It was a wet evening in London when I met singer-songwriter Robbie Cavanagh at The Grace. Fresh from playing The Long Road Festival, Robbie reflected on his style, stage presence, and the evolution of his music.
I first caught his performance at The Long Road on the Front Porch stage, where his cowhide two-piece suit made as much of an impression as his music. Asked if the bold look was a regular part of his wardrobe, Robbie admitted: “Not offstage. I like to wear something bold on stage, the version of me up there is more confident than the one offstage. I’ve built up a little collection of two-piece denim suits that are strictly for performing.”
Robbie Cavanagh @ The Grace
That sense of stage presence isn’t just about style, it’s about creating connection. Robbie admits he feels most confident on stage: “I’ve never been very good at talking about myself. On stage, I let the music do the talking. The more eye-catching the show, the better.”
Two Stages, Two Vibes
At The Long Road, Robbie performed twice: once on the intimate dive-bar-inspired Buddy’s stage, and again on the more open Front Porch. The difference, he explained, shapes how he plays: “I wore a different suit for each set to make them distinct. Buddy’s has always had a special place for me, I’ve played it since it was just a tiny little hut in the showground. But the Front Porch is where you catch new listeners, people just walking past who stop and get hooked. We sold a lot of merch thanks to that kind of connection.”
That connection often comes with a touch of theatre. Midway through his Front Porch set, Robbie poured himself a Jack Daniels cocktail on stage. “I guess there is an element of theatre to it,” he admitted. “It’s about breaking things up, giving the audience a moment beyond just a guy with a mic. It lets me talk to the crowd, introduce the band, and make myself an old fashioned.”
Robbie Cavanagh @ The Grace
Growth as an Artist
Robbie has been releasing music for over a decade, and the progression is clear. His early work was delicate and intimate, while his newer songs, particularly on Tough Times, feel more confident and expansive. “It’s been 11 years since my first record, so progression is natural. Now I work with a regular band, and I write with them in mind. At the same time, I can still strip it back to the intimate moments. Learning to write songs at their bare bones – acoustic or piano – taught me a lot. A well-written song should hold up even without the bells and whistles.”
Robbie Cavanagh @ The Long Road Festival 2025
Looking Ahead
Fans won’t have long to wait for new music. Robbie confirmed that 2026 will be a big year: “I’ve been sitting on songs for a while, and we’re heading into the studio early next year. We’re also heading to Australia in March for our first festival run there, alongside more shows in the UK and beyond.”
Collaborations are also on the cards: “There’s one song marked as a duet, we’ve got some names in the mix, but nothing final yet. I’d love to make that happen.”
Robbie Cavanagh @ The Grace
Roots and Influence
Though his music often leans into Americana, Robbie is clear that authenticity is key: “I don’t necessarily see what I do as pure country. It’s got a foot in that world, but also folk, blues, and soul. Going to Nashville is amazing, but it doesn’t automatically make you a better British artist. The goal here in the UK should be creating something authentic, not just duplicating American sounds. There’s a big difference between duplication and influence.”
On Stage at The Grace
As we wrapped up, Robbie was minutes away from heading on stage at The Grace, with more shows ahead in Manchester, London, Glasgow, and across the Midlands. Some dates had already sold out, but full details are listed on his website.
With his bold suits, heartfelt songs, and ability to turn a passerby into a fan, Robbie Cavanagh continues to cement himself as one of the UK’s most compelling singer-songwriters, balancing confidence with authenticity and always keeping an old.
Robbie Cavanagh @ The Grace
Interview with Robbie Cavanagh @ The Grace, London, by Henry Finnegan on 3rd September 2025. Instagram: @finneganfoto | Facebook: @finneganfoto
The Long Road Festival 2025 – Day Three: Soul, Chaos & Catharsis
Share Thing