Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Robert F Bogaert
My current project is “The Divine Whatever” – a stripped-down 10-track set of songs written between November of 2023 and November of 2025. As of this writing, it is only available completely in CD format, but “Muster” and the title song are available for streaming on my SoundCloud page: Robert F Bogaert
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Taking accordion lessons at age 3, although my parents told me they used to park my baby buggy in front of the juke box at their favorite bar and I would bounce up and down to the songs.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I don’t remember a time when I was not creating in some form, making up words to instrumental songs, even when I was in 1st or 2nd grade. It’s in my DNA.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I finished 3-discs of a 5-disc project in the autumn of 2023, but before I could record the remaining 29 songs, I started writing new ones. By July of 2025 I had six that I wanted to record for an EP. Then I wrote 4 more while working on the recording, so it ended up a full 10-song “album.”
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
All over the road. Mostly contemporary folk-slash-country-ish. But sometimes I get a bit pop-jazzy, especially if it’s a tune I wrote on keyboards rather than guitar.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
In recording: Ya gotta keep ‘em separated. In writing: You don’t have to be a virtuoso at anything to create an excellent song.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
All of them! (lol) I play guitar, keys, and drums mostly. Also harmonica, mandolin, accordion, etc. I use a Korg D1600 for recording so there’s really no software involved.But headphones for mixing and mastering is a must!
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Gabriel Bass (Kudzu), Hugh Foley(She’s My Stop Sign)
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Every possible way, both good and bad and high and low. Most of my songs have some connection to my life, but sometimes I do just like to make up complete fiction.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
“Do the things you feel you need to, and try to make some friends along the way.”
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Same answer as above
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Auditorium Theater, Chicago Illinois
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Todd Rundgren for recording because I love the way he puts a song together. And if Yolanda Charles and Steve White were available as a rhythm section that would be freaking awesome!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
www.reverbnation.com/robertfbogaert (FREE mp3 DOWNLOADS)
YouTube: “robert bogaert” Soundcloud: Robert F Bogaert
Facebook: Robert F Bogaert – Interstellar Troubadour
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Live long enough to find out what happens next (lol). Really, to just keep playing.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
As little as possible (lol) but I hope they like the music. I think the video I linked tells you everything you need to know about me. Recorded in the same room where I wrote it.
