Canadian singer, rapper B.ROB tells us about being a DJ, life in London and the inspiration behind his creative process.
For some of us the year 2020 was a time for rediscovery. The accidental freetime triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic offered creators a time to reflect, learn and also experiment with new ideas. With outside indefinitely canceled, artists were trapped indoors with nothing to do but create. The moment was precarious for most and somewhat fortuitous for few.
Canadian independent songwriter/DJ, B.ROB had been writing music his whole life, but while stuck in quarantine he made the experimental decision to start recording his own music.
“I did not imagine I would be in the position I am now if you asked me two years ago. It’s been real fun, A new challenge and chapter that my team & I are excited to face!”
The decision turned out to be a master stroke. In no time B.ROB quickly emerged as one of his city’s hottest upcoming artists. His first two releass “East End” and “Ask About Me” both released in December of 2020 have garnered well over 23K views on YouTube. His music has been played on Toronto’s biggest radio station for hip hop music, Flow 93.5 and on one of the UK’s biggest radio stations Kiss FM.
B.ROB prides himself in being a versatile musician with a unique sound ranging from R&B to Hip-Hop/Rap to UK Afro Swing & Dancehall. His ear for contemporary sounds coupled with his DJing capabilities puts him at an advantageous position over his competition
“I think my DJ experience has definitely helped me from a creators perspective because I am able to make music both as an artist and from the consumer/fan point of view. I know how to read a crowd and I have a good idea of what the people want, certain songs create different moods & vibes.
B.ROB is focused on improving daily and sees himself as his only competition. He has a number of projects which are ready for release this year. Read our full interview with Toronto’s newest star below.
- What kind of music did you grow up listening to?
I appreciate good music! But my house growing was playing a lot of R&b, gospel, dancehall, hip-hop & rap
- Where did your interest in DJ’n come from?
I have always had an appreciation for music and I enjoy playing in front of an audience and putting on a show.
- When did you realize DJ’n was something you were good at?
In my first year of university, I co-founded an entertainment group called “Sxpreme Sound” where we threw the hottest urban parties in the GTA for young adults.
- What festival have you had the most fun Performing?
Sxpreme Dream Weekend is an annual 3 day event that Sxpreme Entertainment Group presents. It’s a jam packed weekend with two parties on Friday and Saturday with a hotel stay, and a charity basketball tournament on the Sunday. This past year was unfortunately cancelled due to covid, but we had a Niagara Falls water park party planned!
- You stayed in London for three years. How was that experience, and how did it impact you musically?
I was living in Oxford and I was able to build a party atmosphere that started in a university town with my brother DJ Ovaproof. It was cool to create a new wave and venture off and shell in other major cities in the UK like London & Birmingham
- How does life in London differ from that of Toronto, did you have troubles acclimatizing?
It was tough to be away from my friends & family for a few years with the exception of a one-two trip home every year. It was an amazing experience and it definitely helped shaped me into who I am today. The UK is my second, second home behind Toronto & Jamaica
- How did you manage to stay calm through the madness of 2020?
My friends, family and music has helped me get through the year. It was a good opportunity to reset and set new goals for myself
- Covid turned out to be somewhat fortuitous for you as you switched to recording your own music while in quarantine. How has that journey been?
It’s been crazy, I did not imagine I would be in the position I am now if you asked me two years ago. It’s been real fun, A new challenge and chapter that my team & I are excited to face!
- How did you dabble into RnB?
I have always listened to old school 80-00’s R&B. From soul for real to Usher, so many artists have inspired me and helped me get into my R&B.rob bag
- You possess the ability to write your own songs, sing, rap and DJ. Do you consider this an edge over your competition?
I think my DJ experience has definitely helped me from a creators perspective because I am able to make music both as an artist and from the consumer/fan point of view. I know how to read a crowd and I have a good idea of what the people want, certain songs create different moods & vibes.
- What inspires your creative process?
Life. I like to observe what’s going on around the world and rap/sing about real things going on that people understand and relate to.
- Tell us about your new song “Slide with Me.”
Slide with Me is my latest single, a sonically upbeat anthem that represents the social connectivity amongst young adults. I draw inspiration from the perspective of a typical young man navigating through social events and living in a big city. I wanted to create a “feel good” summer song about the excitement of interacting with women, sharing experiences with friends & dating. Slide With Me was inspired by some of the early 2000 Bad Boy greats like Diddy & Mase along with singing group 112.
- Who inspires you the most?
My team! When I see my guys working hard it inspires me to go harder because it shows that they really believe and rock with the vision and want to help bring it to life.
- Do you feel the constant need to outdo yourself?
I am only in competition with myself. I never want to get too high or too low, looking forward to keep improving on a daily basis!
- What’s next for you, should we expect an album soon?
My next single is entitled “Big Ballin” ft Lucas Dipasquale releasing early July 2021. A couple more drops this summer and a project due hopefully before the end of year. It’s going to be called Keeping Me Honest and I am excited for y’all to hear it!