John Roberts Channels Queer Cult Cinema & Classic Horror in New Music Video for “Complicated”

Emmy-Nominated Voice of Linda Belcher on Bob's Burgers Shares New Single Inspired by Relationships, Loss of Love and the Shadow Self

New Album I Am Out November 20

Listen to "Complicated": https://vyd.co/JohnRobertsComplicated

Album Release + Birthday Show at NYC's DROM November 12

October 23, 2026 - John Roberts, the Emmy-nominated actor, comedian and recording artist best known as the voice of Linda Belcher on Bob's Burgers, has released new single "Complicated" and corresponding music video inspired by queer underground cinema and classic horror films. "Complicated" is the second single from Roberts' forthcoming third studio album I Am (out November 20). Roberts will also perform songs from the new album and his catalog with guests at a special album release / birthday show in NYC at Drom on Thursday November 12 .

"Complicated" captures the intoxicating pull of a night out and the sometimes dangerous impulses that come with it. Inspired by the thrill of pursuing a stranger and the fine line between excitement and self-destruction, the song explores what happens when desire takes over and the search for connection leads somewhere unexpected. Says Roberts: "The inspiration behind this track is very Scorpio at night and nightlife. Not being able to control the urge to go out and hook up. Looking for Mr Goodbar, and how that can be a slippery slope."

The video for "Complicated" brings those themes into a world shaped by queer cult cinema and vintage horror. Drawing from the provocative imagery from Kenneth Anger's cult classic Scorpio Rising, William Friedkin's Cruising starring Al Pacino, alongside the shadowy atmosphere of black-and-white werewolf movies like The Wolf Man, the video connects the danger and allure of the night with the transformative power of desire.

Listen to "Complicated": https://vyd.co/JohnRobertsComplicated

The song and video also reflect Roberts' longtime connection to New York City's downtown nightlife and music scenes. Long before becoming the unmistakable voice of Linda Belcher on Bob's Burgers, Roberts was immersed in the city's queer club culture, developing a love for electronic and dance music that stretches back to the '90s rave scene. Those influences have remained central to his music career, which has included collaborations with Debbie Harry, Beth Ditto, Blondie, Junior Sanchez, Big Black Delta and Benny Benassi.

"Complicated" follows the release of " Never ," the first single from Roberts' upcoming album I Am, which captures the rush of finding love over a brooding electronic beat. I Am finds Roberts working closely with Chris Wallace, the songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose credits include Meghan Trainor, Madison Beer, Tinashe, Keith Urban and 24KGoldn. Written and recorded throughout 2026 at The Cutting Room in New York City, the album's 11 original songs fuse electro-pop with house and indie dance influences, pairing deep grooves made for the dancefloor with the synths and hooks of the '80s pop and R&B Roberts grew up loving, from George Michael, Madonna and Depeche Mode to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.

Beneath its dancefloor pulse, I Am also finds Roberts grappling with loss, change and bigger questions about connection and existence. Written in the wake of his mother's passing and another period of transition in his personal life, the album grew from his desire to keep creating rather than become overwhelmed by the world around him. Its themes stretch from grief and self-examination to what Roberts describes as "the recycling of matter and mystical oneness."

Roberts made his solo debut with 2019's "Looking," produced by Big Black Delta, after previously joining Blondie on "Love Level" from their 2017 album Pollinator. His 2021 album Lights Out, produced by Junior Sanchez, pushed further into electronic and club music and featured collaborations with Debbie Harry and Beth Ditto, along with remixes from Felix da Housecat and Harry Romero. Roberts has described songwriting as an instinctive process, often beginning with a rhythm track before improvising melodies and building the song around them. Last year, Roberts released Outside is a Clown, a 13-track collection featuring production from Kevin Rudolf, Big Black Delta and Junior Sanchez.

In addition to his work on Bob's Burgers, which just aired its 16th season and will return for Season 17 in early 2027, Roberts has opened for comedy icon Margaret Cho, and had memorable roles in the comedy drama Stress Positions (2024) and romantic comedy Fire Island (2022).

John Roberts & Friends Album Release party

November 12 / 7PM

DROM NYC

85 Avenue A

https://dromnyc.com/event/john-roberts-album-release/

I Am Tracklist:

1. I Am
2. Never
3. Complicated
4. I'll be Around
5. Body Talk
6. Be Her
7. New Tattoo
8. Swallow
9. Lonely
10. Get Lifted
11. Set Me Free