Rising Star Praises His Northville Roots:
Aleea Hibbeln - Northville Record 11/29/07 Look out John Mayer, singer/song writer Robin Horlock, protégé of the Northville High School choir program, is hot on your heels... Horlock graduated from NHS in 1999 and headed up to Western Michigan University. “I’d be sitting in economics writing music,” he said. He would try to listen to the professor but then the lyrics to a new song would pop into his mind. He couldn’t help it. “I could hear the words in my head,” said Horlock. Then he would hear the melody, and with an unstoppable fervor, he would run back to his dorm to play the chords. Immediately realizing that academics weren’t his calling, Horlock left college with his acoustic guitar in one hand and his dream in the other. With enormous support from family, Horlock returned home and began writing songs and performing solo and duo acoustic shows around the area. In 2004, Horlock released his first solo acoustic CD, “Risk To Try”. The music is rock-n-roll with folksy over-tones. “Its Goo Goo Dolls meets Dave Matthews meets John Mayer,” said Horlock. The album, which took only 21 days to record, explores his personal struggles in relationships. The lyrics are soul-bearing, and relatable to anyone who has ever been romantically involved. Horlock doesn’t hold back a single thought or raw emotion, and the album is backed by his master guitar skills and transcending vocals. In 2003, Horlock started his five piece namesake band where he writes all the music, all the lyrics, sings, and plays acoustic and electric guitar. In just four years, The Robin Horlock Band has built a strong following in Michigan and surrounding states. Horlock’s second CD was recorded with RHB and released in 2006. The title is simply “EP” (Extended Play) because it is in fact just that- a short disc of only five songs. The EP, which took a mere 12 days to record, has a pop-rock sound and continues with Horlock’s self-examining lyrics. Today, Horlock is taking on the nation’s music scene by storm. This year alone, 172 college radio stations are playing his songs. He has performed in over 185 shows, with and without his band, averaging 3-4 gigs per week and will break 200 before the year is over. In the last 4 years he has performed in 800 or more shows across the US, including three CMJ (College Music Journal) Music Marathons in New York City, and is steadily gaining more gigs around the country. Critics love him for his dynamic stage presence, organic sound, catchy hooks, convincing lyrics, soaring tenor voice and progressive guitar strumming. Whether performing with his band or in an acoustic duo, Horlock romances the audience to extremes. In one song he moves the audience to dance and in the next, he breaks hearts with his soothing voice and soulful ballads. Horlock’s musical influences cross decades and genres, from Paul Simon to Sublime; from The Beatles to The Verve; and from Bob Marley to Match Box 20. But perhaps the most influential of all was his favorite teacher, NHS Head Choir Director, Mary Kay Pryce. “Clear lyrics are very important to me… you can always understand everything I say – maybe it’s Mary Kay (Pryce, director) who did that to me - it isn’t ‘wutcha’, it’s ‘what you,’” he said. And Horlock still holds his BackBeat days close to his heart. “One time [on the NHS choir tour] we went to New York and sang at the top of the Empire State Building. There we were, 9 of us boys singing… We were the best BackBeat boys of all time,” said Horlock. No matter how successful his career has gotten to this point, Horlock remembers his roots. “NHS choir gave me my base, and Mary Kay is the one who got me to perform,” said Horlock. Five years from now he hopes to hit it big. Horlock hesitantly admits he wants to see his name in lights, but is steadfast to add that touching people with his songs is his true passion. The hard-working 27-year-old has written 45 songs and is now composing his third CD. With no name yet, the record is expected to launch in March or April. RHB plans to begin touring across the country in late spring. “The next step is to trying to open for national acts,” said Horlock. This isn’t an easy feat, since most national bands have been around long enough to work with the same bands who they know will produce a good show. But, Horlock broke out of that rut this past summer when he opened for Willy Mason, a national pop-country singer. Catch The Robin Horlock Band when they headline at The Magic Bag in Ferndale on Friday, November 23rd. Robin Horlock Band "EP" Review: Chip Withrow - The Muse's Muse 12/26/06 Website 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. Robin Horlock Band's "EP" Leaves You Wanting More... Marti Kramer Suddarth - BuddyHollywood.com 11/26/06 Website 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 Robin Horlock Band Catsask Music & Entertainment November 2006 Website 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 Website 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 Website 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 Website 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 Website "Poised to take over TRL and your favorite rock club, at the same time, Robin Horlock Band creates amazing music again!" |
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