Rob Joass

Rob Joass is one of PJ’s favourite artists and songwriters, having played Rob’s tracks by Hobnail and solo releases down the years, and it’s an exciting time for him with a new single out, Faultlines, and albums on the way.

His press department says: ‘In 2018, Rob wasn’t sure he’d ever write another song. Independent and self-managed, he’d released and toured solo album Pencarrow, as well as a 25th anniversary Best Of album and tour with Hobnail, in the space of six months.

‘That on top of a busy career as a guitar teacher, and being father to two teenage boys, Rob ended the year burnt out.

‘The next step was to take a good long break. Covid, then, almost uniquely for a musician, didn’t make much difference. It did provide some peace and quiet while he pondered what to do next.

‘In 2020, Rob decided to do some mentoring sessions with long-time friend and fellow traveller Charlotte Yates. These served to remind Rob that he needed to get back in touch with why he picked up a guitar to write songs in the first place: For the simple joy of creating something. Forget about the business side of things and just create.

‘Coming soon will be the album that has resulted, and he’s ready to release the first single into the wild. Faultlines was produced by legendary Auckland producer and musician Wayne Bell (also contributing drums and keyboards), while Mark Hughes added bass guitar.

‘Whatever you bring, leave only your footprints’ was a sign Rob saw at a beach that stayed with him as an excellent metaphor.

‘We all make a mess sometimes, but the important thing is to clean up after yourself.

‘Faultlines ponders the fragility of our lives while simultaneously exclaiming “I’m not losing sleep over what hasn’t happened yet”.