Robin Brock: Press

Hidden Power by Robin Brock
4/5 Broomsticks

Canadian Goddess rocker Robin Brock is getting the best press of
anyone you've probably never heard of. A powerful voice, a powerful
presence, an award-winning songwriter, a spirit-driven, Goddess loving
artist, Brock is an up and coming mainstream artist whose latest CD,
Hidden Power, is getting enthusiastic press in all over Canada and
Europe and airplay on commercial and internet radio. Toronto's See
magazin exults, "Brock's voice puts other Canadian vocalists to shame"
and UK's Phase 9 Music calls Hidden Power an "impressive powerhouse"
of a CD. Described as "dynamic," "raw and powerful" and "vital", and
favorably compared to Shania Twain, Ann Wilson of Heart, and Pat
Benatar, Brock is attracting a lot of attention for her passionate,
hard rocking style and powerful lyrics. Her sophomore effort, Hidden
Power, showcases a rare musical talent: confident, self-assured, and
elegant even its roughest moments.

Brock's got stage presence, all right, and brings competence and
passion to her rock and roll. Hidden Power moves effortlessly from
hard-rocking jams to introspective ballads. This is not Celtic-recon
music, or electric folk! This is rock and roll, heavy on the metal.
Driving guitar licks and
thunderous bass ground Robin's sweet as honey voice. Brock has one of
the best rock vocalist voices ever. Her song writing chops are solid,
Hidden Power's instrumentation is rich and perfectly engineered, but
it's Robin's voice that steals the show.

In her liner notes, and most explicitly in "Goddess of Rock and Roll",
Brock acknowledges the Goddess and the mysteries of the Universe for
guiding her and inspiring her talent. It is great to see popular Pagan
entertainers acknowledge their Paganism, especially when they are not
producing "Pagan" music. Hidden Power is not for meditation and would
probably not work as background music to a Moon circle. But Brock's
connection to the Divine is evident in her passionate songs and
beautiful voice. This may be the first time you've heard of her, but
I bet it won't be the last.

Leni Hester

“The first track “She’s Outta Control” blasts you with wailing guitars and the powerful, sexy, dynamic voice of Robin Brock. Blend together both of these electric packed qualities and you have one hell of an album.” 10/10.

"There are twelve songs on the album and about 6 of them are truly great AOR/Melodic Rock songs. Robin Brock has released a decent melodic pop rock record that will please all fans of female fronted rock." - Rating 7.5/10

" Great to hear more stuff from Robin Brock. A refined collection, moving on from her debut album. I have programmed "After The Storm" into our next show, which for me, is the stand-out track on the album. The whole album has more energy than the first, although the songs from both albums are mature and well put together." 8/10 Hidden Power Review

"Now it's the time for singer Robin Brock to confirm her talent with her second album, produced by expert Keith Olsen(Whitesnake, Fleetwood Mac, etc.) In effect these twelve songs are more mature and deep compared to the debut, and are the reign of ROCK and nothing else, setting as target the more adult audience. In HIDDEN POWER, we find the tough blues "The Game", elegant pop like "These Walls" and "Read My Mind", the dramatic ballad "You Let Me" allowing Robin to spread her soulful singing on the charming instrumental melodies. Other nice songs are the hypnotic "Don't" and the different atmosphere mixed in "I Surrender" that owns a strong refrain. "After The Storm" is a good pop/rock with an ultra catchy refrain, followed by the rough and mid paced southern rock "Naked", and after all of this energy, there's "Goddess" to burn the speakers with a rock worth of the best Bachman Turner Overdrive, with semi ballad "That Scares Me" to close a well crafted CD with no filler."

The raw edged vitality of her voice wins your ear. Our two favourites I’m Doin’ Fine (Without You) and I Surrender.. Oh, to be that young again and emotionally dichotomous, deliberately or otherwise. Bill Watt’s World - Toronto Free Press

All of the songs are of a very high quality, and that’s what counts. I loved the honest sound of this (Hidden Power) CD." Metal Maidens - Holland

Robin has a strong powerful edgy voice, she sings with passion and conviction. Hidden Power is an energetic collection of rock songs that are delivered by high powered vocalist - Robin Brock. Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com

Canadian rocker Robin Brock’s follow-up is an impressive powerhouse release that can comfortably sit alongside the likes of Sheryl Crow and Bryan Adams. Phase 9 Music - U.K.

"These Walls" is a great melodic track with a chorus that grabs you instantly. AOR Europe

A first listen will inevitably draw you towards her powerful voice, while a second will open a
wider vista to you that's ready to be explored.

hEARD Magazine - NSW Australia

Tracks like "I Surrender" pounce about with as much class as they do energy. "Goddess" is
a tongue-in-cheek and perhaps unintentionally prophetic work."

