Robot Monster Discuss Their Self-Titled Debut, Songwriting, and Desert Island Albums

Rock music may not be what it once was in terms of popularity, but it’s satisfying to know that we still have some young people willing to carry the torch forward into the next generation. That’s what guitarist Will Brennan and drummer Logan Sidle are doing with their Robot Monster, the name they gave to their recording collaboration. Earlier this year, they released their debut self-titled LP, a bunch of stripped-down, bluesy rock tracks with an indie spirit that features lots of tasty riffs and hooks. Some may think of blues rock as dated or a sound from a bygone era, but Brennan and Sidle conversely view it as a genre that can be preserved and revitalized.

In the last couple of years, Robot Monster has successfully utilized social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to help get the word out about their music. They soon received online support from artists like Skrillex, Fred Durst, and The Lumineers’ Wesley Schultz. Producer Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Buddy Guy, Tom Waits) also took notice and was instrumental in Brennan and Sidle forming the sound for what has become Robot Monster.

We recently had the good fortune of speaking with both Brennan and Sidle to talk more at length about Robot Monster, their origins, the writing process, and thriving off support from their local fanbase.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTp8D2q3VHA

For those not familiar with your band, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?

Will Brennan: “We are Robot Monster, a rock duo from New Haven, Connecticut. I play guitar and sing, and Logan plays drums and sings back-up. We got our start by uploading video clips to Instagram and Tik Tok. Producer Jacquire King saw our videos and liked our raw energy and said he would be willing to record us if we were able to write some strong songs.”

Your new single “OUT” and your debut self-titled album were both released recently. Now that they’re complete, how do you feel about them, and what has been the response so far?

Brennan: “I feel great about them; the response has been very positive. It’s been so fulfilling to see songs that were written in my basement that began with just a simple riff come to life with the incredible production that Jacquire has given them.”

What is your songwriting process like?

Brennan: “Most songs start with a riff that becomes the foundation of the song, which is then expanded upon. The lyrics are always the last piece of the puzzle. Once the music and form exists, the overall vibe of the song often influences the theme and subject matter of the lyrics.”

Artwork for the album ‘Robot Monster’ by Robot Monster

When you write, do you do so with the live setting in mind, or do you write a song just for the song’s sake?

Brennan: “I think it really depends; when Jacquire got in touch with me and Logan, he suggested to us that we write songs that people can sing back to us. I really took that to heart and began writing songs like ‘Caged’ in which I envisioned a large crowd all shouting the lyrics together in unison. Other songs like ‘Crashing’ were written more for the song’s sake and almost felt as though they wrote themselves.”

Along those same lines, do you take advantage of technology and email riffs and parts back and forth, or do you get together in a room in a more traditional sense and write together?

Brennan: “It’s interesting, because in late 2020, when principal writing began, we both came down with COVID-19 and quarantined together. We were forced by unique circumstances to live and work together, and that’s when a large part of the material was created. I often write songs on piano, as well. It’s not an instrument that is featured in Robot Monster, at this moment, but I enjoy that it takes me to places melodically that a guitar won’t or can’t.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DouHyWdr9Qo

What’s the story behind the name of the band?

Brennan: “The name speaks to the fact that our band is a duo and to a duality that occurs as a constant theme. Much of our music consists of repetitive and robotic guitar riffs coupled with monstrous and expressive drumming. Hence the name Robot Monster.”

Why did you choose to make your debut album self-titled?

Brennan: “We chose to make our debut album self-titled because the name Robot Monster speaks to the fact that the band is a duo and the album only features guitar, drums, and vocals. We think this album is a raw and honest representation of who we are.”

Logan Sidle: “We chose to make our debut album self-titled because we felt it would be appropriate being our first piece of music we are sharing with the world. A reference point for our future selves where we can look back and hopefully see our growth and evolution over time. It wasn’t a super overly thought out decision but just felt right for being our first child.”

Do you receive a lot of support from your local scene and fans in general?

Brennan: “Definitely, we recently had the privilege of playing at The Shubert Theatre in New Haven. I remember seeing ‘Stomp’ at the Shubert when I was very young, and to be able to perform on the same stage that many legendary acts have performed on was a huge honour for both me and Logan as New Haven natives.”

Sidle: “As of lately, yes, we just played the Shubert Theatre in Downtown New Haven, where all our idols played. We’re currently starting to get recognized locally as we’ve initially started as more of a social media thing across the world, not pinpointed to one specific location. Until a couple months ago, most people from our area didn’t know we were even from New Haven, and were shocked to find out we were locals, and been a part of the scene across many genres for years.

“Will and I had played in many different other groups in the area for years, whether it was a jazz jam session at Cafe Nine or playing with a jam band at The Space Ballroom. New Haven’s scene is super special and definitely one of a kind.”

https://youtu.be/Q8ak2txEBGQ

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take three CDs with you for eternity, assuming there was a solar-powered CD player, what would they be?

Brennan: “I would want to bring three very different CDs if I was only allowed three. I’d probably bring Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, Ok Computer by Radiohead, and Blue Train by John Coltrane.”

Sidle: “If I could only take three CDs with me onto a desert island, I would take three that would be of extremely different genres to make sure I had some form of variety. First, I’d probably take Rage Against The Machine’s Battle of Los Angeles as my heavy hitter. Next would be Ben Folds’ Rockin The Suburbs, as it has some of my favorite lyrics and songwriting. And lastly, I’d take I Am by Earth Wind And Fire, for my constant love of funk music.”

What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?

Brennan: “For me, the most memorable moment has been either going down to Nashville to record our album with Logan and our producer Jacquire, or opening for Stone Temple Pilots in May of 2022. We recorded 15 songs in two weeks at Jacquire’s studio in Nashville and it was one of the most meaningful experience of my life. Opening for Stone Temple Pilots was a true honour as someone who has always been a huge fan of their music.”

Sidle: “The most memorable moment of my career so far had to have been going on tour with Stone Temple Pilots and then again this October with The Bronx and Drug Church. The shows were super special and the crowds really gave us their ear and time, which meant a lot to us as we are so new and most people haven’t heard our music yet.

“The most special part to me personally was getting to travel the country and travel these roads and highways I’d never travel on otherwise. Just driving through rural North Carolina County felt so freeing and beautiful. Being able to travel and play music couldn’t be a better life. Two of my favourite things all in one job. Both tours were super life-changing and eye-opening in many ways.”