Country singer-songwriter Robert Ross has never been one to chase trends or polish away the grit. With his new single “People Like Me,” the former service member delivers a heartfelt salute to the working class, first responders, and fellow veterans who keep the world turning—often without fanfare. Mixing barroom camaraderie with blue-collar truth, Ross transforms gratitude into a singalong anthem that’s equal parts celebration and tribute. In this candid conversation, he opens up about the song’s origins, the challenge of staying independent in a big-label world, and why he’ll always raise his glass to the real ones.
- Robert, your new single “People Like Me” is a real anthem for everyday heroes. What was the moment—or the person—that first inspired this song?
As an Ex Service member I wanted to tip my hat to my fellow brothers and sisters past and present. I didn’t want it to be dark and morbid but still wanted to get the message home that they are all truly respected and their service is very much appreciated. So with that in mind I turned it into a drinking song but made sure that there was a very strong point to acknowledge the ones that put it all on the line.
- The lyrics walk a fine line between celebration and tribute, especially with that powerful line about raising a glass to soldiers and First responders. What does that line mean to you personally?
As an Ex Service member myself it means a lot. It can never go unnoticed what they do to keep us all safe everyday.
- There’s such raw honesty in the way you sing about hard work, resilience, and staying true to who you are. Have those values always been at the heart of your music?
Yes it has. I generally write about life. All the good and the bad.
- “People Like Me” feels like it was written for people who don’t often get songs written about them. How important is it to you to be that voice—for the working class, for the unsung, for the real folks?
Yes it definitely is written for them. Country music was always for the working class and it seems to have slipped away from that in recent years. So I wanted to make sure they knew that there are still people out there that care.
- Your previous single “Better With Time” did so well on the charts. How did that momentum shape your approach going into this next release?
Yes I was very blessed to have that song do so well for me. It was another song that really resonated with people. I just wanted to follow up on that song with another great message song.
- When fans come up to you after shows—or send you messages—what kind of stories are they sharing about how your music, especially this song, connects to their lives?
People are very appreciative of the message in the song and sticking to the roots of country music and staying true to the genre with music for the people who keep this country turning.
- You’re an independent artist, doing this on your terms. What have been some of the biggest challenges—and the biggest rewards—on your journey so far?
One of the biggest challenges is getting the music to radio as An independent artist you have to go head to head with big industry and their pockets are a lot deeper. The biggest reward is that I get to do it the way I want and don’t have to follow what is perceived to be the in-thing of the day. I can just keep putting out great COUNTRY music.
- Looking ahead, what do you hope listeners take away from “People Like Me”? What’s the message you want ringing in their ears long after the music fades?
Don’t forget to respect and thank the ones that keep this great country turning. Not just now but every day, every chance/opportunity you get.