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.
Short Bio:
Step into the soul-stirring world of Rob Fillo, a visionary singer-songwriter from Victoria, BC, Canada. Rob's musical tapestry weaves tales of the human experience through a unique blend of alternative folk, rock, blues and country. With over 150 original compositions, Fillo is a prolific writer who constantly strives to grow, evolve, and reflect.
Fillo's dedication to his craft is unwavering. He meticulously crafts music that feels familiar yet intriguingly eccentric, lyrically rich yet catchy, and relatable yet enigmatic. His songs and performances evoke a sense of spiritual enlightenment, guiding listeners on a deeply moving journey of joy, catharsis, and understanding of the human condition.
For Rob, songwriting is more than a profession; it is a lifeline that brings purpose and solace in a tumultuous world. Through each note and lyric, he delves into the depths of human existence, offering a humble yet assertive voice in the universal symphony of life. Rob Fillo is a bold songwriter for a brave new world.
Rob Fillo Performance Writeup:
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.
Long Bio:
Rob Fillo: A Bold Songwriter For A Brave New World
Rob Fillo’s music is medicine for the soul with an ability to evoke emotion while creating a deep sense of connection. Fans are drawn to his honest and vulnerable lyrics while being captivated by his soulful melodies, unique sense of rhythm and passionate delivery.
Rob's alternative folk stylings contain aspects of many artists, but imitations of none: Jeff Buckley’s passion for subtle innovation and dynamic vocals, Townes Van Zandt’s blend of cerebral yet accessible lyrics and country stylings, and Tom Wait’s courage to write and produce songs in his own unique way. Fillo has also been compared to Eddie Vedder, Dave Matthews and even Leonard Cohen.
Rob holds his own as a powerhouse solo-acoustic artist. His mesmerizing voice and originality win the crowds attention with no gimmicks, no cheap thrills, no loopers, no special effects. Fillo has an authentic and magical way of manipulating space and time to weave a tapestry of sound that captivates the spirit and takes the audience on a journey of mental and emotional discovery, holding space for both joy and catharsis.
Rob Fillo's Music is at hit at festivals (Harmony Arts Festival 2022 & 2023, Salmon Festival 2022,) municipal events (City Of Victoria's Fort Common Events Kick-Off 2023, City Of Victoria's Beacon Hill Bandshell Series 2023, City of New Westminster's Canada Day Celebrations 2019,) corporate events (Back In Motion Christmas Party 2019 & 2020, Janome America Inc. Retreat 2022,) and non-profit events (Point Ellice House Music In The Garden 2022, Prospect Lake Community Centre Summer Party 2022, The Gift Of Music Fundraiser 2022, The Dog Go Project Charity Event 2022,) to name just a few.
Fillo's first official Spotify release is streaming as of this June (2023.) His single 'This Old Train' produced by multi-award-winning John Ellis (The Be Good Tanyas, Colin James, Bruce Cockburn, Jim Byrnes, Doc Walker, and many more) is an alt-country road-tripping song with a happy message and a wholesome energy. This single was followed up by Fillo's inaugural Christmas album Halfway Through The Dark, a self-produced foray into the realms of original alt-pop and orchestral arrangement. Rob's music and artistry are growing and developing a prolific pace with performances and production abounding.
And so, the task has begun to publish and record more and more of the 150 original songs (and climbing) that Rob has written over the years. The journey is off to a strong start thanks to his growing network of colleagues and friends that have come out to support and encourage him since he moved to Victoria BC. in 2022 and began an organized and focused approach towards advancing his music career.
Whether performing alone or with his team, Fillo emanates love and a passion for existence in every note. He has a deep sense of meaning and responsibility when it comes to creating music and it’s very evident with every word he sings from his dynamic and diligently trained vocal cords. He has spent half a lifetime mastering the craft of songwriting while continuously growing his unique, self-taught, intuitive musical stylings on multiple instruments. Rob Fillo is a world class artist, ready to be discovered.
Welcome To My World: An Introduction By Rob Fillo
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