Emerging Electro-Pop singer and songwriter Daniel Robinson is making a big splash in the music scene with his debut album North. The extraordinary freshman effort was released in December 2011 gaining immediate approval from fans and critics alike.
The word on the street is that this remarkable young artist is set to become a major star. He’s gearing up for new upcoming live performances, and he’s already thinking about his next record!
In this exclusive interview Daniel Robinson talks about his musical background, the process and the inspiration behind writing his debut album North and the importance of his charity work.
Tell us about your background and how did you get started your music career?
I was always singing, I can’t really even remember when that started. Around 13 years old, that’s when I started to write, and it wasn’t too long after that that I started to play the guitar, and then I put all the pieces together. I was writing all throughout high school, mostly on a ukulele that I bought for twenty dollars. I discovered electronic music in college, and I was looking around for somebody to enhance what I was already doing, posting ads everywhere I could. That’s when I found Mark, who I work with now!
Which song off the album “North” do you feel most connected to?
“History Maker” is probably the most personal for me. I’ve struggled, as I’m sure many people have, with my own self-worth. That song was all about admitting to myself that I can be something, and that I am somebody. It was really great for me, to write something like that.
Where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?
I’m a very introspective person, and I spend a lot of my time feeling. I question everything; the people around me, my own feelings… It’s exhausting, and I think that’s where my songs come from, that kind of struggle. That sounds kind of negative, but it really isn’t. I think questioning and feeling are the greatest things about being human. I love to write. Before I even go into the studio with Mark, it’s just me, a guitar and my notebook. Getting it all out is cathartic. It’s pretty great to bring what I have to Mark, so we can start to build the songs up from this little idea.
How’s the reception been for your debut album?
It’s amazing! I always end up wondering how people can love something that I created so much. I am so humbled.
How would you describe your sound?
I go with heart-on-your sleeve, outer space electropop.
What has been your biggest challenge as an artist?
Learning to not compare myself to others.
Who have been the main influences on your sound/style and why?
That changes all the time, but one of the constants has and will always be LIGHTS, a canadian electronic pop artist from Toronto. I think she’s the greatest. I’ve seen her more times than I’d like to mention, and I’ve been following her since the beginning. She’s just a rad person, she’s got a mind-blowing sound, and she keeps me inspired and working hard. She is, what I think, any musician should be. Other than that, I’m feeling inspired by the sound of The XX, Crystal Castles, Grimes, Feed Me and Noisia lately!
Is there anyone you would really like to collaborate or perform with?
LIGHTS, hands down. I want to sing a romantic duet with Bright Light Bright Light, and have Azaelia Banks spit a rap on my new record.
Why is it important to you to get involved with charities that promote equality, such as Lady GaGa’s Born This Way foundation’s Buffalo chapter and The Human Rights Campaign?
I think it’s very important to look out for each other. At the end of the day, we are all people, and we’re all we have. I remember how hard it was, I went through a lot. I would do anything to prevent other people from feeling the unnecessary pain I went through as kid. I want everybody to feel loved. No exceptions.
What is something that your fans don’t know about you?
I think that spicy food is my reason for living.
What are your plans and aspirations for the future?
I’m gearing up to take these songs out into a live setting, and I’m so stoked for that! I would love to spend the rest of my life playing to people every night. Other than that, I’m working on a full-length album that I’m super excited about! I want to keep breathing, singing and loving. xx
Released in December 2011, Daniel Robinson’s album North is available now for download on Bandcamp.com. For more information on Daniel Robinson, visit his website.
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