BTD Interview with Bobby Doyle

Every artist has a signature sound. How would you describe yours?

My signature sounds today in 2025 is far different than it was in the Mid 1980’s, However “Midnight Rockin” was definitely recorded with my own signature sound from the 80’s, It was what I called “Young Bliss Pop” My songs were , fun hopeful and idealistic, Reminiscent Of 60’s , 70’s Bubble Gum Pop…I reference those yesteryear songs, bands and lyrics  recognizing the harmony, Positive lyrics and sing along sound.

I am sure you have some musical influences. Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up, and who inspires you today?

Elvis,  Elton John, Bay City Rollers, Leif Garrett and anything Motown. I.am inspired musically today by Lady Gaga, The Strokes, Iam Tongi *American Idol Winner from Hawaii and Jelly Roll’s honest pop rock, country, grunge…

Do you write most of your own music? What’s your usual songwriting process like?

I write my own music differently today than I did when I was a kid at 16…My songs are “real”, they hurt, they love, they hold the weak in their arms, they humble the strong and they kiss the never been kissed. I guess it’s from a view point of kindness, hopeful endings to sadness and recovery from everything that hurts.

You’re also part of Bobby Doyle & The Feel Goods. How did that collaboration form, and how does the energy differ when you’re performing with the band versus performing solo?

The Feel Goods take “fun” and spin it on its head. From oldies and classics that I sing.

Let’s talk about your song “Midnight Rockin,” performed with The Feel Goods. It’s a fun song! From your perspective, what does that song represent, and what was your role in bringing it to life?

It was in honor of my Irish immigrant Mom and Dad, James Patrick Doyle and Noelle Doyle they introduced me to American 1950’s 1960’s  and 1970’s Rock and Roll. The Rhythm And Harmonies Are Timeless. I wanted to include musical and Lyrical references in honor of those artist from that era.

They moved us from Roxbury Mission Hill out of a rough neighborhood apartment to a home in Roslindale. That first Christmas they mortgaged their first home to buy me a $600 set of drums from Wurlitzer at The Dedham Mall. The original $119 mortgage went to $130 and I overheard them one night talking about how worried they were and if they could make the new mortgage payment, They sacrificed for me…A big roll of the dice back then.

 

As an artist, what themes or messages do you most enjoy expressing through your music?

In the 80’s it was Idealistic Songs about being happy, being Cool and loving the oldies. Today is delivering g a Message of fun, laughter, Live hope and rockin it a bit harder!

Do you have a favorite performance memory, maybe something funny, surprising, or especially meaningful that you can share with our BTD listeners?

I have been lu my to open for Aretha Franklin, Co and The Gang, Brett Michael’s Creedence Clearwater/CCR Blues Traveler And Many more, all of these shows always made me think of This little kid, Me! From Mission Hill Roxbury Mass, I thought “How the Hell Did I get here l…

What are you currently working on? Any new singles, collaborations, or projects coming up?

The Feel Goods are for using on creating an atmosphere of Fun, Dance and just a good time. Danielle Our Female lead singer is absolutely an amazing extrovert who won’t let u off her hook, once she has caught u, U won’t want to. Let go.

So, when fans discover your music for the first time, what do you hope they feel or experience?

With my 80’s origin songs , I hope it inspires the hopeful youth in them…With our new Songs I hope to makes them feel like it’s time to party, set themselves free and kiss the person next to them, Whether they know them or not.

Where can our BTD listeners find your music and follow your journey?

Narrow Margin, my band in the early 1980s, is on the Boston Rock and Roll Anthology album on Varulven Records, the tune “Remember Her” released in 1984.  https://www.discogs.com/release/11830822-Various-Boston-Rock-Roll-Anthology-Volume-3

In 2026 we have “Midnight Rocking” on the Demo that Got the Deal CD also on Varulven, the same label over 42 years later.  This is a series from Joe Viglione’s radio show where Alice Cooper Group, Blue Oyster Cult, Lou Reed, 3 Dog Night, the Cars from Boston, the Box Tops all tell how they got their major label deals.  Felix Cavaliere of the Rascals has a photo of he and Joe on his website telling the story of the Rascals. We are hoping to release an extended play record in 2026 around May or June.

Before we wrap up, any shout-outs or final thoughts you’d like to share?

Yes, I love Boston and I miss it so much! My years of mentorship from all the Boston Bands of the 80’s is priceless …To all my buddies in Strutter and Narrow Margin…I miss them terribly so…I hope to carry on here in the. Midwest paying festivals, casinos and clubs…making them proud!

Be sure to follow Bobby on X \ Twitter: https://x.com/FeelGoods88946

Bobby Doyle and the Feel Goods Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/the.feel.goods.2025

Midnight Rocking will be on my upcoming CD DEMO THAT GOT THE DEAL VOL 6  YouTube video:
Midnight Rocking Bobby Doyle and the Feel Goods CD THE DEMO THAT GOT THE DEAL VOL 6 Varulven Records