Where was the last time you performed before this performance?

"Actually, the last venue I performed in was in fact The Shrine! I walked in here about a year and a half ago and fell in love with the place - it's by far the coolest most unique club in Manhattan."

Have you ever been backstage with an artist before?

"Many times, two instances stand out: Led Zeppelin at the Atlantic Records 50th Anniversary at Madison Square Garden, and when I was young kid seeing Leonard Bernstein backstage before he walked out and conducted the NY Philharmonic in front of 104,000 people in Central Park. Both were monumental experiences for me. Both artists had an indescribable larger than life persona and force about them."

What is the feeling that comes over you before you walk onto the stage?

"That I'm very fortunate and blessed to have music in my life and to be able to share it with others."

Favorite spot to be creative?

"Walking up and down Madison Avenue at 2 in the morning. It's Manhattan when it's totally quiet and the park at 57th and Sutton Place, also late".

Favorite quote/song/album?

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything." - Plato

"We're musicians - we make music, nothing else matters - it's that simple." - Eddie Van Halen

Favorite Album or Song - "Forget about it! That question is mission impossible! I've been listening to anything and everything since I was too young to remember - but always be open-minded and you will always hear something new that will blow you away and move you in any style and genre." 

Causes you advocate for? 

"Well I've been lucky to teach and have great students throughout my career, so I would have say my favorite cause is enriching people's lives with the power of music and all that it brings." 

__________

Make sure to follow Sürf 610 on Instagram, @surf610. Check out Rob’s Instagram, @r_sguitars. Check out their song latest song "Love Can Save You" here. 

Interview by Stacy Igel, Photography by Sophie Elgort.