Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Robert Peterson and the Crusade
Robert Peterson and The Crusade is a Musical Artist – an emerging American rock group formed in St. Paul, MN., and now based in Joplin, MO. But it is so much more than that. It is the culmination of a concept and an inspired vision brought to life. An ideal; A musical Trojan horse waiting outside the door to share its positive message with those who have ears to hear!
The Crusade is led by the vision of guitarist Robert Peterson, who produced, arranged, and penned all the band’s material. In the style of an old familiar rock and roll fable, Peterson put his Master of Science degree to work by day as a biologist for a federal agency and honed his musical craft in his off-time. He garnered enough original material to warrant a recording session at Tangerine Studios in St. Paul.
What distinguishes Robert Peterson and The Crusade’s music is its emphasis on melody – brought to the forefront with the perfect blend of lead and harmony vocals, catchy guitar hooks, and memorable and meaningful lyrics. The resulting, ‘sound,’ expresses originality and authenticity which resonates with diverse audiences.
Peterson’s original Alternative Rock/Indie Rock/Power Pop music can be heard on the singles Of All The World, Change Coming On, and Baa Baa The Black Sheep. These tracks are available for download on the STORE section of the website or can be discovered on a host of music streaming platforms . . . For those with ears to hear, let them hear.
No Auto-tune Used
No A.I. Used
The debut album entitled, Change Coming On, is slated for release soon.
What is your earliest memory connected to music? – responses from Robert Peterson, of Robert Peterson and The Crusade in Southwest Missouri (USA)
Reply – As the youngest of five siblings (all musical) and parents that were musical, as well… my earliest memory is about age four or five. I would sing along to music with my next eldest brother. He and I would entertain family and others. Of course, the older siblings were alreay performing at various talent shows and had begun to play in rock and roll bands at that time, too.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Reply – Since age 12, I really began wanting to learn how to play in a band. I learned to play drums largely becuase I came by it naturally and since my two older brothers had already picked up the guitar and bass. I was in my teenage years when I first began tinkering with the electric guitar. It was not until recently that I realized it was my purpose in life to create the music that I was hearing in my head… and thus began Robert Peterson and The Crusade.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
Reply – I was living alone in St. Paul, MN (USA) and working as a biologist for a federal agency, when I felt compelled to begin this musical project and rekindle the musical talents I had been given. Thus, Robert Peterson and The Crusade was born. The songs were coming into my mind so quickly that I knew I needed to get them recorded and share them with others. I credit the good Lord for inspiring this vision and mission.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Reply – I usually begin by asking the listener what influences they may hear when they listen to my music. The responses have been quite broad – over 25 different artists. I think these answers are telling – that I’ve created a sound that blends modern indie and alternative twists with traditional classic rock elements creating a unique and refreshing experience and offering an exciting synthesis of nostalgia and contemporary rock. While my lyrics are often cloaked in positive spiritual metaphors, the powerful musical style is unmistakably inspired by classic rock ‘n’ roll, with influences from a plethora of iconic artists and bands.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Reply – I definitely try not to sound like any other band or artist – I stress being original but most importanty authentic and true to myself. Of course, my musical influnences can still be heard in the music I produce.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Reply – I do not use A.I. in any fashion. Nor do I use auto-tune vocal processing. I rely on standard musical instruments, Pro Tools, and yes, some sampled sounds for organs (Hammond B3, and a few others. I try to keep the studio ‘tricks’ to a minimum which will allow me to reproduce the sound for future live performances rather easily.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Reply – To be honest, I don’t listen to much music today. My influences are many and have formed the basis of my sound, who I am, and where I’ve come from. Listening to todays music would influence me away from my vision. When an artist attempts to set a trend, simply sounding like other artists of the day or writing in a way that might be popular for the day, is quite short-sighted. I’m trying to set a new trend – reignite rock and roll yet with a mix of alternative/indie. I think young people have forgotten or perhaps never known what real rock and roll can sound like.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Reply – Lately they have influenced me greatly. Having lost one of my siblings has been terribly difficult to recover from. Additionally, the positive message I’m trying to share with my music is a personal errand for the Lord. The Crusade is His mission for me to be about.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Reply – I do not attempt to write in a way that will evoke emotion from the listener rather, I write what I write and the resulting emotion they feel is uniquely their own. I do however, generally write in a positive up-beat manner. The majority of current music that is circulating has enough negative influneces for a lifetime. Writing something positive and hope-filled is what I personally believe the masses want to hear. Add in a good dose of melody to a hook-driven song and for those with ears to hear, let them hear [the deeper message in my messaage].
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Reply – Even the music business has the ‘ole payola’ present within it. I was surprised how many people have their hand out for me to pay for this service or that one. What that does is dampen the spirits of those artists who are not financially able to just ‘buy’ their way to the top – so, they, like me, simply refuse to take part in less than morally ethic avenues. It is a motiving ‘thing’ though… and keeps me relentlessly pushing forward where I can and do feel good about it.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Reply – I truly like the old movie theatres that have been restored for live musical performance – performing at any one of those would be great, The Englert Theatre in Iowa City, IA would be trip back in time for me. The Palace in St. Paul, MN and The Gillioiz in Springfield, MO are two others.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Reply – Tom Scholz of the band Boston. Boston was the first band I ever saw live… I was 12 years old. He and his music inspired me in a host of ways.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Reply –
- https://robertpetersonandthecrusade.com/
- https://open.spotify.com/artist/7ffQSe39qpLDSRpCtFaNoc
- https://www.instagram.com/robertpeterson_thecrusade
- https://x.com/PetersonCrusade
- https://www.youtube.com/@RobertPetersonandTheCrusade
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Reply – The debut album, Change Coming On, will be released on 02/06/2026. Beyond that release, we are heading into the studio soon to record more materal to add to that which has already been produced for album number two. It is my dream to be more than a musical recording artist but to perform these songs in a live setting… I predict 2026 will be our year. Of course, I hope that our songs will continue to be played on the radio and in perhaps, some new and unexpected settings. To get these songs to the masses for their listening pleasure, is the main goal.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Reply – I hope they discover that they like my music and want to share it with their friends and family.
Thank you!
