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

Review for Blame It On Rock & Roll
"A powerful & professional piece of work" - Kamloops Midweek

"Robin Brock's debut album, Blame it on Rock & Roll comes flying at you with wailing guitars. Raw & powerful, this album is made of simple but fiery rock & roll. Brock has a pure, unraspy voice which takes off the edge a bit and gives it some soul." - Impact Magazine

"Robin Brock comes through clearly showing her energy & exuberance in the music. . . She delivers a definite punch with "She's Outta Control, Rockin' on the Airwaves, & Burning Up." - Concordia College.

"Robin is an accomplished singer in a Pat Benatar or Ann Wilson vein."

"These songs (from Blame It On Rock and Roll) are straight ahead stuff with little pretension or condescension."

“Robin Brock unleashes an impressive collection of exuberant and driving vocals. The album has a tight energetic feel & manages to avoid the usual formulaic lyrics of most rock fare.” BIOR&R Review

“Robin Brock astounds people with a voice and an attitude that wraps itself around that big rock flag. She generates astonishment from those who hear & see her for the first time”.

“Although the album has a lot of energy, it certainly isn’t lacking the occasional ballad either. This is a definite must have for anyone out there craving something they can really get their teeth in. Robin Brock is surely on her way to success.” BIOR&R Review

“A full American style pop/rock album with tonnes of atmosphere. Robin’s powerful vocals stand out as something a bit special. With the current music climate moving towards rock, this is likely to score well.” BIOR&R Review

“I was quickly under no illusions, this lady can rock with the best of them. Brock has a powerful rock voice, somewhere between Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson & Shania Twain. The material of this Cd suits the panache & style of her singing. Her ability & potential should make plenty of new fans & followers.”

“Finally . . A new female rocker that can both sing & write some good songs. Robin has a great voice that reminds me a lot of Ann Wilson. This album is a must for every fan of female fronted AOR/Rock.” BIOR&R Review

“Whilst there are a plethora of female pop and R & B Artists currently in the limelight, there seems to be a lack of women who “rock.” Robin Brock certainly is an exception, and a good one at that. with the release of her latest album, we finally get to hear hard rock with female vocals (which has not been done in a while). And most importantly rocks.” BIOR&R Review

“The melodic rock of Robin Brock is well worth listening to."

"I Lied is a beautiful mid tempo New Country/AOR tune with haunting vocals & great vocal harmonies. This girl should release an album with only ballads on it. I swear she would receive instant World fame with it.” BIOR&R Review

“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.

“I love this album with a passion, the kind of passion that the lovely Canadian songstress has crafted into each of the 10 wonderful rocked up new country songs.” - Powerplay Magazine
Powerplay used Robin Brocks’ Track #1 Pickboy Rules & Track#2 She’s Outta Control on the Nov/Dec Issue covermount cd.
BIOR&R Review

“You lost Your Heart is a gentle rock ballad that leaves listeners wanting a lot more. “She’s Outta Control” blasts your sensibilities with wailing guitars mated with Brock’s energetic, provocative voice. The result is completely sexy.”

“With the power & poise of Pat Benatar, the charm of Ann Wilson and Celine Dion & the lively delivery of Joan Jett, Robin is as complete a singer as you are likely to find anywhere. And with the marvelous songs to showcase her talents, I’m sure there’s nothing that she can’t achieve. Pure magic.”

"Canada has produced some of the finest female melodic hard rock singers. Add Robin Brock to this most impressive list."

"I was totally blown away, Robin Brock is rock ‘n’ roll through and through, This Cd became an instant favorite the moment I heard it and I still can’t get enough. Music, to me, is more impressive when it’s written by the people who actually perform it. And wow, does she ever perform. Hey, plain and simple, if you buy one album this year, make sure it’s “Blame it on Rock and Roll”. I hope and pray that this release is given the proper exposure, because there is no doubt in my mind that Robin Brock is gonna be a Star. No one hit wonder here. Robin Brock has created a tight, solid album and there’s not a weak song in sight. Just buy it, you won’t regret it...GUARANTEED!"

"The ballads "You Lost Your Heart" and "If I Can Forget" reveal the full potential of the songwriting team Robin Brock/John Capek, as they have more depth and drive than you usually find in this field. "Drowning" closes this CD in more than fine style- desperate but yet with a glimmer of hope. I love the tone of this!

"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

"I liked her set considerably more this year than last year's acoustic set. Considering that the backing band had only met her the night before, the tightness of the performance was incredible. A nice mixture of ballads and mid-tempo rockers, her set was exceptional and very well received." 9/10 - Heavy Harmonies - Ultrasound 2001

"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."

FIREWORKS MAGAZINE - UK

F: How do you feel about exploiting you looks and sexuality, or do you firmly believe that only the music should do the talking? (after all, image is a very important part of the music scene.)
R: Yes, image is very important. But this current standard image that you have to be beautiful and look like a model is total crap. It totally overrides the talent aspect, and face it, if you don't have talent, you only have a certain shelf life. I think lately in the industry, they've gone overboard. It's so esthetic, everyone looks the same, sounds the same and does the same thing - clones. Boring. But to answer your question, in a perfect world, I'd say yes music should do the talking. But that's not reality.

F: What's the craziest thing that's happened to you since you launched your musical career?
R: I was performing in Romania at the Golden Stag Festival. It was incredible - high security - army guys and machine guns everywhere. We were led to the stage by soldiers with machine guns. Before I went on, the soldier leading me to the backstage area asked for my autograph. Then his superior came over and gave him hell. We performed with helicopters circling above the stage. Then I got a fan letter a couple of years later from a Romanian Doctor asking me to marry him. Bizarre.

