In the bustling realm of music, where artists continuously push boundaries and experiment with various genres, one artist stands out for his distinctive approach to sound. Meet Robert Pawliczek, the creative force behind Bobby Would, a solo project that has been making waves in the music scene. Hailing from Berchtesgaden, Bavaria, Germany. Pawliczek has crafted a unique sonic identity that combines elements of post-punk, punk, and 60s influences.

When asked about the origins of Bobby Would, Pawliczek reveals a nostalgic inspiration. “I wrote the name Bobby Would on walls when I was way younger, using chalk,” he reminisces. “My first name is Robert, and my anglo-speaking friends call me Bobby, so when I started recording in 2017, it automatically fell into place.” The name Bobby Would not only serves as a reminder of his youthful creativity but also reflects his multifaceted persona and artistic vision.

With an extensive background in various bands, Pawliczek’s experience has undoubtedly shaped his musical journey. Bands like Welt Star, Heavy Metal, Privat, and many others have influenced his sound and contributed to his eclectic musical palette. However, Bobby Would serves as a departure from traditional band settings, allowing Pawliczek to explore his sonic ideas independently.

The songwriting process for Bobby Would is an intriguing one. Pawliczek’s background in painting and his abstract artistic sensibilities come to the forefront in his music. “Since I studied painting and I am coming from an abstract field, it’s all based on experiments,” he explains. “I do have a vague idea sometimes, but most of the time, it’s simple, minimal, intuitive.” Pawliczek samples elements from 50s, 60s, and 70s world music, doo-wop, and exotic sounds, transforming them into repetitive, droney compositions. The result is a lo-fi and raw sonic landscape that captivates listeners with its minimalistic beauty.

Bobby Would’s latest release, an LP dedicated to Pawliczek’s late mother, showcases the artist’s emotional depth and vulnerability. The cover artwork, featuring a picture of his mother as a young woman, adds a personal touch to the project. Initially planning a small cassette release, the album gained unexpected attention, leading to a vinyl release by Digital Regress in Oakland and Kashual Plastik in Berlin. The album’s success even led to a tour across the United States, Central Europe, the UK, and Israel earlier this year.

When discussing his influences, Pawliczek’s unique listening habits emerge. “I don’t listen to a lot of music,” he admits. Instead, he relies on a small selection of ambient and electro-acoustic music, often provided by his friends. Punk-related bands, particularly from New Zealand and Australia, also find their way into his musical rotation. This eclectic mix shapes Bobby Would’s sonic landscape, blending various influences into a cohesive and compelling musical experience.

Looking ahead, Bobby Would has an exciting lineup of plans. Currently touring with Protomartyr in Holland, the UK, and Germany, Pawliczek is also set to perform a drone version of Strauß’ “Donau Waltz” on the roof of a boat on the Danube River. Future engagements include the Maple Death Festival in Bologna and solo shows in New York, LA, and Paris. Furthermore, two records are in the works: a full ambient LP titled “Mumia” dedicated to Pawliczek’s late friend, Sven Sachsalber, and a new album called “Relics Of Our Life.”

As for the local scene in his adopted hometown of Vienna, Pawliczek acknowledges its lack of vibrancy but cherishes the support of his close-knit circle of friends. Collaborating with talented individuals like Shilla Strelka, Robert Schwarz, Natascha Muhic, and Albert Mayr has provided a nurturing environment for his creativity to flourish.

Before concluding our conversation, Pawliczek kindly shares some recommendations from his music scene, spanning across the globe and genres. From Yuta Matsumura to Blaq Hammer and from Christina Vantzou to People Skills, these artists offer a rich and diverse sonic experience worth exploring.

Bobby Would’s music is a testament to the power of minimalism, raw emotion, and experimentation. With his lo-fi soundscapes, Pawliczek invites listeners on a journey of introspection and sonic discovery. As his musical journey continues, we eagerly await the release of his upcoming projects and the next chapter in the ever-evolving world of Bobby Would.

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® Clara Grillmaier © Eva Bo ® Roshi Porkar

Check out Bobby Would on Bandcamp