Robin Horlock

Artist Information

Biography

With a soaring tenor voice, passionate lyrics and a captivating stage presence, Robin Horlock, one of Detroit's brightest singer/songwriters is making his mark on the music scene. Joined by a talented group of musicians, Horlock creates a unique blend of upbeat rock songs, heart-stopping ballads and danceable grooves that fans crave.

Influenced by life, love and emotion, Horlock's songwriting is honest and relatable. Filled with hooks that have you singing along after the first listen. The music crosses genres and transcends generations, truly making it music for everyone.

Whether performing solo, acoustic duo with his lead guitarist or with the full band, Horlock has captivated audiences in over 1100 shows, including showcasing numerous music festivals, across the country and is constantly charting new territory. For a truly memorable experience, make sure to catch Robin Horlock live.
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Performed at:
Festivals, Conferences & Events:

*MOBFest 2009 - Chicago, IL
*NCAA Final Four 2009- Detroit, MI
*CMJ Music Marathon 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08 - New York, NY
*Arts, Beats & Eats Festival 2007, 08, 09 - Pontiac, MI
*River Days Festival 2008 - Detroit, MI
*Winterblast Festival 2007 - Detroit, MI
*Metro Times Blowout 2006 & 07 - Hamtramck, MI
*Millennium Music Conference 2006 & 07 - Harrisburg, PA
*Midpoint Music Festival 2005 - Cincinnati, OH
*Motor City Music Conference 2005 - Detroit, MI

Colleges/Universities:
*Western Illinois University - Macomb, IL
*Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, MI
*Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti, MI
*Albion College - Albion, MI
*Aquinas College - Grand Rapids, MI
*Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI

Shared Stage With:
Willy Mason, Ty Stone, Gaelic Storm, Brandon Calhoon, Sponge, Vinnie Dombrowski, Air Supply, Howling Diablos, Domestic Problems, Greenstreet & many more.

Other Accomplishments:
*Airplay on 172 College Radio Stations
*Received airplay on XM Radio
*Licensed Music To MTV
*Hit #1 on Broadjam.com in 2004 in pop/rock for "Missing You"
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Contact Robin Horlock:
robin@robinhorlockmusic.com

www.robinhorlockmusic.com
www.myspace.com/robinhorlockmusic
(248)924-7397

Instrumentation

Robin Horlock - Lead Vox & Guitar, Songwriter

The Band:
Ryan Hyland - Bass Guitar & Backing Vox
Kenny Sams - Lead Guitar & Harmonica
Tom Sheppard - Drums
Mike Vartanian - Keys & Organ

Discography

Music. - Robin Horlock - 2009
Acoustic Sessions EP - Robin Horlock - 2007
EP - Robin Horlock Band- 2006
Risk To Try - Robin Horlock - 2004

Official Website

http://www.robinhorlockmusic.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Official Website
• MySpace

Audio

• Bella
  Listen  
• Music.
  Listen  
• Skeleton Key
  Listen  
• Sink
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Sink
• Bella

Video

RobinFullReel_FINAL.mp4

Photo Gallery

Press

• Robin Horlock "Music." CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  Robin Horlock’s aptly titled third CD; “Music.” is an 11-song collection of tuneful, well-constructe...Robin Horlock’s aptly titled third CD; “Music.” is an 11-song collection of tuneful, well-constructed songs that reflect the singer's Adult Contemporary experiences to great effect.
  
  Noted for the relaxed but soulful passion in his vocals, Horlock delivers hook-filled, guitar-based tunes with the ease and capability of a Jack Johnson or John Mayer, but without surrendering his own considerable uniqueness.
  
  Employing extremely tasteful blends of acoustic and electric fretwork throughout, “Music.” highlights consist of Adult Contemporary gems that showcase styles ranging from California-style soft rock “Here & Now” to post-Eagles Don Henley pop-rock “Everything Falls Apart.” On “The Difference Between Day and Night” Horlock even seems to channel the ‘70’s-era voice of John Sebastian, while “Life Goes On” features spare but distinctly affective sax lines to flesh out a stirring anthem of hope.
  
  Simply put, “Music.” is another strong CD from an artist whose instincts for savvy and smart adult pop are spot-on.

• Robin Horlock "Music." CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  I have said this numerous times already throughout the reviews on this website and I am going to say...I have said this numerous times already throughout the reviews on this website and I am going to say it again now. I love the singer/songwriter genre. It is one of the only genres where you get artists that put it all out there and openly wear their heart on their sleeves with unmatched passion.
  
