Robert Elias

Life In The Magic City

Robert Elias is a singer songwriter from Miami, Florida who has been compared to George Michael, Justin Timberlake, Freddie Mercury, Marc Broussard, Bruno Mars & Chris Cornell. Robert has teamed up with hit maker, Kenny Scott of 90's pop group Swirl360 to record a full length album of 14 original songs.

The path foward all began when Robert started singing demos for other songwriters when he was 18. He met local songwriters after entering singing contests and they started booking him for studio time. In time, they were asking him for his input on their songs, so he became really invested in songwriting. He eventually started writing his own original material and performing it at local bars and coffee shops. At the time, his music had a very “singer/songwriter” vibe. Robert was really getting into Elton John and Billy Joel, a lot of musical theater. At the same time he also started discovering his latin roots and music for the first time. From then on, it never stopped…

After conquering the Latin world: writing songs, touring & singing backgrounds for Marc Anthony, Alejandro Sanz, Jon Secada, Don Omar & Chayanne... Robert Elias is finally getting ready to release his first english album "Magic City"! His blend of pop, rock and R&B is magic to the ears and his voice is reminiscent of old school R&B soul singers with a modern pop/rock edge. 

Born in Miami, Florida to a Cuban guitarist/songwriter father dedicated to classic rock and professional vocalist mother who favored pop and disco, it wasn't long till Robert Elias began singing along to the latest by Queen, Michael Jackson and Elton John on the radio. " I love artists who have the ability to push the envelope and be themselves, I want to be like those artists, its inspiring," says Elias. 

He started his professional career at 15 when he began singing demos for local songwriters and producers. In 2006, he walked the red carpet at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival in support of the Latin film industry and the growth of the Latin entertainment community." I believe in a bigger, better Latin community, I believe in real talent, honest artistry and I’m ready to bring a refreshing change to Latin- American music and culture, artists don't even sing live anymore" said Elias. Currently, Elias is blowing up in South Florida and once again getting industry buzz, recently singer Alejandro Sanz posted about Elias on his official Facebook page! 

Elias has been featured locally in The Miami Herald, Miami.com, The New Times, The Wire Weekly, 944 Magazine and on France's international Arte TV documentary web series Miami/Havana. You can check out the series at www.havana-miami.tv. The series follows 12 young Cuban-Americans, pursuing their dreams in both Miami, Florida and Havana, Cuba. For two seasons Elias has been a part of the music on Univision's international hit television reality series Mira Quien Baila. Robert's songwriting efforts and voice have recently garnered the attention of Latin icons Chayanne, Marc Anthony, Don Omar and Jon Secada. Chayanne's song "El Hombre Que Fui" co-written by Elias is on the Latin pop star's #1 album, No Hay Imposibles. 

Currently, his band, The Revenge and Robert are playing all over South Florida in preparation for the album release and an eventual tour later in the year in support of the album. In 2011, Elias began work on his new album "Magic City" and touring with his band, The Revenge. The album has been three years in the making and is being produced by 90's pop icon, Kenny Scott of the group Swirl 360. It is a tribute to everything that has inspired Robert to dream and continue his journey; but most importantly the city he grew up in and the heartbreak along the way. The album includes songs co-written by some of the industries best writers including local rockers Chris Alvy and Daniels Wills, Alan Frew of 80's group Glass Tiger, Denny Scott and Erick Marin. It is set for release in 2012.

For this album, which has been three years in the making, Robert really wanted to forget about what everyone wanted him to be and focus on who he is. States Robert, "I was touring and recording with huge latin artists like Don Omar, Marc Anthony and Alejandro Sanz, when your on the road, when your in the studio with these artists that are doing exactly what you want to do, it’s inspiring. I think it brought out the best in me."

The songwriting process for this CD is basically Robert or someone he works with conceptualizing an idea for a song. Usually he will have a melody first, then he likes to work with themes. "I think a song should be about an idea or a concept or a feeling. On this album we touch on everything from heartbreak to perseverance, social issues, non traditional love and what it feels like to be the under dog. For the recording process I have to give most of the credit to my producer Kenny Scott, from 90’s pop group Swirl360. He really brought the songs to life. I wanted a sound that was contemporary and timeless with a rock edge. He totally got it. As an artist, if you work with a producer who doesn't understand your vision, then your screwed."

make your brand the truth

Robert feels he should have followed his gut more. He began in this industry at a very early age, always very insecure and scared of not being successful. Looking back he sees he should have grabbed his career by the horns! Ironically, it’s also the reason he now feels he has the fire he has now. "When this business is good, it’s good. It’s amazing to be able to work with incredible musicians on a daily basis. It inspires me to know that there are so many people around me that believe in what I’m doing. The business part of music can really mess you up. I read the other day that Miami’s own Pitbull said that the music industry is 90% business 10% talent. That’s sad to me, whether it’s true or not. There was a time where you couldn’t play on the radio unless you earned it. It didn’t matter if you were a big black girl like Aretha Franklin, you could still have a number one hit. I really hope one day the music industry can see again that what really sells records and builds long careers is talent, hard work and the connection an artist has with their fans. I love performing. Connecting with an audience. Knowing that when I sing or the songs I write can make people feel something.

He may get flak for this, but Robert thinks that for independent artists, the effect of the Internet is definitely positive. It’s given the world a microscope into so much new music. So many people have access to what artists are doing as creative musicians. On the negative aspect, it’s making people work a lot less. There was a time when you had to tour and bust your ass to really get your music to a bigger audience. Now you can become famous by posting a video on YouTube.

Robert believes like everything in life, there has to be a balance. Music is nothing without the business side, but the business also destroys the art. The business side of music has to grow a heart and soul for it to understand the art and market it properly. That rarely ever happens! "I think artists have to be less afraid to get involved in the business aspect of the music industry. I am a part of everything I do, you have to make your brand the truth."


To see more info on Robert www.facebook.com/roberteliasmusic

twitter: @robbieelias

 
 
 
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