Robin Taylor Zander Shares ‘Nobody’s Home’

Power pop’s prodigal son, Robin Taylor Zander, steps away from his role as full-time musician for his dad’s band Cheap Trick to release a great new single, “Nobody’s Home,” out this week.

The breezy, sunkissed track is accompanied by a music video directed by Evander Lipps, which can be viewed below.

“The music that comes from ‘Nobody’s Home’ is based on true stories, told over a period of two years,” Zander explains. “It’s first person songwriting with a backbeat and catchy melody. For me, this is one of my favorite songs to date, with the material taking on new shapes and sounds and meanings after each listen. I hope it does the same for you. ”

“Nobody’s Home” follows up young Zander’s acclaimed solo debut The Distance, which came out in 2023 to widespread acclaim. He is currently hard at work on his still-untitled second album, which will be released later this year.

In the meantime, we caught up with RTZ via email for a quick chat on his life in and out of Cheap Trick.

“Nobody’s Home” is out now via Confidential Records.

What inspired the direction you took on this new song?

‘Nobody’s Home’ came out of that feeling of disconnection we all go through, but this music gave me a chance to explore it without any kind of harsh judgment. I think the direction leaned into those mixed feelings of melancholy and apprehension.

How did you come up with the idea for the video?

We basically just filmed it all at three other locations during some time off from touring. We just wanted to get some footage of me at home and in the studio recording, which is how most of the record was made. Whenever I’d have time off the road I’d be able to come home and keep on working on the track until it was ready to be mixed. I think the video shows a little bit of that process being in the mixing room with Jack and my dad.

Is “Nobody’s Home”  tell-tale of what we can expect from your next album?

I think It reflects one side of where I’m headed, I definitely think the new single builds off the sound of my first LP–but the record explores a wider soundscape, lots of different styles happening in the new one. There’s a thread of vulnerability throughout, but that’s due to the subject matter.

What kind of guidance has Jack Douglas given you in working on this new material?

Jack Douglas has been kind of like a mentor throughout the process of working on the new LP. His ear for song structure has definitely influenced me in my songwriting on the new one, I think he’s really pushed me to refine my craft. He knows how to bring out the best in me and that’s half the battle.

How do you feel about creating new rock music in 2025? Are you hopeful for the genre? Why or why not?

I’m hopeful for the genre, there will always be good rock music coming out as long as people support the music and the artists. I would say my music is more subverted and less distinguishable. You can’t pin it down as any one thing.

What is some of your favorite pop music currently on the charts?

Most pop music I like isn’t on the charts necessarily, it’s more out of left field. I like bands/artists like Pavement, Andrew Bird, The Flaming Lips, Andy Shauf, Ben Kweller to name a few.

What has been your favorite thing about touring with Cheap Trick?

The experience of gaining confidence as a live performer is the biggest thing for me. I am able to put on a good performance in any situation after playing with CT for eight years. They tour as much as any band half their age, it’s crazy.

What is your favorite deep Cheap Trick song and why?

I really like the album All Shook Up, the one they did with George Martin. There’s a lot of cool deep tracks on that one, pick any of the tracks. Also “Cry Cry” from the first record with Jack Douglas .

Are you planning any solo shows in 2025?

Planning on shows this summer and fall, we will be posting them on websites and socials as they are announced in support for “Nobody’s Home” and the new LP.

VIDEO: Robin Taylor Zander “Nobody’s Home”

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Ron Hart

Ron Hart is the Editor-in-Chief of Rock and Roll Globe. Reach him on X @MisterTribune.

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