  Robin Horlock is another artist that falls under the genres umbrella that does just that on his sophomore effort "Music." With one side of the genre having a coffee shop feel to it, Horlock focuses more on the pop/rock driven side of the genre much to my delight.
  
  Album opener and title track "Music," will have you bopping right along as the poppiness in the music brings a catchy feel to your ears from the get go. His crisp and solid vocal is the main focus of the song as he delivers a lyric about the feelings and emotions that music inspires him to have throughout everyday life.
  
  The pop sensibilities that he displays on the opener continue throughout the album with the more driving mid-tempo cuts like "Sink," the funky Santanaesque guitar lick driven "Skeleton Key," and "Life Goes On," which provides great saxophone work as he wraps his solid voice around a positive lyric of pushing through the tough times.
  
  Though he does slow things down on the album as well with songs like "Here And Now" and "Bella," and adds some complexity to it, he never seems to lose his pop sensibilities. With the pop based feel to these well-written songs, both lyrically and musically, Horlock has delivered a solid effort that is well worth checking out and goes to prove that a good song and good hook are still what matters in music today.

• Robin Horlock "Music." CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  In these stressful times, we can all us a little optimism, which is why it’s easy to be moved by Det...In these stressful times, we can all us a little optimism, which is why it’s easy to be moved by Detroit singer-songwriter Robin Horlock on his fine second album.
  
  At the start he croons that life without music wouldn’t be life at all, and it’s just such simple passion that keeps his Music lively. Horlock sticks mainly to mid-tempo ballads peppered with a touch of twang, an understated backing band, and a smooth rasp, further establishing himself as a rising songwriter.
  
  He plays around with arrangements just enough (a nicely rising crescendo on “When You’re Young”, some brazen brassy horns on “Life Goes On”) to keep the general sweetness of the album from becoming overly uniform. A strong effort.
  
  CMJ New Music Report - MT
  

• Robin Horlock "Music." CD Review [+ Show ]
  

  Dr2 has been spinning this disc for some time now and can finally sit down to write about it. Robin...Dr2 has been spinning this disc for some time now and can finally sit down to write about it. Robin Horlock’s disc, Music. is an incredible, 11-track, collection of toe-tapping, hook-laden, jazz-infused, goodness that puts a smile on my face whenever I pop it into the disc player. It has become the soundtrack to those rare, lazy afternoons when I get to kick back and relax.
  
  Robin has a unique combination of a fantastic voice (my God, what a range this guy has!), blended with an easygoing, blue-eyed soul sensibility to his songwriting that has you singing along without a care from one track to the next.
  
  This is apparent right from the start, as the disc begins with the title track, Music, a very clear statement of Robin’s belief that asks, and answers the question, “…what would life be without music, it just wouldn’t be life at all..”. Well, we at DR2 agree completely!
  
  The next track is the first song that we ever heard Robin sing live, Sink. It convinced us, right then and there, that we needed to keep an eye on him as he captivated us with this song about life, loss, and the struggle to move on. This is followed by the strongest writing/arrangement on the disc, Skeleton Key that showcases Robin at his best, fully into the groove, with a very Santana-like guitar lead woven through his soulful vocals. Incredible! We love this song!! It is an instant crossover hit on the airwaves.
  
  Each song, following, has its own emotional overtone and “feel”. From the hopelessly romantic, Bella, (guys, lets be honest, we all wish we could be that good looking and sing a song like this!) to the tragic, Everything Falls Apart, to the hopeful, Life Goes On, with its, too-cool, sax lead.
  
  The palette of emotion is huge, but the key to each is their honesty and sincerity. I think that is the bottom line, these songs are human, and everyone will find something to connect with here, a feeling to share (…as the song says, “..Feels Like Home..”). That, combined with Robin’s incredible vocals, makes this a must-have for any music lover.
  
  The title says it all, “Music, Period” simple, to the point, much like the man himself, Robin is very approachable, genuine, and sincere in his love for music. This shines through in his music where he is obviously doing something right as this disc has been getting some airplay across the country. But, don’t take our word for it, get out and see a show, you won’t be disappointed.

