From Alsager to Nashville - meet the acclaimed singer-songwriter who's releasing his third album
An award-winning singer- songwriter who grew up in Alsager is about to release his third album and embark on an acclaimed tour.
Rob Wheeler, who picked up the Songwriter of the Year in the ARC Radio Listener awards in 2021 and has supported The Shires, grew up in Alsager and went to school there.
Tomorrow (June 6th) his album "'Leave Tomorrow" inspired by the country music scene in Nashville and life in Cheshire will be officially released and next week, he embarks on a UK tour tickets available here .
And by all accounts, the new album is set to do well as already it's number seven in the Country Music charts, as seen below.
It was a trip to Nashville surrounded by the music that soundtracked his life in Cheshire results in Northern country musician Rob's new album.
The songs for the new album were written during a four-month stint in Nashville, Tennessee, a collaborative effort with a multitude of acclaimed musicians, among them Grammy-nominated songwriters Jeff Trott, Steve Dorff and Frank Liddell.
Having grown up in Alsager becoming obsessed with The Beatles and learning the songs of Hank Williams, Johnny Cash and The Eagles on guitar as a means of escape, Leave Tomorrow is a full-circle moment for Rob, bringing his worlds of UK and American music together.
"Growing up in the North West of England, Nashville represented to me what I imagine Hollywood represents to aspiring actors - a mythical land that seems both untouchable and utterly irresistible," said Rob.
"My American heroes sang about cowboys and horses, desperados and drifters; but I write and sing about what I see from my own window and how it feels from my point of view."
The title track opens the album to set the tone - 'I say we leave tomorrow, and we don't come back again…' - it's an earnest and heartfelt track which Rob explained is about 'escaping the life you're told you're supposed to have.'
Rob added: "In some ways, it's about 'overcoming the fear of not being good enough and realising what being good enough actually means" - something he knows from experience given his turbulent background.
Raised by a single mum in Alsager, Rob's journey as an artist began with music college, leading to life on the road with several touring bands and a publishing deal as an in-studio co-writer with a Staffordshire producer.
Rob is passionate about his Cheshire background and loves visiting relatives in Alsager where he grew up.
"I love the town and would truly like to play at Alsager Music Festival. I have a lot of local supporters who follow my music and I would love to play at this festival.
"I have happy memories from my childhood of growing up in the town and playing on the fields and parks. My grandmother ran an antique shop in Alsager. "
Rob went to Alsager School and is still in touch with school friends and often visits Alsager to see relatives.
"It was a big part of my life. I'm very nostalgic and yes I do draw inspiration from a brilliant childhood and fond memories of Alsager."
Rob is playing live at The Arena in Crewe next Thursday (June 12th) as part of the tour, dates for which are listed below.
June 11 - Green Note, London (Camden)
June 12 - The Arena, Crewe
June 14 - Listening Room, Glasgow (Coatbridge)
June 15 - Kazimier Stockroom, Liverpool
June 17 - Barnoldswick Music & Arts Centre, Pendle
June 19 - Railway Inn, Winchester
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