Robert Rauch moved 1,500 miles from Arkansas to Lake Elsinore in 2024 with plans to build a music career in Southern California. He arrived without a local music network and spent his first week visiting venues, introducing himself and asking for an opportunity.

Temecula Wine and Beer Garden gave Robert his first local show on April 20, 2024. He has since performed throughout the region at venues including Wilson Creek Winery, Miramonte Winery, Pechanga and Yaamava’.

In this episode, Robert shares how growing up in a musical family shaped him and why he chose to pursue music as a career. We talk about building the Robert Rauch Band, developing a show that moves between pop, rock and R&B, and learning from the musicians around him.

Robert also explains why a three-hour gig gives a band five hours to connect with an audience. The show begins while people watch the band set up and continues after the final song when he stays to meet the crowd.

“If you have a three-hour gig, you’ve got five hours to hook them.”

Reading the room is another important part of Robert’s approach. If the audience isn’t responding, he’ll adjust the set list on the fly. During one show, he shifted from R&B and pop to classic rock because that was what the room wanted.

Robert also tells the story of earning his opportunity at Wilson Creek Winery. He accepted the solo rate for a full-band audition and paid his musicians from his own pocket. That performance led to more dates and an invitation to play a private event for 700 people.

“It’s easy to get the gig, but it’s hard to keep the gig.”

Robert’s humility shows in the way he credits the musicians around him and welcomes honest feedback from his bandmates and other players. He also remains grateful to the venues that gave him an early opportunity.

“If somebody is going to take the time to say something that’s going to make you better, listen to it.”

We also discuss Robert’s original music, including his EP Breakthrough, the album The Journey and the personal story behind “One Life for All of Us.”

Follow Robert Rauch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertrauchofficial/

Website: https://www.robertrauchmusic.com/

This episode is sponsored by Tsunami Cables. Proudly built in Southern California and backed by a lifetime warranty, Tsunami Cables are made for musicians who care about reliable tone and gear that can handle gig after gig. Visit https://tsunamicables.com/ and use promo code SOCALSETLIST for 10% off.