Electric Basement.com

This new disc absolutely rocks. It gets my highest recommendation for a female recording act in a heck of a long time. Pioneer Journal - Summerside PEI, Canada

The album is a tour de force of great songwriting and wonderful musicianship, from the opener "I'm Doin' Fine", to the closing track, the awesome "That Scares Me". Wondrous Stories - UK

A cool and refreshing sounding rock album. Universal Wheels

...I suffered for all those other female rock vocalists. Robin Brock doesn't sound anything likethem. She brings with her the inevitable promise of 'fresh energy' or 'new attitude'. All the songs are intimate. But hey! It's pop/rock - we're not looking for political beliefs or social disarray - we're looking for romantic promises and heartbreak hotels. Songs to either weep orcuddle. Except, of course, for "I'm Doin' Fine" the ultimate advice on revenge - if "Mastercard dresses" and "Visa Shoes" tells you anything about a real woman's power..."In This Skin" is lyrically one of the best tracks on the album. It's focus is on the author: In this skin is: the lover, the singer, the mother, the writer, the woman, the fighter...this little girl. So goes the chorus...this is my favourite. Actually, Robin Brock is Radio.... Somnie

The power in this woman's voice is truly a gem - absolutely outstanding. Robin's destined to join the ranks of Darby Mills or Lee Aaron as one of the most powerful voices in Canadian Rock. "I'm Doin' Fine (Without You)-takes you on a quick little rock and roll journey that'll have you coming back for seconds...and thirds...typical of the entire disc. HIDDEN POWER is definately hard-edged, but manages to escape being trapped into a 'category'. "These Walls" has a tender edge to it, while still maintaining what will ultimately become her trademark passion, as is the case with "I Surrender" and practically anything else on the disc. This really is a GREAT album - by far one of the best I've had the pleasure of playing --over and over again. The more it's played, the more it grows on you. If you buy jsut one disc this year - make it this one. She rocks! And she does it better than just about any other new artist I can think of. Canadian Bands.com

Brock sings the songs of a rock'n roll warrior, fed up with heartbreak, flying down the open road on her Harley (exclusively and involuntarily paid for by the cheatin' ex), ready to take on anything that may cross her path...Essentially it's a firewall of sonic power. Squealing guitars and killer drums aren't the only strengths of "Hidden Power". Brock is a ferociously phrased songstress...her sense of melody is her strongest creative contribution, lending each song its powerful and addictive charm. Her heart and soul are strewn across the record like broken glass, displaying her sharp sensibility...however the moments of vulnerability peek out through the haze of tough girl energy, never downplaying Brock's overall sense of forceful independence. Robin Brock is Canada's newest Rawk Queen: a confident, powerful woman with a brazen musical delivery and a stack of undeniably solid songs under her belt. In short, she rocks.

Muses Muse - Ashley Petkovski

Well folks we here at The Shred Zone aren't gender biased. We are happy to have another female rocker submit a CD for review. Canadian rock queen Robin Brock is an amazing song writer that knows how to compose total radio friendly rock tunes. She has an all star back up band including heavy metal bass monster Jeff Pilson from Dokken, Randy Bachman, and Tim Pierce. In addition, song writers and producers John Capek and Keith Olsen join in on the project. So without further delay lets dive into the chick rock world of Robin Brock.

"I'm Doin' Fine" brings the album to a fierce start with a very powerful vocal performance from Ms. Brock. She belts out some soulful vocals and even more interesting lyrics. Something about a cheating boyfriend. I liked her song writing from the very first note. The team put together a super radio friendly rock song that you can sing and dance to. The guitar playing is excellent and defiantly carries the vibe of the song along. Don't forget the walking bass lines of Mr. Jeff Pilson either!

"These Walls" is the hard hitting song on the record with its overly melodic musical tones and heartfelt vocals. The song is mainly a clean guitar driven piece, that is lead by Robins searing vocal performance. She has a true gift, and uses it to its fullest potential. If your looking to check out something fresh and surprising at every turn, please pick up an album from Robin. She sings with the emotion of angels. My favorite part of the song is the chorus line. The vocal melody is very catchy and it builds up the song's tension. The main lead really cranked. Its a short one, but doesn't forget the cup of soul.

Song three "I Surrender" is an upbeat hard rock ready radio anthem. Robin's vocal performance is priceless. The chorus line, just rocks! I could just imagine being at a stadium concert singing along with the crowd. The guitar playing is superb as well, using clean chords and then more distorted riffing at the end of the chorus lines. Check out the main lead line for some inspiring lickin'!

"In This Skin" is a slower tune with a peaceful melody line and a soothing guitar section. The lyrics are very well written and discuss what's really inside a woman. I know that's not much coming from a guy, and that's why you'll be reading a follow up interview with Robin Brock very soon! Overall the song is an just amazing piece of music. The main guitar lead is a soulful pentatonic jam, that is worth listening to a few times over. Robin's vocals are always the highlight of the song, she has great range and ungodly amounts of control. She can go from soft to powerful in a drop of a dime.

