The Used Frontman Bert McCracken’s Solo Project robbietheused Shares Uplifting Single “The Feels”

The Used’s frontman Bert McCracken has released a new single under his solo project, robbietheused, titled “The Feels.” With its electro-pop vibes and uplifting lyrics, “The Feels” is the ultimate feel-good anthem of the summer. Its exhilarating, addictive beat coupled with encouraging lyrics serve as a reminder that there is always time to pause and enjoy the present moment.

“This song was inspired by my on-going battle with mental health and is about learning to lean into love and acceptance. It was written in 2022 with John Feldmann and I’m so happy to finally share it with you. peace and love <3 ” — robbie

Best known for fronting the iconic rock band The Used for over two decades, robbietheused has always been inspired by pop music and is elated to share his passion with fans. 

“I was inspired by all generations of pop—I love ’80s pop, ’90s pop and early-2000s pop,” he says, “I love today’s pop as well,” shares robbietheused.   

Following his first single, “Just a Little Bit,” the track showcases the familiar angst of robbietheused’s lyrics overlaid with a hesitant hope for brighter days, wrapped up in a synth-tinged pop groove that makes it impossible to stand still while listening. Stream “Just A Little Bit” now at https://bignoise.ffm.to/jalb

In general, robbietheused always finds solace in writing and recording new music because this creativity has a positive impact on his mental health. Having these songs were particularly vital, as he started writing during the COVID-19 pandemic when he was unable to travel from his home in Australia. 

Producer John Feldmann came onboard to work on robbietheused material.  Given that the two men have known (and collaborated with) each other for decades, it wasn’t a stretch for them to focus on pop-oriented songs. In fact, this camaraderie led to adventurous sound explorations, such as incorporating heavy bass undertones and effects and vocoders. 

“John Feldmann is a wizard,” robbietheused says. “He can make anything and he’s so easy to work with. He’s the hardest working man I know in the music industry. There’s no drama recording with him.  It was a smooth process—just like making a Used record.” 

The pair holed up in the studio for intense, week-long studio sessions; among other things, they recorded one song every day, without fail. This approach to the recording process was quite meaningful, in no small part because it doubled as a daily mental health tune-up.

“In the morning, we’d talk about how we’re feeling and what’s on our minds on that day,” he explains. “And ask, ‘How’s the mental health? How’s the vibes?’ And then we’d formulate a song around that. It was almost like a therapy session, where I’d really get to talk about anything that’s on my mind, and then make a song about it.”

With a full album and even potentially live dates coming in the future, robbietheused has proven to be an invaluable gift—in more ways than one.

“Any feeling is valid—and to be able to put it to song is incredible,” robbietheused says. “And there’s so much room in this world for positivity. I want this music to show that there’s room for love. There’s room for growth. There’s room for redemption. There’s room for sweet, loving revenge. There’s so many good people—and so many good things happening.”