Who is Robin Fox?
In answer to the last census question about my occupation I wrote ‘creator of hitherto unknown universes’ haha. Grandiose yes… but I’m going to run with that.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Life is long and complicated. Regret is a wasted emotion. We are essentially the sum of our mistakes and, as I am blessedly content and happy at this time in my life, I can’t say I would change any of it. If anything though, I would have loved to have had more discipline in my youth when it came to music practice! More paradiddles!
Who inspires you and why?
My mother Cindy John was an experimental composer and gifted musician. She died too young and I miss her. She inspired me in two fundamental ways; to live a creative life without even the slightest hesitation, it was a given for her, and, through her mistakes she taught me how easy it is to lose control of one’s life… irreversibly. She is in my heart always – especially when I am composing music.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
10 years ago I co-founded MESS (Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio) with Byron Scullin. The MESS mission is simply to empower all people to build a creative life through music. I feel really strongly (and the science is finally and irrefutably bearing this out) that engagement with the creative process is as important to us as human beings as breathing. It builds empathy, community and a more complete sense of self. Everybody should be engaged somehow – by encouraging that connection between people good things happen.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
No brainer. Wye River – Great Ocean Road. My favourite beach and a view back from the water to the Otways. I think my mobile phone provider still doesn’t reach there … which is increasingly becoming a pre-requisite for heaven.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
MESS of course! We are in the Atrium at Fed Square with a museum grade collection of electronic musical instruments for you to enjoy. No experience necessary but bookings definitely required! Basically a gym for synths. Amazing place and life is too short to NOT make music!
What are you currently reading?
I tend to read a bunch of things simultaneously depending on my mood. My step-daughter recently got me a book called Detention (Ralph Jackman) for my birthday which is the memoir of a journalist turned teacher whose first position was at the Parkville detention centre. A sobering yet weirdly inspirational read.
I am also in the middle of Suzi Gablik’s The Re-enchantment of Art (recomend) and just finished London Falling by Patrick Radden Keefe (also recommend) and Gogol’s Taras Bulba – a slightly disturbing portrait of the life of the Cossacks.
What are you currently listening to?
I am composing so much at the moment that I tend to be listening to endless drafts of my own music… During intense creative periods I tend not to listen to much other music at all. I also made a decision recently, with the way the ‘industry’ (such as it is) is going, that I would only purchase and listen to the music of my friends.
I really feel that local creative community is key to a better tomorrow. So supporting the people I know and love gives me plenty to listen to. One favourite album of recent times is Clark’s Steep Stims – if the track Blowtorch Thimble doesn’t wake you up I don’t know what will.
Happiness is?
The morning ritual cryptic crossword and coffee snuggle with my partner Stephanie Lake. Kicking your day off with happiness is just the best!
What does the future hold for you?
I have never believed in the future. After a complicated life so far dominated for many years by a pretty relentless death drive, I am now 16 years sober and still feel that everyday of life is a bonus. The universe is chaotic and devoid of meaning despite all of our attempts to map a logic onto our own trajectories. If I hope for anything, it is a view of the sea and some quiet time to pen a super indulgent memoir.
Robin is the Composer & Sound Designer for Stephanie Lake Company’s VISTA – which will be presented in a world premiere season at the Malthouse Theatre from 22 July – 1 August, before playing at Carriageworks Sydney from 5 – 8 August, and Powerhouse Brisbane from 19 – 22 August 2026.
Image: Robin Fox (supplied)