Tim Robbins may be an Oscar winner, but that hasn’t quenched his longing to create music. After writing music for more than 20 years, Robbins has recorded a collection of songs for his self-titled debut.
“This is something I always wanted to do,” Robbins said just before the start of his tour. “I had been [creating music] under the radar but I had never done an album. I never felt like I had a complete album or story to tell.”
| Onstage |
| Tim Robbins |
| When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday |
| Where: Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria |
| Details: $29.50; ticketmaster.com; 202-397-SEAT |
A professional collaboration with producer Hal Willner spurred Robbins to turn his attention to an album. After a string of small concerts in the U.K., Willner enlisted keyboardist Roger Eno, musical saw player David Coulter, multi-instrumentalist Kate St. John (formerly of the Dream Academy) and vocalist Joan As Police Woman to contribute.
“I always thought if I ever do an album it has to have a beginning, middle and end,” Robbins said of the thoughts and reflections he developed into songs. “I just didn’t feel I had the opportunity in the past. After [the 1992 movie] ‘Bob Roberts’ came out, there was some interest, but it felt exploitive to use my fame or whatever attention I was getting to become a temporary rock star. … I waited, and the time seemed right now.”
Of the 15 folk songs that Robbins considered, nine made it onto the album.
“When we went into the studio, I was playing with these guys, and it was clear musically we were all on the same page,” he said. “It was perfect for the music.”
