Here at The Honey POP, we’ve been fans of The Used for years, so we were stoked to see frontman Bert McCracken step out on his own as our new fave popstar, robbietheused! His debut solo single, ‘Just A Little Bit,’ is a powerful celebration of hope and how optimism can change our lives for the better. Just one listen and your sour mood will turn right upside down! Trust us, we’ve tested it every time we’ve been feeling down since this song came out.
We must be more than a little bit lucky, because we got to ask robbietheused all about ‘Just A Little Bit,’ how his solo endeavors differ from his work with The Used, and more! Check out the ‘Just A Little Bit’ music video below, then keep reading to check out our exclusive Q&A.
Hi robbietheused, congrats on your solo debut with ‘Just A Little Bit!’ What has it been like for you to release the song and see how much fans love it?
Thank you! It has been a really fun process from the start. I recorded this song over three years ago so it’s pure joy to finally see it come out. The feedback has been incredible so far!
There are so many relatable lyrics in ‘Just A Little Bit,’ with one of our favorites being “life is a landslide, no place for me to hide.” Is there a certain lyric you’re especially proud of or that means a lot to you?
“I feel the day coming. I feel the sun shining. I feel the moment has got to give.” Some of my favorite lyrics I’ve written.
You also dropped a colorful claymation music video for ‘Just A Little Bit,’ which we love! How did the concept come about, and what was your reaction the first time you got to watch the video?
We had been in touch with Baby Cry Animations (babycryanimations.com) and absolutely love the work they were doing. I thought it might be fun to have a very colorful zombie tea party with dancing and singing Venus fly traps.
You’ve worked with producer John Feldmann for quite some time now as part of The Used, and we’re so excited to hear you together again for robbietheused! Has it been different working with him as a solo artist versus as a band member?
It’s a very similar process working with him alone. We start with a coffee and a little powwow about how we are feeling that day, and then we write a song about it. He’s like a brother to me and he’s the most talented person I know. It’s nothing but fun recording with John.
On a similar note, how does your solo creative process differ from your creative process when you’re working on songs for The Used?
Not a lot of difference other than the fact that it’s just me and Feldy. Recording with the band, we all pitch in ideas about every part of the song. There’s a lot more weight to be carried when it’s just me and him. It’s harder than recording with the band because 5 heads are better than one.
‘Just A Little Bit’ is a reminder that hope can go a long way in helping you through hard times. What keeps you hopeful through your own hard times?
Reading a good book. Eating a good meal. Taking a step back and really thinking about how lucky I am to be alive. Music has always kept me hopeful through the rough times.
Speaking of hard times, you started writing for robbietheused during the pandemic, which we’re sure was really cathartic! At the time, did you know the songs would be for your solo project or did you think they’d go to The Used?
The Used would record a session and then I would stay for another week or two to record my own session. I decided to make a solo record for my birthday. So it was very planned out.
From My Chemical Romance to Demi Lovato, you’ve featured on songs with some incredible artists over the years! Is there anyone you’re really hoping to work with as robbietheused?
I’m in love with Post Malone. Incredible talent. I would also like to collaborate with every single popstar from the 90s. Especially Britney Spears.
When you worked with Demi Lovato, you hopped on their reimagined version of ‘Give Your Heart A Break’ in 2023. Might we see some robbietheused reimagines of The Used songs in the future?
I think we will keep The Used songs for The Used. And I’ll keep my pop songs just for me.
We can’t wait to hear your full solo album soon! Can you give us any teasers of what we can expect from the record?
It’s really all over the place. Some feels like 90s pop and other times feels more modern. Some songs are more synth-focused, and other songs are more piano-driven.
Which songs from The Used would you recommend to any new fans who discover you through robbietheused?
‘THE TASTE OF INK!’ ‘Blue and Yellow.’ My favorite [on] Heartwork, ‘Clean Cut Heals.’
How do you feel you’ve grown as an artist while working on robbietheused?
My appreciation for music has grown. I learned very quickly that writing pop songs is not easy so I think I’ve grown a little by stepping out of my comfort zone.
What can fans expect later this summer and in the rest of 2024?
I’ll be putting a few singles out until we release the full record in the Fall.
Is there anything else you’d like to mention or say to your fans that the questions didn’t touch on?
The Used has the best fans in the world. So I want to thank fans of robbietheused for allowing me to step outside myself and create a few beautiful catchy songs in a different style than they are used to.
Thank you so much to robbietheused for answering all our questions! We’ll have ‘Just A Little Bit’ on repeat while we excitedly await your solo album…
Now, honeybees, we have some questions for you! What do you think of ‘Just A Little Bit?’ Are you looking forward to more music from robbietheused? Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
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