Alright! John Roberts Talks New Music and ‘Bob’s Burgers’

Two-time Emmy nominee John Roberts may be famously known for his role as Linda Belcher in the iconic animated comedy series Bob’s Burgers, but did you know he is also a talented electro-pop artist? Well, you do now, and he is giving us some fun new music to add to our summer playlists.

Produced by Junior Sanchez, “Danger” is Roberts’ first release of 2023 and enthralls listeners with colorful, 80s-inspired soundscapes, striking rhythms, and warm vocals singing and addictive pop hook. The accompanying comedic visual features an all-star cast including Margaret Cho and Katherine Kendall, telling the story of a search-and-rescue mission complete with a self-driving muscle car, explosions, choreographed dance moves, and secret government officials for a clever, short musical film that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

Roberts’ vibrant and signature vocal style brings music to life, and he has previously collaborated with the likes of Debbie Harry, Beth Ditto, and Tommie Sunshine. He has also received critical acclaim from Rolling Stone.

OFM caught up with Roberts to talk more about this 80s-esq bop, Bob’s Burgers, and more.   

Can you begin by telling us more about the concept and inspiration behind your newest single, “Danger?”

“Danger” is a track that Junior Sanchez gave me, and it’s mostly just about recognizing when you’re in a bad situation. It feels very relevant right now in terms of LGBTQ rights because we really are in danger. There’s a lot of people who are coming for us, like politicians in Florida and that kind of thing. Also, gun safety. It feels like there’s some relevance to that as well, but the video is very fun and playful.

Yes, the track is accompanied with a comedic visual that features an all-star cast including Margaret Cho, Katherine Kendall, and Jay Huguley. What kind of story did you want the video to tell?

I just wanted to have some fun. People know me for comedy, and I like to incorporate that into everything I do. The visual is kind of a mix of Knight Rider and 80’s TV, so once we secured the car and everything, it all fell into place and became a no-brainer. We had such a fun time filming this video, so I just hope people take away some good laughs from it.

How has both the track and video been received by audiences?

Oh, it’s going great! I feel like every time I release something, it becomes a little more popular. This is the most popular yet, and I’ve had some very good luck so far. It’s all very indie. I’ve made some tracks with Debbie Harry and Beth Ditto before, and I had a nice first album that was accepted very well, so I think the more I put into it, the better I’m getting. This seems to be my best one yet.

“Danger” follows your 2022 releases “Take Me Dancin'” and “Good Old Days.” Any chance these could be on an upcoming EP?

Right now, I’m writing a bunch of new songs with Junior, and some with Tommie Sunshine. They could possibly end up altogether on an EP or some kind of vinyl, but I’m just going to stick with singles this year. My next one is “Nothing for Something,” and I’m working with a great creative director on that.

In addition to music, you are known for your work in comedy and voicing the iconic Linda Belcher on Bob’s Burgers. Have you always had a desire to pursue a career in entertainment?

I’ve had a desire to be in entertainment since middle school. I started getting into stand-up comedy and really researching a lot of the adult comics that were around at the time. Pee-wee Herman, Martin Short, Saturday Night Live, Second City Television, all the greats. I started performing when I was around 16, and people like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, and Judy Gold would be in the same lineup a couple times. I was very ambitious when I was younger, and when I came to the city, I really started to find myself a little bit more. When I found the wigs, that started a whole new thing for me.

Bob’s Burgers hit its 250-episode milestone earlier this year. How exciting was that?

It’s super exciting to be on such an incredible show that’s so rare and has such an amazing cast and writers. Loren Bouchard is such a great showrunner, and it’s just a dream come true. This show truly means something to a lot of people, and it brings comfort and good mental health. What more could you ask for?

After all these years, what do you continuously enjoy the most about playing Linda?

Mostly just being employed because this is such a crazy business (laughs). Having a job after all these years and not having to park cars or wait tables. But besides that, the joy that comes with this job. The ensemble and the laughter, it’s such a gift to be part of a project like this, and you can actually laugh while doing it.

When you first landed the role, what kind of approach did you want to take with this character?

I kind of have my YouTube characters based on my mom, so I worked off that, and I definitely wanted her to have some kind of slogan. Something like “Dyn-O-Mite!” from Good Times, and we landed on “Alright!,” and I think that was pretty successful. Then the singing and improvising songs is also such a fun part of the job. They’ve gotten a lot more advanced now that we have a whole crew of people adding their talents, but it’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Bob’s Burgers has always had such a strong fan base in the LGBTQ community. Beyond its inclusion of queer characters, what’s your take on why the show resonates so deeply with queer audiences?

I definitely think the Belchers are very accepting of everyone, no matter who they are, and all their quirks. Like with their children, they’re not trying to change them. They’re accepting them for who they are and trying to guide them in the world, make them good people with good ethics and have a good heart. I honestly think that’s why. LGBTQ people know better than anyone else, when the world is telling us that there’s something wrong with us, we know it’s really just about having a good heart and being a good person. I truly think that resonates.

The series has been renewed for Season 14 and 15. Is there a direction you would like to see Linda go in?

I’m just ready to dive more into Linda’s quirkiness. Hearing the babysitter stories or when she sharted at the sleepover, the funny human moments that she carries with her, as well as the love she has for her family. The one thing I don’t like is when she’s put in a headlock (laughs).

Do you have a favorite episode?

I have a few, but for Linda, it’s Season 3’s “Lindapendant Woman,” where she quits the restaurant and gets a job at the grocery store. I also love the holiday episodes. The Thanksgiving and Christmas ones are very warm and sweet.

What are some future goals you hope to accomplish with your career?

I’m mostly focusing on music right now, but of course, I’d love to do more acting, movies, and TV. I just love being employed with Bob’s Burgers and having the freedom to make my own art. I’m enjoying what I have on my plate right now.

Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has been a fan, and in terms of LGBTQ, I love being a part of this family. We all have each other, and it’s time to look out and keep an eye out for each other.

Stay up-to-date with Roberts by following him on Instagram @johnrobertsfun.

Photos courtesy of John Roberts and Fox