Bobby Newberry will headline this weekend's Pride festivities, performing the main stage alongside drag queen Morgan McMichaels and singer-songwriter Grant Knoche.
Newberry began his career in the music industry as a choreographer for Eminem. He has since worked with a string of the world’s top artists including Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat Dolls, Missy Elliot, and Lil’ Wayne. His choreography work has been seen on TV in Dancing with the Stars and X-Factor. In 2014, Bobby Newberry released his first single and music video, “Dirrty Up (featuring Jessie and The Toy Boys).” It was soon followed by “Escape”, a sultry house track, “Freak,” his high-octane duet with drag star Rhea Litre and “Ride”, his feel-good summer jam.
Those songs and more are included in Bobby Newberry’s debut album, Dopamine Rollercoaster, releasing today. He will perform them this Saturday at 7pm on the Pride Stage. We spoke with Newberry from his home in Los Angeles.
Congratulations on your debut album!
Bobby Newberry: I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who is taking the time to listen to my album. It was so important for me to release a body of work. Up until now, I had only released singles. This is my first full album! It was something I wanted and had to do. It's been an incredible journey creating it, and it means the world to me that I get to share it with all of you.
What do you hope fans take away from Dopamine Rollercoaster?
Bobby Newberry: I hope they will take away a few key messages. First and foremost, I hope it inspires them to chase their dreams. Life is full of ups and downs, but it's the pursuit of happiness that makes it all worth it. No matter what obstacles you face along the way, keep pushing forward and never give up on what you believe in. Secondly, I hope this album reminds everyone that it's okay to feel a range of emotions. We all have our highs and lows, and it's important to embrace them all. Whether you're feeling ecstatic or heartbroken, know that you're not alone and that there's beauty in every emotion. Finally, I hope the album brings them joy. At the end of the day, music is about connecting with others and sharing experiences. If my music can bring a smile to someone’s face or make them feel like you're a part of something bigger, then I've done my job.
How would you describe the sound of the album?
Bobby Newberry: It’s a blend of different genres. There are heart-pumping beats, soulful mid tempos, and everything in between. I wanted to create something that would take listeners on a journey, to make them feel like they're a part of the story.
Is that why you want listeners to absorb the tracks in sequential order?
Bobby Newberry: Yes! Once the album was done, I spent a long time changing the order and rearranging it. Once I locked in the order, I did some outros for certain songs to make the journey feel right. The intro and outro of the album are big moments!
Do you have a favorite song on the album?
Bobby Newberry: Ahhhhhh, that is so hard! I love all the tracks for different reasons. I relate with them all because I wrote them and they represent different moments and moods I was in. If I had to choose, some of my faves would be “Spicy”, “Ride”, “Blackout”, “Forget You” and “Think About You”.
You have a new album releasing later the summer. How does the next record compare with Dopamine Rollercoaster?
Bobby Newberry: It is the next chapter of my life. I continue to evolve and change and grow in life and to be inspired musically. I’m excited for the next chapter!
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