We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Robert Cross a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Robert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first realized I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally while I was in high school, when I got into rock and alternative music. One night, while sitting on my bed listening to the radio, the idea of writing songs just clicked—it felt like something I had to do. I didn’t know how to play an instrument yet, but that didn’t stop me. Luckily, my uncle had an old nylon-string acoustic guitar he wasn’t using, and he gave it to me. That guitar became my starting point.

Creativity has always been a part of me. Even as a kid, I’d make up songs and sing them in the shower. That instinct to create has only grown stronger over the years. One of my biggest challenges has been learning how to capture inspiration in the moment—humming a melody into my phone or scribbling down a lyric before it fades away.

I’ve always believed I had the talent and drive to be a songwriter. For me, the real work has been about staying ready for opportunities and continually sharpening my skills—while making sure my musical ideas stay fresh, exciting, and true to who I am.

Robert, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a Southern California-based songwriter and musician, originally from Ventura County, just north of Los Angeles. Growing up so close to the entertainment capital of the world definitely played a part in inspiring me to explore and express my creativity early on.

I picked up the guitar in high school and started performing in bands that spanned a range of genres—from Polynesian to disco to Top 40. While those experiences taught me a lot and broadened my musical vocabulary, my true passion has always been writing and performing original music that reflects my own voice and perspective.

In 2019, I founded the band Satin alongside Scott Wintermute (bass), David Bucci (lead guitar), and Tim Frantz (drums). Together, we released our debut album ‘Drop Dead Gorgeous’, featuring 12 original alternative tracks. We’ve continued to grow and evolve with the release of our second album ‘Origami Heart’ in 2021 and our latest release, ‘Shockwaves’, in 2024.

My music is deeply personal—drawing from my life experiences, thoughts, and emotional landscape. I strive to write lyrics and melodies that are both authentic and resonant, and that speak to listeners on a real, human level. What sets me apart is that commitment to honesty in my work, and a refusal to chase trends at the expense of originality.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to stay true to my creative vision while building a body of work I genuinely believe in. Whether you’re a fan, a fellow creative, or someone discovering my music for the first time, my hope is that you’ll find something in it that feels real, that moves you, and maybe even inspires you in your own journey.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to articulate my thoughts and emotions in a way that can be shared with others. There’s something incredibly powerful about expressing a personal experience through music and having someone—often complete strangers—tell me it resonated with them. They don’t know my story, and I don’t know theirs, but in that moment, the music becomes a bridge between us. That kind of connection—honest, unexpected—is what makes it all worthwhile.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

To truly support artists and build a thriving creative ecosystem, society needs to actively champion originality and the people creating it. That means more than just consuming content—it means following artists on social media, streaming their music, buying their merchandise, and showing up to their shows. Even small gestures can provide the moral support artists need to stay inspired and keep going.

The amount of raw talent I’ve encountered in Southern California alone is staggering—and humbling. Just when I’m feeling confident and think I’m ahead of the curve, I’ll play a venue in a place like San Diego and see several performers who blow me away with their skill and creativity. It’s a reminder of how much great art and talent exists outside of the mainstream spotlight.

Right now, our culture tends to prioritize established names and nostalgia over discovering what’s fresh and relevant. I’ll admit, I fall into that pattern too sometimes with my own listening habits. But I also make a conscious effort to seek out, follow, and support local and emerging acts that I connect with. If more people did the same, we’d see a much more vibrant and creative landscape.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://satin1.bandcamp.com/
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/satin_sounds/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/satinsoundsonline/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Satin_band
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCV9r0g5z7XBu2OrCqF7taJw
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/satinsounds
• Other: https://www.reverbnation.com/satinsounds