Song five "After the Storm" is defiantly the MTV ready pop rock number we've been wanting for years! Robin's vocals are powerful and she pounds out her competition in a single note! The song was very well written, all guitar and bass parts lock together seamlessly. This band is really a super rock band. It just blows my mind what high caliber musicians can crank out together. Jeff Pilson's walking bass lines allow the song to groove along with a head bopping infectiousness. I also liked the lead breaks throughout the song. They really added some flavor the track's feel.

So if your looking for a female artist that pushes the boundaries of modern rock music then Robin Brock is the woman for the job! In my opinion Robin is a mix Vixen, Lita Ford and the Bangels. I couldn't think of anyone else to compare her to. She beats the hell out of Alanis Morriset and Jewel that's for sure! Robin comes from the hard rock school of playing. She's no wussy! This chick knows how to rock and Roll! Robin, I give your the metal horn salute for, your amazing vocal performance and flare. This woman has range, soul, feel, control and a vocal presence that not all female artists have. I'm so glad we finally had an opportunity to review an artist at the caliber professionalism.

- Hello Robin, nice to meet you even if only through a simple pc desktop! I really appreciate you as an artist, and I am glad to have the opportunity to host you on Stereoinvaders. Getting in contact with you is very exciting!
Thank you very much.

- “Hidden Power”, your latest album, dates back to 2001. Many years have passed since then. What has Robin Brock done during all this time?
What have I been doing? Wow, I don’t even know where to start. I did a small tour in the UK, and just when everything was going really well, my record company folded. I guess it took the wind out of my sails you could say, after working so hard to get to where I was…I continued on doing internet promotion, which was successful and continued with marketing myself as much as I could, but because of the costs of touring, I couldn’t tour to the extent the album needed. I was tired of pushing, after so many years, so I decided to take some time to reevaluate things. I was actually forced to do that literally, when I had a mountain biking accident and broke my ankle very badly. I hated everything about the music industry at that time, and was trying to get things sorted out with the mess the label left. So I had the opportunity to get a “real” job. It started out for just a few days, but turned out to
last for a full 2 months. I was working for the British Columbia Forest Service on large forest fires with a fire management team.
It was the perfect distraction, cause when fire season was over I went back to writing and fell in love with writing all over again.
I started teaching myself guitar and now I’m even writing my own music. I decided to enjoy my life again, cause I was letting
the whole music industry and what it stood for beat me down. I was very unhappy. I battled with depression and an eating disorder… wow, I’m tired just thinking about it… And here I was, thinking I haven’t done anything since Hidden Power was released. I have been working on a new album recently, and meeting and working with new and interesting co-writers. I have been spending the past few summers working for the Forest Service, too. Strangely enough, it’s a great way to market myself. I can’t tell you how many
CD’s I’ve sold while working on fires. It’s a creative way to market. As a matter of fact, I just finished working on a fire two days ago. It’s a huge contrast; working on computers all day, using the other side of my brain. I really believe it rejuvenates my creativity. I am really excited about this new album. My writing has evolved so much since I wrote Hidden Power. I’m ready to get back and take it on again.

- Please, spend some words about both your album, “Blame It On Rock & Roll” (1999) and “Hidden Power” (2001). They were (and are) not too easy to find, almost here in Italy. So maybe not everyone could have a clear idea of Robin Brock wonderful music. I could say that “Blame It ...” sounds hard rock, and “Hidden Power”, still keeps on sounding hard rock, also with a more AOR flavor. Am I right? “
Sounds right to me. Although both albums have been described as “New Country”. I don’t know what’s with that. As long as no one calls it garbage, I’ll take it however it comes. 

- In your opinion, which song does represent Robin Brock at her best?
Ohhh, that’s a tough one. If you take it from Blame it on… I’d say She’s Outta Control. I love letting it all hang
out on stage. I tend to have two personalities. I absolutely love performing and I know it shows when I get in front of an audience. Although, Naked, pretty much suits me to a T. I don’t like people to ever see me “Naked” vulnerable, or weak. All my songs have little pieces of me…my power as a woman, my warped sense of humor, and my spirituality.

- Do you mind to spend some words about Robin Brock’s biography before the release of “Blame It On Rock & Roll”?
I always loved to sing. I just never thought I would do it for a living, until I actually stepped on stage with my first band in High School. From that moment, I absolutely knew that was what I was meant to do. I did the usual; played bars, and dances, and then started looking for a record deal. I did some demos and was fortunate to meet John Capek (writes for Rod Stewart, Cher, Amanda Marshall), who produced and co-wrote Blame It On Rock and roll with me. He also co-wrote two songs on Hidden Power.
I released BIOR&R independently and had some success in Canada, and later signed with A2 in the UK.
They really helped me get in the door in the UK and Europe. I am grateful to them for that. I have been fortunate to perform in Romania and Australia at festivals (song contests), also.

