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Rob Critney and I have known one another for years. We first met at the Hope Ride where my sister, Sally, would be placed with Rob at a stop by Paul and Carol Ashbrook, the mainstays of the Hope Ride. Rob would do his thing; Sally would do her thing. Each had their own style but respected the talents of one another. At times, they would perform together which they seemed to enjoy as well as the audience. Not long ago, I happened to see Rob outside the Gold Nugget, and we caught up a little on our lives. Rob's music career has been an interesting journey, and I asked if he might share a little. Well, he was somewhat reluctant because that's Rob but agreed because of our friendship.

Q: Rob, first and foremost, thank you for serving in the military. Why did you join? What did you do? Did you have a chance to play any music?

A: I come from a family which many have served in the military and thought it important to carry it on. So, in my early twenties, 1988-1992, I was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and served during Operation Just Cause in Panama and Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. While stationed in North Carolina, I was the guitar player and lead singer for a three-piece band that played a few gigs in town.

Q: Rob, you recently went some place special to record several songs. Please take some time to share about that experience.

A: Dude, I flew to Holland; man, my arms were tired; buh-dump-dump-splash; Indy to Chicago to Amsterdam. Back in 99, I was in a collision and ordered to take physical therapy in Columbus. There, I met my therapist, Gerard Vierbergen, known as GV. I asked about his accent, and he said he was from Holland. I mentioned I played music with a focus on my own songs. Well, he was a musician too, wrote his own songs, and had a small recording studio. We soon began recording the “Callin' Out” album. In August 2024, GV called and invited me to Holland. I kind of blew it off since we had not had much contact in the past 22 years since being there in 2002 while actually performing in a few places. Then, GV elected to FaceTime me the following week, once again inviting and encouraging me over. When a door opens, you gotta go through and ride the lightning! I agreed and mentioned I would have some original songs. With support from family and friends, I renewed my passport, lifted my face to the sky, took a deep breath, and stepped into my next musical journey.

Q: Once in Holland, what were your days like there?

A: To save money, I stayed at Dutch Mafia Studio in Alkmaar, a city well known for its cheese markets. GV had to work most days, so we recorded when time allowed. This gave me 8-12 hours a day alone. I walked Marie's dogs, Bob and Sansa, every day at 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. like clockwork. I rode a bicycle around, good exercise like walking the dogs. I visited windmills and cemeteries. When seeing someone working outside, I would do the same task for awhile and have them video me. It was a fun way to meet people and share our lives and laughter with one another. I visited The Dunes twice and visited a fort involved in the Anglo-Russian invasion in 1799. I ate well. People were quick to point me in the right direction and quick to share in the moment. GV's parents even invited me to go site seeing one day, good people. My visits are documented in the “You Say Nothing” song video.

Q: Which song is one of your favorites and why?

A: One would be “First Ring Friend” which developed by a conversation with you resulting in a challenge after I picked up the phone on the first ring. Admittedly Dave, it's not my typical way of writing a song. You wrote one too. Our friendship was cemented even more in those two rather different versions. “Staring At The TV” is also an intimate and moving song. Recently, for whatever the reason, possibly divine intervention, we have been in close communication. You even invited me to a Book Study for The Noticer Returns by Andy Andrews and encouraged me to play some of my songs. I agreed to do so and appreciated the positive and inspiring reactions.

Q: We have traded CDs, and I have “Callin' Out” (1999) and “The Call” (2004). “The Call” is very rock & roll while “Calling Out” is considerably more subdued. Much production was involved with each. What's the story behind TuFat? Could you share a little about the contrast of those older CDs?

A: The songs on “Callin' Out” and “The Call” are lost to time and technology. I never adapted well to new tech. I stayed with cassette tapes too long and am now facing the digital side too late in the game. The “Callin' Out” songs reflect the period when my four-year-old daughter moved to California with her mom. I was broken, and music gave me an outlet for healing and understanding. It was a journey that took me away from factory jobs. I played with several bands, including a local one, Beyond Hope. Understand, it';s not just the music; it's also the people and experiences that come to you with the music. “The Call” songs are loud and aggressive, less intimate compared to the “Callin' Out” songs. We jammed anywhere people would have us. In the music world, I was known as TuFat; my relatives and friends knew me as Rob. Our chests were pushed out, dreaming we would reach a level of success where we would hang out with Henry Lee Summer and The Why Store.

Q: A lot has happened since 2004. Where would you place the new songs compared to the older songs? Which song is your favorite? Certainly, the new song videos involved much creativity. You must be very proud. What do you want to share about the production process?

A: In the past, I accepted little input from others concerning my music. With this bucket of tunes, I recorded a basic rhythm guitar track, a main vocal track, and some backing vocal tracks. Others are adding their ideas into the mix. Once receiving the mix of the song, I make suggestions or changes. This process requires patience and an open mind. Yes, there are more efficient methods of collaboration, but this is the journey GV and I have chosen to walk. Concerning the song videos, I hope to continue recording in local areas. Recently, I shot video at Anderson Falls. The “Happy Song” video was shot at Camp Atterbury and Irwin Park in Edinburgh.

Q: You were hoping music would be your career. However, it did not work out that way. What happened? I believe you got completely away from music for years. Why?

A: Yep, I shut the case on my guitar and consequently walked away for over six years. I'm talking nothing whatsoever happened in regard to my music. Man, I was scared Dave! That Old Guitar introduced me to some friends of mine, brightened up some days, and helped me make it through some lonely nights (John Denver). Why? Life man! I wasted years blaming others, riding the crest of a Big Ol' Mad! And if you push people away long enough, they quit coming around: people = music; music = people. Some years back, I was completing an internship with the Department of Child Services. Experiencing the resiliency and determination others had to overcome in the most dire circumstances inspired me to pick up music again. After scraping the crust and rust off, I attempted rebuilding my relationship with my guitar. The song “I'm A Believer” popped out, and I'm very happy many people, like my mom and wife-ha ha, have found inspiration in that song. The words “I believe in you” are frequently and rightly repeated. We all need someone to believe in us!

Q: What do you want to share to someone hoping to be a music star?

A: There's enough advice out there, so ask the internet machine. But be careful, there are producers who want to control and dictate you, people who don't really care about you or your music. Stay true to yourself! And surround yourself with good people!

Q: Paul and Carol Ashbrook always invited you to perform at the Hope Ride. You would always do so no matter what. Why?

A: Entertaining at the Hope Ride was a blast! I enjoyed providing music at the rather primitive yet welcoming stops. We would bring extra percussion instruments, and some riders would actually jam with us. All songs on “Callin' Out” were inspired, developed, and honed during the Hope Rides. The Hope Ride was a unique gig, morning to late afternoon while outside with a continuous rotation of appreciative spectators. And people rarely yelled, “Skynyrd!” I really enjoyed being part of an event that offered others a positive and spirited experience in Hope. I live in Hope by choice! Once, I moved away, but, like others, I moved back.

Q: What are your hopes for your music?

A: I reckon you can add any cliche response to this question. I hope to grow as a songwriter/musician, and I hope some people enjoy my music. And I hope to grow as an individual and musician!

Note: You can find Rob Critney's video songs like “You Say Nothing” and “Happy Song” and “I'm A Believer” on YouTube. Others are coming! I can assure you there will be words that will touch you like they have me, members of our Book Club, and many others.