rest.

 Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Far too many to list… I’ve always loved the great American songwriters the most: Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond and Bob Seeger.

As for more recent stuff I’m currently really into Bonny Light Horseman, Daniel Romano and Waxahatchee.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024?

I do – as I type these words I’m currently in the studio mixing my debut album with my producer Mark Lewis. It’s been ruinous emotionally, socially and financially and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024?

Just a big shiny album launch gig in Bolton at the moment on September 7th. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-barlow 

Was it a difficult single to write?

It wasn’t actually – it was one of those that sort of just fell out once I had the basic pattern established. The challenge was making it musically interesting. I had some help from a talented friend, Dan Wiebe, who helped bring that beautiful instrumental bridge together in a different key. Then, it was all about saying what I wanted to say about Bolton without being too bitter or cliched.

What makes Rob Jones & The Restless Dream happy and what makes you unhappy?

Wow – I suppose for me, happiness is a by product of chasing something engaging and meaningful. I’m not sure whether that’s entirely healthy, but there we are.