Passionate and inspiring vocals, next level musicianship, and lyrics that will break your heart and put it back together better than it ever was before. Whether you're in the mood for introspective ballads, happy tunes or rock anthems, Rob has something for everyone. Let Rob Fillo take you on a life-affirming journey you'll never forget.
(Alt-Rock Single 2024)
Troubled Times is more than just a rock anthem. It’s a visceral commentary on modern life that speaks to anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the relentless pace of the world around them.
(Professional Recognition)
I am honoured to accept my nomination to be an official judge for Canadian Folk Music Awards 2025.
(Award/Recognition)
In September 2024, I won the John Lennon Songwriter Award for best breakup song with 'This Old Train.'
(Alt-Rock Single 2024)
My next self-produced release. This foray into Alt-Rock proved cathartic and popular, achieving international indie radio airplay on over 50 stations.
(Christmas EP 2024)
The first record to leave my new home studio! This Christmas/Winter EP is a fully self-produced collection of original music.
(Country Folk Single 2022)
This is my first official Spotify release! Produced and lovingly embellished by John MacArthur Ellis, This Old Train was a lovely start to my professional recording artist career!
Rob Fillo is an acoustic alt-folk virtuoso with a country flair, crafting intricate, soul-stirring narratives with his poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies. His performances, imbued with authentic charisma and raw vulnerability, are marked by powerhouse vocals that evoke profound emotions. With over 150 original compositions, Fillo's guitar becomes an extension of himself, seamlessly shifting between heartfelt folk ballads and rousing blues-rock anthems to forge an intimate bond with his audience.
A Rob Fillo performance transcends mere entertainment; it is a transformative journey. Fillo has mastered the art of reading a room, speaking from the heart, and performing from the depths of his soul. His intimate shows, regardless of venue size, foster a sense of kinship among attendees, turning each performance into a shared, lasting experience.
Fillo's artistic evolution is mirrored by his growing online presence. With an engaging social media persona, a polished website, and a steadily expanding YouTube library, he invites fans into his world. What started as a solitary pursuit has flourished into a vibrant community united by a shared love for authentic, heartfelt music.
Rob Fillo is not just a performer; he is a spiritual experience—an eccentric bard whose music resonates deeply, touching the souls of all who witness his artistry. His unique ability to connect with audiences on a profound level ensures that each performance is unforgettable, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.
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
I graduated with a diploma in Audio Engineering from Recording Arts Canada in 2002. Since then I have been involved in more projects than I can count, on a vast selection of gear, all across Canada.
Throughout my career, I have been lucky enough to learn from some of the best in the music industry. I studied under Nick Blagona, Bob Doidge, Martin Pilchner, and many more longstanding legends in the music business while attending Recording Arts Canada. Then I had the pleasure and peril of working with more wonderful artists and various professionals than I can count and every one has taught me valuable lessons that I carry with me everyday.
Special thanks to Ms Tami Harker, my grade nine guitar class teacher for believing in me. I wouldn't have made it this far without you.