Bobby Newberry: From Eminem to Pride
Article written by Alexander Rodriguez, host of On the Rocks with Alexander
You may have caught performer Bobby Newberry at one of the Prides this season…he fires up the crowd with his signature dance moves, his hits that are complete bops for the summer, and his abs that seem to go on and on. His performances, whether onstage or onscreen, are full of high energy, color, and passion.
Bobby was self-taught with both his singing and his dancing. Overcoming a less than supportive childhood, he broke free from a world of bullying and, after winning a scholarship, moved to Los Angeles at the age of 17 to begin the next phase of his career in professional education. He made his career debut as a choreographer for Eminem. He would go on to work with a string of the world’s top artists including Nicki Minaj, The Pussycat Dolls, Missy Elliot, and Lil’ Wayne, and his choreography work has been seen on TV in Dancing with the Stars and X-Factor. He took a sidestep from choreography and ventured out on his own, reclaiming his voice as a singer and songwriter. In 2014, Bobby Newberry released his first single and music video, “Dirrty Up (featuring Jessie and The Toy Boys).” It was soon after followed by his debut EP, The Newberry Special. His latest offering, a collaboration with Fia Nyxx and Sam J Garfield, is their new single, “Escape” - a scorcher of a dance record with sultry house elements, a disco infusion, and a seriously hypnotic baseline.
We caught up with Bobby to chat about music, coming out, finding his voice…and freeballing. Check out this Andrew Christian exclusive:
Who were your earliest inspirations in the music world?
Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Mariah Carey.
You started your dance career being self-taught…how has that given you an edge in the business?
I think it has made me always want to strive to do better and never be ok with where I’m at.
What is your coming out story?
Ahhhhhh it was hard for me. Obviously, everyone knew I was gay growing up but they pretended I wasn’t, lol. I eventually got sick of lying. I was dating and my mom asked me are you dating any girls and I was just like, no not girls no…then she said are you dating any boys and I said yes lol. She was like 👀 and I said mom I’m gay. She right away thought it was something she might have done and I said I’ve always known and have always been gay.
What do you love most about dancing?
Feeling free, and being able to do and move however I felt I wanted to, and be creative.
What were some of your biggest challenges when you started studying dance professionally?
The fundamentals and the ballet technique. Most dancers start ballet when they are really young so I had to work twice as hard to catch up. I would practice morning until I went to bed every day pretty much.
Your first professional gig was choreographing for Eminem, what was that like?
Amazing. He was so nice. It was such a huge moment for me. I honestly couldn’t believe it was happening lol. Very surreal.
You have worked with some of the industry’s biggest names…what celebrity meeting is your favorite?
Mariah Carey. Sooooooo iconic. I did not work for her. ( YET ). However, meeting her was suuuuuchhhhh a moment. She’s just everything.
As a singer, what kind of music do you love singing the most?
Pop, R&B, hip hop.
What is your creative process when choreographing a piece?
It always is a different process. I definitely take a long time always and Listen to the song like a thousand times.
What is your creative process when writing a song?
Most of the time I will have these lyrics just come to me and melodies pop into my brain and most of the time it’s in the shower lol. So I get out mid-shower grab my phone and sing them into voice notes. If I keep singing it, I will write to the melody and then go into the studio and work on it ground up.
Your social media is damn sexy…have any celebs slid into your DMs?
Damn, I fucking wish, lol. I do get some DMs but not as many as I would like.
Do you ever feel that the sexuality of your brand ever overshadows your music?
I don’t think so. I think I’m just my authentic self and artistically am true to myself and what I want to do. Some like it, some don’t lol. But I’m always me.
What has been one of your favorite performances?
Headlining Miami Pride was pretty iconic. I did a full set and was so proud of my set list and the whole show.
Your latest single, “Escape,” is FIRE! What do you feel the need to escape from the most?
Yayyyyyy thank you!!!!!!! The nonsense that happens every day that we see constantly on social media and on the news.
You are married! What are your tips for maintaining a healthy relationship in today’s social media age?
Just be honest and communicate. That literally makes the difference for everything. A lot of times people are afraid to say what they want or what they’re thinking.
How do you keep the spark alive in your marriage?
Travel!!!!!!!! New experiences. Not getting stuck in the same routine.
Who is your dream duet?
OMGGGGG that’s so hard!!!!!!! FKA twigs is so iconic. I would die for a duet with her…. Also Diplo, Anitta, Nicki Minaj, AJR.
You have more abs than possible, what is your ab routine, how many times a week are you working out?
I work out every day for the most part. I take Sundays off. I do weights, cycling, dancing, and yoga.
What is your cheat day food?
OMGGGG well I’m a foodie, sooooooo. I tend to cheat a lot more than I should lol.
I love pizza, pasta, Mexican food, Thai food, Indian food, and sushi. So I alternate whatever I’m feeling when I’m having cheat meals. When I am hungover or drunk my guilty pleasure is Taco Bell. It’s always my favorite.
What kind of underwear are you wearing around the house on a day off?
I wear no underwear at home. Just basketball shorts or comfy soft fabric shorts. Never underwear at home. I let it hang.
If you were to design a pair of Andrew Christian undies, what would they look like?
They would have a nice pouch for the things lol. I would do a bold pattern like the Fendi logo but with AC all over them so they look fun but still feel chic. 2 or 3 color options. I also like the idea of something fun 70s party vibes inspo, disco ball print, and other 70s Studio 54 vibe moments.
You can follow Bobby on IG: @BobbyNewberry