Rob Fillo Music RECENT Highlights

Rob Fillo: A Bold Songwriter for a Brave New World

Rob Fillo’s music serves as medicine for the soul, evoking deep emotions and creating lasting connections. Fans are drawn to his honest and vulnerable lyrics, captivated by his soulful melodies, unique sense of rhythm, and passionate delivery.

Fillo’s transcendent alternative folk stylings are a tapestry woven from various influences, embodying the passion of Jeff Buckley, the cerebral accessibility of Townes Van Zandt, and the fearless creativity of Tom Waits. Comparisons have also been made to Eddie Vedder, Dave Matthews, and even Leonard Cohen—yet Rob remains distinctly his own artist, with a sound that imitates none.

As a powerhouse solo-acoustic artist, Rob commands attention without gimmicks, loopers, or special effects. His mesmerizing voice and originality create an authentic and magical experience, transporting audiences on a journey of mental and emotional discovery, allowing space for both joy and catharsis.

 Rob’s music has been a hit at numerous festivals, including a headlining role at the Sips & Sounds Festival, mainstage appearances at the Harmony Arts Festival, and a performance at National Hockey Day in Canada. He has also graced many provincial and municipal events, such as the BC Legislature’s Canada Day Celebrations and various performances hosted by the City of Victoria and surrounding municipalities. His versatility shines at corporate gatherings, house concerts, and wedding performances, as well as at non-profit events like the Back In Motion Christmas Party and the Point Ellice House Music in the Garden Series.

In June 2023, Fillo made his official Spotify debut with the single "This Old Train," produced by multi-award-winning John Ellis. This alt-country road-tripping song radiates a happy message and wholesome energy. He followed this release with his inaugural Christmas album, Halfway Through The Dark, a self-produced exploration of original alt-pop and orchestral arrangements.

In 2024, he experimented with alt-rock catharsis, releasing original singles "Insane" and "Troubled Times." Fillo also branched into choral music with the publication of a childrens' choir unison arrangement for his original elementary school graduation song "Precious Moments," along with multiple arrangements for "We Choose Love: A Song of Hope and Peace." He plans to return to his folk roots in late 2024 and into 2025. With a burgeoning catalog of over 100 original songs, Rob is dedicated to performing, publishing and recording his artistry. His focused approach to advancing his music career is already yielding remarkable results.

Fillo infuses every note with love and passion, and his profound sense of meaning and responsibility in crafting music resonates in every lyric he sings, showcasing his dynamically trained vocal cords and diligently honed musicianship. After dedicating a significant part of his life to mastering the art of songwriting and honing his unique, self-taught musical stylings across multiple instruments, Rob Fillo is a world-class artist ready to be discovered.

Well hello there! My name is Rob Fillo. I am a man of many talents with a big heart steeped in empathy and compassion. I feel very deeply with a razor-sharp sense of emotional detail. I am a songwriter and I compose a wide variety of songs: from folk songs that I perform solo with my acoustic guitar, to blues and rock tunes that I perform with others, as well as various instrumental and choral compositions. Music is a way I can share my love on a grand scale- my love for life, my love for humanity, my love for the energies that bind all things as one. Existence is a fascinating and truly amazing experience.

Art is a therapeutic device for me, and it has been since a very young age. I have had to overcome serious barriers to get to where I am today, and my experience has given me a lot of empathy and compassion for others. Music is my way of coping with this complicated and often overwhelming world. I see my performances as a form of public music therapy and so do many of my audience members. I will make you laugh, make you cry, and send you home with a sense of joyful wonder and catharsis. My performances are based around my intuitive connection with the audience, feeling out which songs fit best on the fly and what the crowd is reacting to.

Throughout my music career, I have been engaged in a multitude of creative projects. After receiving my education in Audio Engineering for Music and Post-Production from Recording Arts Canada in 2002, I began growing my own company, Rob Fillo Media Services, into what eventually became Vancouver Media Services Inc. (2007-2020.) During these years, I worked on all things media including, but not limited to non-profit consulting, audio engineering, graphic design, photography, filmmaking and studio design consulting. My experience also includes project management and community building- both independently and as Chair of the Vancouver Artists Collective Association (2008-2011), and also as the Executive Director of the Richmond Arts Coalition (2017-2019.) 

Additionally, my advocacy work has been a source of great pride and satisfaction for me- this work includes advocating for more community arts programs in the City of Richmond, as well as my grass roots charity project “Music Is Love”, in which I repaired and distributed instruments to low asset youth. I have a passion for empowering others to see their creative dreams become a reality, and I have had the esteemed honour of working with so many amazing clients and mentors. These days, I am focusing my experience and skills towards developing my career as an independent songwriter, performer and recording artist while working with the University of Victoria in Media Services.

At this point in life, I no longer try to change the world by engaging in political debate or ideological philosophy. Instead, I write music, talk with strangers, share a kind embrace and tread lightly on this beautiful blue marble in space, while singing my heart out whenever and wherever possible. I truly feel the essence of ultimate truth and beauty when I tap into my creative flow and let the music play through me.

I do hope you find some joy, catharsis, and solace in my music. I write for all of us because I truly believe that music is a universal language with the power to catalyze something very special in humanity. I take great responsibility in my artistic practices and have a great appreciation for those who are willing to share their time to engage with my artistic endeavours. Thank you for visiting my website and various social media, I love you for it. I hope my projects serve you as well as they serve me. 

-Rob Fillo