- Apart from music, what about Robin Brock as an everyday woman? What do you do in life day per day? Which are your main interests? What do you like to do and what you don’t?
I am very complex. I am very passionate. I love writing, and I love singing. I also love Mountain Biking. It has taught me a lot about myself, fear, and confidence, and I translate it to my career. As I’m looking down a steep slope and it freaks me out, I often say to myself, “Hey, if I can sing in front of 10,000 people, I can ride this mountain.”
I love writing with other people; I love to travel, but I also love my time at home. When I’m home, I write, play my guitar and ride my bike. My boyfriend of many years, races Mountain Bikes for a hobby, so when I am home, I love attending his races and working feed zone for him. I also am a Reiki Master (a modality of spiritual healing from Japan). I love to read, mostly spiritual books, but I also love the odd trashy romance novel. I also love to watch Law and Order, and any type of Autopsy shows, like CSI. But, I also love being in nature, and I love being in front of an audience. Like I said before, I am very complex and multi-faceted. Things I don’t like? Rude people, people who steal, and I hate cooking. I like eating though.

- On your website I have read that you are currently working on some new material! Please tell us something about it! What do we have to expect about it? When do you think a new record will be released? Which musicians are you collaborating with? Will you have a good distribution also for Europe? Which stylistic direction are you going to follow?
Yes, I am working on a new album. I will be working with John Capek again, and Randy Bachman, as well as some new writers. I have also written some songs with Alan Roy Scott who I wrote with before, and you can find the lyrics to one of those songs on the music page on my new redesigned website. It’s called Intimate Enemy. The album already seems to be taking on a theme, but I don’t want to quite give it away yet. (We’ll have to do another interview closer to the release.) But the album is going to be more along the lines of Blame it On Rock and Roll; maybe even a bit harder rock. Lots of guitars and attitude. The songs are meaningful and positive, and I am excited about this new project. I haven’t figured out the musicians yet; or the producer, but I have some ideas. I am hoping early next year for a release. I am currently looking for a new label, and focusing more in Europe, seeing that is where I have had most of my success.

- Are you going to plan some tour for Europe? Does a far hope to see Robin Brock live in Italy exist, in the future?
The plan is to tour in Europe. Yes! My European and UK fans are so good to me…it is my mission to get there and meet them and give them an awesome show! I can’t wait!

- Have you ever been to Italy, even just for vacancy?
No, unfortunately I have never been to Italy. I am so anxious to get there, though.

- Which are your favorite artists? Which music do you like to listen at the moment?
Right at the moment, I have Tommy Lee (from Motley Crue) in my CD player (it was hard to stuff him in there too; he’s so tall). I absolutely love the Tea Party (Canadian); I am going to see them with Def Leppard (another favourite) this Friday. I love Saliva, Metallica and Kiss of course.
Bryan Adams, Tal Bachman, and I love Pink. She’s so cool. Also Maroon 5. Their last CD got me through Fire Season last year (sometimes it’s an 8 hour drive to get to the Camp).

- In my opinion, together with Pamela Moore and Ann Wilson, truly you are one of the best voice of the U.S. Rock! Do you think that you have been receiving the right feedback for all your work and talent?
Wow; thank you!!! I always say if I can sing half as good as Ann Wilson, I am happy.
And to be honest, and not arrogant; No, I do not think I have gotten even half of the recognition I deserve for my work and my talent. I’m going to go out on a limb here; I have more talent than many of the female singers out there; not mentioning any names. It’s a shame that because I don’t fit their mold of Tall, blond, skeletal, that I tend to get overlooked at times. It’s frustrating and it sucks.

- Which is your opinion about the nowadays rock scene both in the United States and in Europe?
I think there are a lot of talented people out there, unfortunately, some overshadowed by the not so talented beautiful people, who have lots of money behind them. I do love the fact that there is currently more Rock out there, and that it’s not so much country or dance. I do think though, that there are too many clones…too many artists and groups who seem to be manufactured and sound and look the same as each other. But it’s always been like that.
Eventually you hope that the really talented people stick around and the not talented just go away.

- What about the states of mind and the feelings that you want to create with your music? What does the listener should feel in hearing of Robin Brock?
I want to make people feel good when they listen to my music. I want it to make them happy. Someone once said to me after they heard one of my songs, “How did you know how I was feeling? It was like you were in my head. I could relate to every single word.” It made me feel good. I do want to promote a positive feeling. If it touches something in someone, than I am doing my job as a writer. I am simply writing about how I feel. I also want to portray a strong female energy; to prove a woman can be beautiful, strong, and confident without taking off all your clothes and acting like a tramp or without being a bitch or a manhater.