On Point With: John Roberts

NYC’s native son and OG nightlifer John Roberts broke through with his hilarious YouTube portrayal of his mother at Christmastime, currently voices one of modern animation’s most beloved characters, and is about to drop an all-new stylish and sexy album. [Cover photo: Alexander Thompson]

Thotyssey: John, hello! Thanks so much for finding the time to chat with us today! How was your Halloween?

John Roberts: Well thank YOU! I was mostly at home on actual Halloween, but went to a house party the night before–and that was hot.

Thotyssey: The music video for your single “Complicated” serves peak Sexy Spooky Season vibes: leather, motorcycles, werewolves and cruising!

I am a big fan of old horror movies, and my director “CC” wanted to bring in elements of Cruising and Scorpio Rising–which I was already a fan of. The leather community in Kansas City really showed up! We all had a blast… even though it was 100 degrees out.

We just had a huge reckoning politically… a blue tsunami! Do you follow politics closely?

I do, lol. Kind of hard not to, unless you’re an asshole or something. I want to enjoy this moment… but we also have lots of work to do.

You’re a Brooklyn native! Are you still primarily based in NYC?

Yeah, born in Brooklyn! Alright! Yeah, still in the city. Been here most of my life, and not going anywhere.

Do you have regular haunts as far as bars, restaurants, bookstores, movie theaters, parks, etc.?

Hmm, yes! B&H Dairy, Veselka, Gene’s, Caravan of Dreams, Julius’, Washington Square Park, Central Park, Film Forum, Strand.

Most people know you best as the voice of Linda Belcher in Bob’s Burgers, a role you originated in 2011. But you’re also a stage and screen actor, a musician, a standup comic, an OG social media star and a performance artist! How exactly did that all begin?

From the time I graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with my associate’s degree!

And were you mixing it up in the queer nightlife scene with drag queens, DJs, etc. in the beginning?

I started to realize as I was dealing with my sexuality that downtown was the place for me (duh). I loved Limelight, Tunnel, Building, and this Diner/Club Midtown on the West Side. I used to DJ at The Cock, too. That was good money. After that I developed my characters on stage at Starlight Lounge in the East Village, thanks to the owners who are friends. Also, Joe’s Pub and Comix. Lots of wigs.

Your longtime fans remember you from your early YouTube videos where you dressed up as your mom and (most memorably) praised the household Christmas tree. Those videos were the building blocks of Linda in Bob’s Burgers. Did you inherit that love love for holiday stuff in real life?

I absolutely did. So much Christmas crap, OMG. I got the bug from my Ma, who is no longer here. But I keep the Christmas magic coming.

Do ever watch an episode of Bob’s Burgers today and think, “I have no memory of recording those lines?”

Most definitely. Fans are probably better at it than I am… but I remember a lot!

Do you have a favorite episode?

“Eat, Spray Linda.”

Do you ever find yourself accidentally speaking in Linda’s voice in a daily life situation, lol?

Every hour.

Linda’s done a lot in 15 years of the show! Is there anything that you’re still secretly hoping for as far as a potential story or big change for her?

A dream where she goes to space.

How involved are you with the original music on Bob’s Burgers?

When we started, much more so. Now they have a music team, and I do what they tell me!

You’ve collaborated on stage, on screen and in the studio with genius comic Margaret Cho and Blondie rock legend Debbie Harry! Are the three of you often together in the same room these days, doing what I imagine to be bad ass stuff?

Ha! Not yet, but you never know! They would get along.

You’re own original music often has a cool downtown electronic punky vibe, with a dash of camp. Who or what have been some of your musical influences?

Great description! Thank you for listening. I will never get over how great the music in the 80s/90s was: Depeche Mode, Bowie, George Michael, Prince, Janet and lots of freestyle music and 80s R&B. It’s a real blend. Love 90s rave music too, and 90s R&B.

You’r new album I Am officially drops November 19th! What can you tell us about the recording process, the sound, its inspirations, etc.?

The album has a very vintage but modern sound. I love a good electronic beat and synth. I was lucky to connect with Chris Wallace, who produced this album; we wrote it together. I would send him inspiration, and he would come up with some tracks… and we’d go from there in the studio. I like to write lyrics and sing along until we find the melody and chorus. We recorded at Cutting Room in NYC. I think it came out sounding uniquely like me.

Before that big release date, you’ll be performing songs from I Am at your album release party on November 12th at DROM in the East Village! What can folks expect from this night?

Well, hopefully a great night out with cool diversity and sexy clean underwear. Also great music!