• The Magic Bag Ripped... [+ Show ]
  

  Holy Toledo Batman! Whoever has any doubts about the health of our local scene need look no further ...Holy Toledo Batman! Whoever has any doubts about the health of our local scene need look no further than the Robin Horlock - Brandon Calhoon Dual CD Release Party put on by Detroit's On The Rocks for proof positive that it remains healthy, that is if you were lucky enough to get in to see it for yourself!
  
  If not, we got ya covered as Dr2 was in the house for a first hand look at just how many people you can fit into Ferndale's Magic Bag before it rips wide open! Arriving at 8:30 or so, Dr2 was lucky enough to find a snow bank to park on top of before reaching the line to get in, standing amongst the hundred or so people waiting to get in for at least half an hour. Ok so we don't have an exact count on precisely how many people it took to rip the Bag open (rumor has it, it was the largest local show ever for the bag), BUT we can attest to the fact that by midway through the OPENING act, Dirt Road Logic, the double doors to the Magic Bag slammed shut for the night.......at 9:30!! Hell, most shows aren't even started by the time these two guys managed to sell out the Bag in spectacular style!
  
  Squeezing through the log jam at the bar, we finally secured a couple of six packs to go, then secured a spot against the pit's wall to catch, the set ending, Burn It Down, Dr2's favorite Dirt Road Logic smash up off their Great Lakes Heartache disc. We hear that these guys have been in and out of the studio working on a new one, can't wait to hear it!
  
  It may have been a sub-freezing night outside, but the temperature was quickly rising inside the Bag as the hordes of fans that did make it inside were scrambling to find a spot to stand without being push aside by one of those large black t-shirted guys with the word STAFF written across the front screaming "I need an aisle way here!" I mean, OK, so exactly where do you want everyone to go, outside? The signs on the door clearly read, "No Re-Entry, Once Your In Your In" Kind of one of those oxymoron things I'd say! But hey, this was a rock & roll show sponsored by 93.9 The River and it was just the way Dr2 likes it, packed, loud, & sweaty!
  
  When the lights turned down, Brandon Calhoon's newly formed band, complete with female back up singers, which included one Amy Folks, made their way onto the stage and launched into a fanfare that eventually saw a guitar wielding Calhoon make his grand entrance to celebrate the release of his new EP, Detroit City. Now Calhoon is no stranger to large crowds, having competed on the CBS hit reality show RockStar:INXS a few years back, and his experience was evident when he came out swinging, unleashing his hugely popular single Detroit City for his FIRST song! Playing the entire EP, Calhoon even treated us to the single he wrote during the RockStar:INXS show but never got to perform it, before bringing out some guest stars (Atlantic Recording Artist Ty Stone & Don "Doop" Duprie) to back him during his final encore!
  
  With the crowd whipped to a frenzy, clutching 6-packs under one arm and waving the other madly in the air, Robin Horlock took over in celebration for his new disc called Music! We hadn't had a chance to see Robin perform with his full band before and, man, we were not disappointed. Robin came out ready to match Brandon's intensity and cranked out, what we believe, is his hottest single off the new disc, Skeleton Key! (Robin made sure DR2 got a copy early, look for the review soon!) Robin has that easygoing, laid back personality that translates to the stage as a genuine feel to his music. Before you know it you're bobbing along with the beat and really feeling the songs. Robin was in for the long haul too, treating the masses that were literally, well..., massed inside The Bag to every track from the new disc, sprinkling in a few outstanding covers of the Stones' Paint It Black & the Beatle's While My Guitar Gently Weeps along the way. The night just kept on going, the great songs kept on coming, before an amazing encore that featured Brandon, Ty and Doop getting back up and joining Robin for a night ending rendition of You Can't Always Get What You Want! What a show! Both Robin and Brandon did Detroit proud with a night of music that combined all the musical energy and talent that the city has to offer, all in a single night! Be sure to check out the pictures from this event in the Dr2 Photo Gallery then check out both of these hot artists in our "Top Friends" over at the Dr2 MySpace page. www.DetroitRockReview. com, The Only Place For Local Music News & Reviews!

• EP Review [+ Show ]
  

  Singer/songwriter Robin Horlock has and is touring the Michigan area and is readying his groovy lusc...Singer/songwriter Robin Horlock has and is touring the Michigan area and is readying his groovy luscious pop hooks for the masses. A better singer than 99% of the idiots on American Idol, Robin coats his songs in a thick veneer of catchy pop hooks. The guitar parts are well written and not overtly complex; instead he concentrates on just making them work for each of his songs. Good stuff.
  
