From Hip Hop lover to adamant about his vocal ability, and his music. Meet a young man who is serious about his craft, and entertainment. A student of business as well as a fan of good music, Rob P has put in the work perfecting his craft from the classroom to the vocal booth. I sat down with the R&B upstart recently and got to know more about him and his his latest project, Set the Mood Right.
Basquiat: Where are you from?
Rob P: I'm proud to be from New York City, the home of Hip Hop. I am an R&B singer but I have been influenced heavily by Hip Hop culture. To be exact, I grew up in harlem.
Basquiat:As an RnB singer how do u feel about the belief that pure RnB is dead?
Rob P: I dont necessarily agree, and I really look at it like a pessimistic view of music as a whole. In my opinion, music changes overtime, and if you open your ears, you will gain an appreciation for all genres and how they influence each other. I feel as though not enough people take notice beyond the mainstream sound, and once they do- they'll see that what is considered to be "Pure R&B Music" still exists. Especially when it comes to my music.
Basquiat: What do u consider your brand of RnB to be?
Rob P: To sum it up, people consider my sound a interesting mix. It has been described as new school with a hint of Michael Jackson swag; I appreciate that. Michael Jackson is a legend, the King of Pop himself. A musical icon that I have looked up to for many years. With my music I cater to a certain audience. Sorry fellas but for the most part I make an effort to appeal to the ladies. We all know who the dominant audience is, women. With my music I say what I feel. I feel like music comes from within. I put my heart into it. My conducting professor constantly preaches, you got to feel the music from the heart first before you conduct in front of people. That saying has had a lasting affect on me and what I record, as well as write. That is my approach with my music.
Basquiat: Which artists would you categorize as being some of your influences?
Rob P: Without a doubt, and as I already mentioned, Michael Jackson is one! Outkast as well, especially Andre3000. I have always appreciated his style and lyricism, as well as his freedom as an artist. He does not let the world or market box in his creativity. Common, Mario and Alicia keys are other artists who have influence my taste in music, and recording.
Basquiat: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?
Rob P: Inspiration for me, comes in many different forms. There are times when it comes unexpectedly to be honest. I draw from so many places, but I can definitely say that one of the main inspirations is experiences. I like many others have had my share of ups and downs, all part of the game of lie. I take those things I let it enhance my music. I am always seeking to make my next song better than my last one.
Basquiat: Who is your target audience? Your core fanbase?
Rob P: Thats a good question. My ultimate goal is to make music that transcends all genres and classes of people. i want to unify and entertain with my music, which is my art. I want my craft to be received well. For the time being, my target can be best put as my peer group: 18-25, free thinkers, lovers of life and quality. As I said before I put ME into my music, and I do it for those who know who they are and embrace that. From urban to suburban/rural, I make music for music lovers. I speak on the joys of living, and being ambitious. people urban sound in music,I definitely love the ladies, so I make sure I appeal to them, and I appreciate all the support that I have been given.
Basquiat: What has been your greatest accomplishment to date in music?
Rob P: Beyond anything in the grand scheme of things I would have to say being respected for and received well as it pertains to my music. That is a great feeling. In addition to that I would note the finality of my EP Set the Mood RIght, which you can find on CD Baby, itunes, Amazon, and social media feeds like Facebook. Me and my team did a good job making sure that the project is easily accessible so you can pretty much get it on almost any digital outlet. It took me about 8 months to complete, it is hard to juggle many different aspects in my life at once.
Basquiat: Outside of music what are your other interests?
Rob P: Well I revolve my life around my music- its my #1 priority. All other interests directly contribute to my ultimate goal- MUSIC. Aside from performing, writing, recording, education is my priority. I am currently attending Lehman College, pursuing a degree in music. I love kids, I want to add, and I love devoting my time to different initiatives geared towards the enhancement of their lives, and just being a role model in a sense. Comedy is another interests of mine. If not at the studio you might catch me at a a comedy show or with one of my favorite DVDs. I have a unique sense of humor and love using it.
Basquiat: Where can the people hear some of your music?
Rob P: Soundcloud, Youtube, Reverbnation is where anyone can listen to some of my songs.
Basquiat: What kind of feedback have you been getting from your current project, Set the Mood Right, which you mentioned earier?
Rob P: So far the response we have been getting is very positive, and receptive. We've been getting support from a lot of the bloggers and other insiders. You can catch a review of the project online via promoter xtraordinaire Phoenixstar9. Also for updates you can follow me on twitter @RobPWorld. I am very tangible, and I interact with the people as well as the experts. I believe that is very necessary in todays market, authenticity and candid ability.
Basquiat: What's your favorite track?
Rob P: My favorite track, thats hard. To be hones I love them all. If I had to choose one from a lyrical standpoint I would have to say "Let the Night Take Ova You" which we are shooting a video for very soon, so be on the lookout for that. Once you see it I think a lot of people will identify with that cut as their favorite song as well #staytuned
Basquiat: When can we expect the video for Let the Night Take 0va. Which is my favorite song on the CD
Rob P: Thank you. Like I said the video is in the final stages of treatment and we will be shoting in the next few weeks or so, we really want to capitalize on that Fall is for lovers feeling. Be sure to Follow me on twitter @RobPWorld or on facebook "RobPWorld" for updates on the music video. Also if you have any questions you can holla at me on all my social networks.
Basquiat: Any details you wanna drop about the video?
Rob P: Nah I think we're gonna keep a lot of that in the bag. Marketing baby, lol. But honestly we're just very excited about the video, the single, and the project as a whole. Ive actually had a lot of input into the treatment and that was important for me as I grow as an artist and become more hands on with the development of my brand. The song "Let the Night Take Ova You" is perfect for a music video, it's a smooth track and fits very much with my personality.
Basquiat: Any shoutouts?
Rob P: Shoutout to my family and close friends, they got my back despite of any situation I'm in. Shoutout to Creepy birds studio for making my EP Set the Mood Right happen. I also want to shoutout my vocal coaches, and my ear training professor who truly believes in me and say I have the tools for success, it is just a matter of time and practice.
Basquiat: Where can people that wanna work wit you or support you make contact?
Rob P :Yeah for all inquiries and collabs email me at robpworld@gmail.com, follow me on twitter @RobPWorld, facebook me "RobPWorld" or if you have bbm add my pin:32E12CBC
