To Trade Hands

Singer, songwriter, drummer and guitarist Rob Watson is one of North Carolina's best kept musical secrets. Hailing from Raleigh by way of Garner, NC, Rob Watson is a pure soul singer. In his voice, you can hear traces of U2's Bono, the late Jeff Buckley and damn, even Curtis Mayfield. He also plays the @.$% out of his guitar. Watson is a rarity. While others folks are content screaming their bloody heads off about, well, nothing, he pours his heart out and he actually has something to say. Watson's voice oozes originality, texture and a dash of pain. Wat-son first caused a stir a few years back with his band Abby 6, for which he played drums and sang lead vocals. He now plays out as a solo act and with his band The Action Figures (This group reminds me of 311 meets Saturday morning cartoons). If you like your soul hot, buttered, scattered and smothered, you need to hear this guy. The following interview digs into the head of this talented multi-instrumentalist. Fortune cookie says, 'He who gives most prospers greater.'