Few things ignite an audience’s imagination and draw their attention more than a powerful music duo rocking out on stage together. Even better is when true talent and mutual love of music are the basis for coming together. With the The Robinson James Band, we get a perfect combination of both. It's two musical kindred spirits experiencing the joy of sonic creation, and sharing it with the world.
Frontwoman Alexa Robinson met lead guitarist George Castrinos (aka Elrey James) while renting out his recording studio on one fateful day. Now they’re not only making music and playing countless shows together, but they’ve also built a life together outside of music. The chemistry injected into each song creates a unique listening experience as Robinson’s powerhouse soul vocals converse with Castrinos’s expressive lead guitar runs. Whether reimagining classics or surprising us with delightful originals, The Robinson James Band is sure to stoke your musical curiosity and tug at your heartstrings.
Q: How did the band form and what does the band’s name mean?
A: We have both done music previously, and decided to work together and make our own band. The band’s name is a combination who we are.
Q: Previous musical projects, how did you first get into music?
A: Alexa: My previous musical projects have been playing in different cover bands for many years. I’ve always loved music, and as a kid, I took piano and singing lessons. I've always been a huge Elvis fan while other kids liked New Kids On The Block I was listening to Elvis!
Elrey: I’ve been at it a long time, played with the likes of Canned Heat, Robert Lucas, Chris Robinson, and Johnny Copeland just to name a few. When I was a kid, I heard “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin for the first time, and it was life changing.
Q: First concert that you ever went to, locally, and national acts?
Elrey: The first concert that I really went to was Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana at Tampa Stadium. I remember watching him play the Bob Marley song, “I Shot the Sheriff,” and he did it in a reggae feel. I was 14 years old.
Q: What’s your writing process like?
A: Elrey: I start with a riff, and that point I need to get in to a rehearsal room with bass and drums, test it out and see if it works, then lyrics and melody come last.
Alexa: Usually if somebody has a riff, melody or a track, I can come up with my own lyrics and melodies after that. That’s my process.
Q: What other artists or songs inspire your music? (Please talk about the artist you’ve chosen)
A: Alexa: My choices are singers that I’ve been influenced by, their style, specifically Aretha Franklin’s song “Rock Steady.” It’s funky and soulful, which is a huge inspiration for me.
Elrey: Artists like Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, Rory Gallagher, and Jimmy Page to name a few, had a major impact on my guitar playing.
This playlist we put together is a reflection of both our styles. Alexa and Elrey have similar music tastes, Elrey more blues-rock, and Alexa has blues-rock, with soul and funk, which makes a great mix for our sound.
Q: What’s the live experience like, and your philosophy on playing live? Do you think the live music should be identical to the recorded version or should it be its own thing?
A: The live experience is fun and you get to see people enjoying your music, and you’re making connections with them.
Elrey: Depends on the tune, there’s some songs that I try to play note-for-note and the guitar solos have been scripted out. On other tunes, it’s impossible for me to play them the exact same way, because it was a moment in time captured on tape. Sometimes, I have to slow the track down to learn my own material.
Alexa: I personally like to keep a similar structure to the recorded versions, and I think people like to hear what they’ve heard on the record, but sometimes there can be some magic moments when you make it its own thing.
Q: Has the band toured? What’s the touring experience been? Best shows, worst shows?
A: For now, The Robinson James Band has just played locally, but we have a tour booked for the summer.
Elrey: I’ve previously toured all over the country, from LA to Florida. Best show was when I was sitting in with my daughter’s band, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes at Coachella. My worst show was some Casino in Alabama.
Alexa: I’ve played all over Southern California for 10+ years. There’s never been a worst show for me, because there’s always somebody who enjoys the music and has a good time.
Q: What’s up next for the band?
A: More shows, a summer tour, two new originals, a music video, and much more. We are in the process of finishing our album, can’t wait to see you at a show!