Robert Rex Waller Jr. and Carla Olson have been collaborating on stage and in the studio for years. Their duet of “Bossier City” appeared on I See Hawks in L.A.’s Shoulda Been Gold in 2010, Waller was a featured artist on two songs on Olson’s Have Harmony, Will Travel (2013), and the two have long enjoyed singing together at shows around L.A. "See The Big Man Cry" is the culmination of their collaboration, and the second time Waller has recorded an album under his own name. In his solo work, Waller enjoys experimenting with new genres and exploring the work of songwriters and vocalists he admires. For "STBMC", Carla and A&R man Saul Davis pulled tunes from across the musical landscape to feature Waller’s vocal range from deep baritone to upper tenor.

What inspired the title?

It's the name of one of the songs on the record. Charlie Louvin had a hit with it back in 1964. I'm also a pretty big man (6' 4", 250 lbs), I cry a lot, and this record has a few real tear jerker tunes on it.

Where did you record this album?

We recorded it at Doors guitarist Robby Krieger's studio, Horse Latitudes, in Glendale, CA.

What is your favorite track? Why?

That's a tough question. Sort of like asking which of your kids is your favorite. But if I must, I guess I would choose "Tougher Than The Rest". It's a lesser-known Bruce Springsteen song from the "Tunnel of Love" album. I just really like how it turned out. We played around with the rhythm some and added a sort of rumba beat. The mix and performances all really came together.

What is your favorite line from the album?

My favorite line is “Never mind the ship, me boys. There's none of us here can save her” from the Steeleye Span folk song "Let Her Go Down". It's an acknowledgment that sometimes there's just nothing to be done but let the end come.

Who helped make this album what it is? Writers, Producers, Muses, Support System, Etc

Carla Olson produced this record and none of it would have happened without her and her husband and A&R man Saul Davis. This record is their vision for my voice and I'm thrilled they gave me the opportunity to make it.

If you could remix any song and feature any artist, what song would it be and who would you feature on it?

I'd love to remix "This Must Be The Place" by Talking Heads, featuring Phoebe Bridgers.

What's your dream?

To continue to make music and develop as an artist. And also not to be a jerk.

What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream?

Try not to think too much about the external rewards of successfully pursuing your dream (fame, money, etc) and instead focus on the internal rewards of pursuing your dream (creative satisfaction, development of skill, self-expression).

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Website: https://www.robertrexwallerjr.com

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/embed/artist/0NRogcKtw5drWhP7JGVfqk?utm_source=generator

Photography credit: BG Porter

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