Meet Rob Janicke | Writer/Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rob Janicke and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob, how do you think about risk?
I’ve been chasing risks for over half a century now. As a kid in the ’70s and ’80s, all of my heroes were risk-takers. I inherently knew there was a link between taking risks and genuine happiness. Growing up in a single-parent household, my mom had to balance risk-taking and stability as she was raising two children on her own. She worked two and three jobs for the entirety of my childhood which led to risking almost all of her time with my sister and me as she had no choice but to leave us with friends and family, and sometimes alone, as she went off to work. She’d take jobs to pay the bills and put food on the table not always knowing what she was getting into. That being said, we never moved (she still lives in the house I grew up in), were never shuffled from school to school, and enjoyed as many of the “normal” childhood activities she could provide us. Risk vs stability was constant in my life. When I was around six or seven I fell in love with music, mainly hard rock, and heavy metal (later discovering punk, hip-hop, alternative, and grunge) and just about all the bands or artists I listened to, admired, and learned from had taken huge risks to get where they were. My problem for the first 30 or so years of my life was that I was afraid to take the risks I knew I had to if I wanted to follow the true path to my happiness, which was all about music. Fear ruled my decision-making process until one day in 2015 or 16, my entire department at the company I worked for was unceremoniously and surprisingly, laid off. A light bulb that had been sitting in the “off” position for over three decades was finally turned on and with a wife, two young kids, and a home lying in the balance, I decided to turn my on again/off again freelance music writing jobs into my full-time gig. After a few decent articles of mine were published in various outlets, I then started an independent record label in 2015 releasing both vinyl and digital music. I wound up selling records in over a dozen countries around the world. In 2020 I had an idea for a book (SLACKER – 1991, Teen Spirit Angst and the Generation It Created) and now in 2024, it’s slated for release this Fall via Inspired By You Books. Risk was always a part of my DNA but I couldn’t utilize its strength until I was capable of pushing the fear aside.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I knew from a very early age that I was a bit different from many of the people around me. I grew up in Brooklyn, NY in the 1980s which meant you didn’t discuss art, your feelings, or what inspired you. It just wasn’t that way. But it was my way and so I started writing at a very young age, probably 12 or 13. I wrote mostly poetry and song lyrics in those old, black-and-white marble notebooks, many of which I still have. I was always a sensitive kid, spoke my mind, and needed to be as genuine as possible. I didn’t always succeed, but it’s what I aspired to do. I’ve always questioned everything and I think what set me apart then and now is how I question things, not just for my morbid curiosity, but to learn and feel the effect it has on culture and society. I’m fascinated by people’s life processes concerning who they became and who they will eventually evolve into. As far as what I’m most proud of artistically, I’d have to say it’s a tie between my forthcoming book (I wrote over 60,000 words and I think I agonized over each one) and conceiving and launching my record label from the basement of my house. Both projects were extremely stressful and difficult but I loved (and still love) it all. It’s funny, I always tell my kids that nothing is easy. They’re both good athletes and sometimes they’ll say “That game was easy” or “That race was easy” and I cringe when I hear that. Nothing is easy. To do something right or worthwhile takes heart, guts, hard work, dedication, and constant practice of your craft. It’s a lesson I’ve learned throughout my life and I hope others can benefit from that as well. As far as my brand or story is concerned, I want people to know it’s completely genuine and what you see is what you get. I can sit in a room with one person or one thousand people and discuss music and writing for hours, in the same way, with the same focus, energy, and excitement. I truly love to do it and I believe anyone who reads what I write or listens to what I have to say on those subjects (or anything else for that matter) deserves nothing more than my honesty and passion because their energy and time are as, and probably more, valuable than mine. I owe it to them to give everything I have if they’re taking time away from their lives and their loved ones to listen to or work with me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Staten Island, NY which some might say isn’t as cool as maybe Brooklyn or Manhattan. However, there are some wonderful hidden gems here and I would plan the day exploring them. I’d begin at Main Street Coffee (where a large portion of my book was written by the way) in historic Richmond Town for breakfast and a great cup of Joe, not to mention killer music, atmosphere, and vibe. Then we’d swing by MakerPark Radio, a community radio station where I had a show for several years when they first began in 2017, to watch and listen to great music and commentary. For lunch, I’d have to introduce my friend to either Denino’s Pizzeria & Tavern (established in 1937) or Brother’s Pizzeria (opened in 1975), hell…we’ll do both. We’d then end the day in one (or several) of the bars featuring live music and cold beer!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As the great Joe Strummer of The Clash famously said, “Without people you’re nothing”. My list of influences, supporters, mentors, and the like is too long to mention, I hope they all know who they are. My wife Amy, daughter Peyton, and son Michael top the list because without their support, sacrifice, and understanding, I couldn’t do what I do. My mother Diane for unwavering positivity, my musical mentor Morey Richman, my publisher Jenn Tuma-Young, and two of the best people and insanely talented musicians (who became life-long friends) who trusted me at the beginning of my record label journey and who allowed me to work with them on their dreams, Hayley Richman and Adam Silvestri.

Website: https://www.generationriff.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjanicke/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobJanicke

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rob.janicke

Image Credits
Bridget Helene Photography
Amy Janicke
Rob Janicke