  - J-Sin - Smother.net
  

• EP Review [+ Show ]
  

  Robin Horlock is a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has been heralded as the next John Mayer. Ro...Robin Horlock is a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has been heralded as the next John Mayer. Robin is supported by a talented band adding to Horlock's compelling cross-over music. This five-track EP was expertly produced by Marlon Young who has worked with the Dave Matthews Band, Kid Rock and others. The songs are guitar driven in arrangements that are distinctive and dynamic. Robin is a passionate and precise vocalist with a sweeping range. Each song has something special to offer but I thought the edgy "Conspiracy Of He" was the tops with its soaring guitar licks and striking rhythm. The Robin Horlock Band is building a strong following in Michigan and beyond appearing at various festivals and conferences including CMJ. RHB's latest EP is terrific and a testimony to their talent!

• Press Quotes [+ Show ]
  

  "Poised For TRL & your favorite rock club, Robin Horlock Band creates amazing music again." Cal C..."Poised For TRL & your favorite rock club, Robin Horlock Band creates amazing music again."
  
  Cal CAgno - 89X Radio Detroit
  
  "A Sensitive and talented songsmith, Horlock could be the next John Mayer"
  
  Melody Baetens - Detroit News
  
  "You're gonna have to wrestle this Robin Horlock CD from me, what a pleasant surprise...It's THAT good, and I'm a jaded old industry F**k believe me."
  
  Mike Boyle - Former Editor - CMJ Magazine

• EP Reviews [+ Show ]
  

  Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review: Chip Withrow - The Muse's Muse 12/26/06 I’m often a fan of musi...Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review:
  Chip Withrow - The Muse's Muse
  12/26/06
  
  I’m often a fan of music that leans toward rock but still has a folksy acoustic touch – Goo Goo Dolls and Sister Hazel come to mind as bands who have done it well. And the Robin Horlock Band does a fine job of it on this five-song disc.
  
  Starting with the acoustic-guitar-over-feedback intro to “Why Do I?,” Horlock exhibits a dramatic flair in the catchy rock-with-mass-appeal he and his band have crafted. The second track, “Never Be Alone,” is even hookier and more evocative, with Horlock’s falsetto and nice flourishes of piano and synthesized strings.
  
  “Conspiracy of He” is the heaviest number. It reminds me of one of my favorite crunchy rock songs of all time, “Cumbersome” by Seven Mary Three.
  
  But I think the Horlock Band is truly in its element on songs like “Never Be Alone” and “Sleepwalker.” “Sleepwalker” is my favorite cut, with interesting chord progressions that give it a soulful feel. It best shows off the band as an ensemble, and Horlock’s vocal range works superbly (nice background vocals at the end, too).
  
  The closer “Harder Than Hell” has a jangly groove and a nifty guitar solo. The bass-driven jam seems designed as a show-ender in which each musician can step up. Then the song ends powerfully and even too quickly (at a live show the band could really stretch this out as a finale).
  
  As a band leader, Horlock has all the goods – emotive vocals, propulsive acoustic strumming, songwriter’s ear for what sounds good both in a club and in your car. He once put out a full-length disc with other players, and I’d like to hear him put out some more songs like the five here with his current band.
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  Robin Horlock Band's "EP" Leaves You Wanting More...
  Marti Kramer Suddarth - BuddyHollywood.com
  11/26/06
  
  Michigan based Robin Horlock and his namesake, Robin Horlock Band, have released a new EP, imaginatively titled EP. With the help of Dave Matthews producer Marlon Young and Kid Rock's engineer Al Sutton, EP shows off Robin Horlock's strong, yet easy to listen to tenor, his nimble skill on the guitar, and his ability as a composer and lyricist. Although the music has a firm footing in Horlock's guitar work and that of Kenny Sams, be sure to listen for Mike Vartanian's keyboarding. Especially on the last cut, Vartanian has fun!
  
  The instrumentals are strong. The melodies flow without being predictable. The vocals are fantastic. (Listen to "Never Be Alone." Robin Horlock can hit the high notes.)
  
