S:You’ve come a long way from your “Girlfriend” days and have been carving out your own successful career. You were pretty much the first Samoan woman to be recruited into a Girlband under an official record label and the first Samoan woman to be cast into a feature film (Idiot Box) – A classic overachiever. Did your Samoan upbringing influence you in terms of work ethic and working hard? Who instilled this determination and drive in you?
R:Samoans are naturally very humble people… I’ve known of hundreds of extremely talented Samoans who have infinite potential yet are so modest they only display it at church or family functions. In my experience Samoans are extremely hard workers when it comes to physical labour because of our genetic make up. However, when it comes to following our performance dreams and realising our talent we don’t always display the same determination. I’ve learnt you can be humble, confident and determined all at the same time. The fire in my belly stemmed from not wanting to live a mediocre life. I, along with many other younger Samoans, have incredible opportunities that our parents and grandparents did not have. My parents were very much working class people. Both of them worked 2 jobs each to make ends meet. It was pretty tough back in those days. Growing up I refused to take this for granted and vowed to never let my passport just lay idle in my drawer.
S:Your music now has a somewhat alternative and ‘haunting’ sound to it, a big contrast to being in a Girl Band, singing Bubble Gum Pop and an even bigger contrast to the “norm” of today’s Pacific Island artists who are strongly influenced by Hip Hop and RnB. You’re obviously versatile in what you sing and appreciate a wide range of music. Who were your music role models and influences while growing up?
R:Like many children I listened to whatever my parents, uncles & aunties had been playing in the house or car. I received a record player from my favourite Uncle when I was very young & inherited all his vinyl collection. Everything from The Beatles & Elton John to the Jacksons & Everly Brothers. But as I grew up my musical tastes steered towards the quirky, left of centre style pop. I really enjoy listening to Hip Hop and RnB but I prefer to sing & create music which is indicative of my personality. I’ve been to hell and back in my personal life and this has greatly influenced my music. If I were walking through fields of butterflies every day I’m sure my songs would be vastly different.
S:Describe a typical “day” in the life of Robyn Loau.
My day usually starts around 7am when my 2yr old daughter knees me in the face or pours her drink in my hair to wake me up. I try to hit the gym first thing in the morning, I find it easier than at night when I’m tired. During the bulk of the day I’ll either teach vocal lessons or be in the studio working on music. When I’m not performing I try to get an early night as I really can’t operate when I’m sleep deprived. But if I’m suffering from insomnia (which I do often) I’ll watch the Twilight movies and ponder whether on I’m Team Edward or Team Jacob.
S:How has your Samoan culture influenced your music? I understand you did a Pasifika album in the past? Tell us about that..
R:After I left Girlfiend I was fortunate to be involved with a world music project called Siva Pacifica which was signed to Virgin Records in France (and EMI Records, Australia). It was a musical journey throughout the South Pacific. The gorgeous music video for Mana Part 2 was directed by my friend Seb Janiak who went on to direct music videos for amazing artists like Janet Jackson and Robbie Williams. My involvement meant that I travelled through Polynesia & Melanesia and recorded traditional chants & myths with villagers and tribes in certain regions. It was quite a lengthy process spanning over 2 years but so fulfilling as I was able to meet the most beautifully humble people. It also allowed me to discover more about my own heritage and this in turn influenced my solo music. My debut album Malaria: The Lost Album was partly recorded during my Siva Pacifica travels and features log drums and traditional island instruments. I called the album Malaria because the entire crew that I was touring with contracted Malaria and I was the only one that didn’t catch it!
S:GIRLFRIEND were the “it” girls of the 90’s and you were one hell of a great dancer then! Where did you learn to dance while growing up?
R:When I was very young I attended the Johnny Young Talent School in North Sydney where I learnt Jazz, Ballet, Tap, Drama & Singing. My mother would take me every weekend without fail. My mother enrolled all 3 of us (my brother & sister) but they quit after a couple of years. I just could not get enough. I then started teaching when I was still a teenager at different talent schools. More recently, I taught at the Sydney Dance Company and have been dancing again in my live shows.
S:Is there an artist today on the world stage that you admire?
R:Actually, my penchant at the moment is for 90s boy bands. I have my ticket to NKOTBSB, have been ODing on Take That concert DVDs and have recently hung out with Ritchie from 5ive. I LOVE Bjork, Kate Bush, Neneh Cherry (and her project Cirkus), Skin from Skunk Anansie, Sia, Lily Allen, Kelis and N’dea Davenport. These girls are all fierce and unique. I was devastated when the world lost Amy Winehouse and she will always remain on high rotation in my household.
S:What countries have you visited and toured in you career? Tell us about your travels, do you have a favourite destination??
R:Thank the Lord, I’ve been so lucky to travel with my work. My first O/S work trip was to Germany & London. It was when Girlfriend had debuted at the top of the Aussie charts meaning that we were now on BMG Records “high priority” list, so it was Business Class all the way. We toured throughout South East Asia and visited Japan 9 times. On my own travels I have visited Europe, USA, South Africa & the South Pacific. My BFF’s live in Amsterdam and Paris so I frequently visit there. But my top 3 holiday destinations are Tahiti, Aitutaki and Venice.
S:You look fantastic, What do you do to keep in shape? Are there any Health or beauty secrets you’d like to share?
R:To be honest I’ve always looked after myself. I don’t drink or smoke and I’ve always been very active with my dancing. I’ve taught dancing for years and for my fitness I’ve recently become a qualified Zumba instructor (partially due to being fed up with bad Zumba instructors at my gym). I don’t really eat Samoan food as it makes me feel very heavy and tired, just a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. Even though I try to eat well my greatest weakness is chocolate.
S:You’ve really made your mark in the Australian music industry , your career spanning almost 20 years. What other things would you like to pursue? Would you ever consider being an X-factor Judge?
R:Yeah I would consider judging on a TV show and I’d love to host Play School. I’d also love to do Dancing With The Stars, I think that would be a blast. I have always wanted to get back into acting. Earlier in my career a lot of acting work fell into my lap and I’ve noticed lately, there are more and more roles for coloured girls. I want a piece of that action!!
S:I believe you are a role model to Young Samoan and Pacific women..What advice do you give SUGA’s who are trying to enter the tough music and entertainment industry?
R:It is very easy to blindly believe that those in the music and entertainment industry know what they are doing but try to STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF. If you feel that something is not quite right for you or that you are uncomfortable with something or someone STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. Only you can make that call and eventually you will earn respect for speaking your mind (even though people will try convince you otherwise). I have witnessed many Polynesian artists that have allowed the record companies to mould them into a Beyonce or Chris Brown clone. It is a real shame because the one thing that makes us unique is that we’re not African American but still have so much soul & cultural flavour to give. Conduct yourself with dignity and refrain from being “fia tough”. It is easy to intimidate people with our islander physique and scowl but it takes true courage to stand up in a boardroom full of suits and speak your mind in a positive way.
Check out Robyn in action during her GIRLFRIEND days and her more recent material for her latest album "Only Human" on the sidebar!
Check out Robyn in action during her GIRLFRIEND days and her more recent material for her latest album "Only Human" on the sidebar!