  Although largely free from what our grandmothers referred to as "four letter words," the lyrics are not for the Disney Channel set. Like Risk to Try, Robin's previous solo CD, EP mixes sentiments. "Why Do I" is self-examining and "Never Be Alone" sings of a supportive, encompassing love. The other three selections - it's only a five song CD - are more serious and, at times, dark. Reflecting the current popularity of conspiracy-themed tv, "Conspiracy of He" tells of a man who backs up a search for his lost identity with a gun ... and loses. "Sleepwalker" is self-deprecating, as is the final cut, "Harder Than Hell." (Oops! Sorry, Grandma.) Still, in the ears of someone who understands the nuances of the language and style, EP is an apt commentary on life in the twenty-first century.
  
  The downside? There are only five songs, just enough to make the listener wish for a few more
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  Robin Horlock Band
  Catsask Music & Entertainment
  November 2006
  
  The Robin Horlock Band gives quite a powerful demonstration of what can be accomplished with good song writing and an incredible will to perform. This band is what hard work and talent is all about. Catchy hooks, and soothing vox are guaranteed to have the Robin Horlock Band wake some sleepers in this industry. Having released their latest EP and boasting some big industry names like Marlon Young (Kid Rock, Dave Matthews Band, Republica, Uncle Kracker) and Al Sutton (Kid Rock, Detroit Cobras), RHB is about to do some big things.
  -----
  Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review:
  J.R. Oliver - Ear Candy Magazine
  August 2006
  
  This five song EP would fit nicely wedged between the Goo Goo Dolls “A Boy Named Goo” album and Matchbox Twenty’s “Yourself Or Someone Like You” album in just about any eighteen year old indie rock girls cd case. After one listen to songs like “Never Be Alone”, “Conspiracy Of He” and “Harder Than Hell” and I think you’ll hear exactly what I mean. Perfect for the audience they are shooting for.
  -----
  Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review:
  J-Sin - Smother Magazine
  
  Singer/songwriter Robin Horlock has and is touring the Michigan area and is readying his groovy luscious pop hooks for the masses. A better singer than 99% of the idiots on American Idol, Robin coats his songs in a thick veneer of catchy pop hooks. The guitar parts are well written and not overtly complex; instead he concentrates on just making them work for each of his songs. Good stuff.
  -----
  Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review:
  Laura Turner Lynch - Kweevak.com
  
  Robin Horlock is a guitarist, singer and songwriter who has been heralded as the next John Mayer. Robin is supported by a talented band adding to Horlock's compelling cross-over music. This five-track EP was expertly produced by Marlon Young who has worked with the Dave Matthews Band, Kid Rock and others. The songs are guitar driven in arrangements that are distinctive and dynamic. Robin is a passionate and precise vocalist with a sweeping range. Each song has something special to offer but I thought the edgy "Conspiracy Of He" was the tops with its soaring guitar licks and striking rhythm. The Robin Horlock Band is building a strong following in Michigan and beyond appearing at various festivals and conferences including CMJ. RHB's latest EP is terrific and a testimony to their talent!
  -----
  Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review:
  Cal Cagno - 89X Radio Detroit
  
  "Poised to take over TRL and your favorite rock club, at the same time, Robin Horlock Band creates amazing music again!"

Setlist

With a 5 piece band we can play up to three 1hr long sets.

Solo or Acoustic Duo up to four 1hr long sets.

An hour long set usually consists of about 12 original songs and 3-4 choice covers. (Full cover song list available by request, and we can add a couple more covers to the set if the venue requires)

Typical Set List:

Music.
Soul Shakedown
Sink
D'yer M'aker - (Led Zeppelin Cover)
Skeleton Key
Sleepwalker
This Is My Life
What's Goin On? - (Marvin Gaye Cover)
All That I Need
Conspiracy Of He
Harder Than Hell
She Talks To Angels - (Black Crowes Cover)
California
Here & Now
Bella
Paint It Black - (Rolling Stones Cover)
Life Goes On
Goodbye

Original Song List:
Piece by Piece
All That I Need
Gone
Devils and Angels
Photograph
I Know it Hurts
Missing You
Losing Sleep
Risk To Try
Don't Wanna Let You Down
Trust
Soul Shakedown
Heaven
Here To Stay
Yesterday's Gone
This Is My Life
Sleepwalker
Harder Than Hell
Why Do I?
Never Be Alone
Conspiracy Of He
Goodbye
What am I Gonna Do?
Life Goes On
California
Take Me Home
Sink
Music.
Skeleton Key
Here & Now
Bella
So Far Away (Feels Like Home)
Talk To Me
When You're Young

Basic Requirements

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