F: Are there any other famous musicians in the business you sould like to write with and/or perform with?
R: Oh yes, Bryan Adams; I would love to write with Richard Marx. I would love to sing a duet with either one of those guys, and Joe Elliot - I love his singing! I really think it would be fun and quite an experience to write with Mutt Lange, Paul Stanley or Gene Simmons - I would love to see what makes them tick. Jim Vallance, I heard he's a character to write with.

F: There are thousands of artists tyring to make it out there - what do you think you have to offer that would make someone who hasn't heard of your music buy it?
R: I think my music is thought provoking - a lot of people can relate. It makes you feel good, but it's not fluff. I am different physically - I am not a bone rack, and I am not a trend follower; I leave my clothes on and let my music do the talking - I'm different from what's out there - there are very few "rock" singers that are female anymore. I guess you could say I have attitude, but I have no chip on my shoulder about being a female, and I don't play the victim role either, and yet I am not a bitch. I am very complex.

French Interview

1.For the French fans, can you tell us more about your career?
I have been singing all my life. My mom told me I never talked, I would just sing all the time. I wrote my first real song at about 11. I think I still have it somewhere, but it wasn’t very good. I never wrote any more songs until I joined my first band at 15. Fast forwards to a few years ago. I released Blame it on Rock and Roll on my own label in Canada. The album has taken me to Romania and Australia as well as dates in the US and Canada for performances. I wrote the whole album with John Capek, who is best known for his hit Rhythm Of My Heart, by Rod Stewart. John and I have won numerous awards for a few songs on the album, which makes me very proud. I later signed on with A2 records who subsequently released the album in the U.K., then Italy, now France and later this month, the United States.


2.Could you comment each song of “Blame It On Rock & Roll”?
She’s Outta Control – Is about how music can transform and affect us.
You Lost Your Heart – Tells how fine the line of friendship is between man and woman, and how in some instances should never be crossed.
Rockin On The Airwaves – I live a clean life; no booze or drugs. Lots of coffee though. I have always used my music as my outlet when things go a little crazy in my life.
I Lied – Is about lying to protect someone even though it hurts and you know it’s wrong.
Just a Fantasy – I was watching Oprah Winfrey one day and Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley from KISS were on. Inspiration struck. Listen to the lyrics.
Burnin’ Up – The heat of passion song.
If I Can Forget – One of my favorites. It’s about coping with a long distance relationship.
Lipstick & Lace – A cheating song with a twist.
It’s My Heart – Giving your heart to someone is a precious thing.
Drowning – Being lost in someone can be so all consuming. This was a song that wrote itself in ten minutes. It happened so quickly I always wondered whether or not it was actually finished.

3.Why the title of the album is “Blame It On Rock & Roll”?
I grew up in a very small town. I always dressed different and looked different. I never really felt like I fit in. I guess I was kind of weird. I would lock myself in my room and write poems and stories with my stereo blasting, singing at the top of my lungs. I feel sorry for my parents now. Then I joined my first band, and it was easy to blame rock and roll for how I was behaving.

4.Have you begin to write some new material for the next album?
As we speak right now, I just finished preproduction for my next album with Keith Olsen, last weekend. I wrote with John again, and there will be a few songs with Randy Bachman from the Guess Who and BTO, and a few other talented writers. It’s been my dream to have Keith produce one of my albums. The records I grew up listening to were produced by him, and I just marveled at his talent. In elementary school, I used to take my sister’s copy of Rick Springfield’s Working Class Dog and play it over and over. One of the first records I ever bought with my very one money was Pat Benatar’s Precious Time.

5.What are your influences?
I grew up listening to The Eagles, Kiss, Def Leppard, Pat Benatar, and of course, Bryan Adams.

6.Which 5 CDs would you bring with you on a deserted island?
That is a very difficult question, but after about an hour’s deliberation I have narrowed it down.
Kiss Alive III, Def Leppard – Hysteria, Metallica – The Black Album, Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force – Odessey, with Joe Lyn Turner singing, and Bon Jovi – New Jersey.

7.Would you like to add anything else for the French fans?
I would like to thank you all for your support and I hope to see you there very soon. I guess that means I will be brushing up on my French. Check out my web page: www.robinbrock.com. If you’re a fan of good melodic guitar driven rock, pick up a copy of Blame It On Rock and Roll. You won’t be disappointed.
A bientot!

FRENCH INTERVIEW - by Luc 1/03/02

Could you comment each song of "Hidden Power"?

I'm Doin' Fine : a song about revenge. It's full of attitude and fun to sing live.
These Walls: It took a long time to get this song just right. The music was already there, and I came up with the chorus first, then the verses. It's about how we can close ourselves off so easily when we've been hurt. It's about being safe, and how much we can miss out on by shutting the world off from us, so we don't get hurt again.

(I Wish You Could) Read My Mind: I think the title says it all. The person in the song doesn't want to voice their feelings to their partner, cause she doesn't want to hurt them.

Don't!: I loved recording this one. Another song full of attitude. A cheatin' song.

The Game: This story involves two people and how their lives are changed by drugs and all the garbage that that scene involves. It's the darker side of life.

You Let Me: This is a very personal song. It was so hard to sing, because I kept getting so emotional during the recording. It's about letting someone be who they need to be and having the strength yourself to accept that as a lover. I am so lucky because my boyfriend is so accepting of what I do and he lets me be who I am, no questions asked.

I Surrender: I think this is one of my favourites. Not only because the guitars are so cool, but it was so fun to write. I co-wrote this with Randy Bachman, and we had so much fun throwing words around. The song is about having faith in the Universe, God or whatever that might be to you. After you dream for so long, and do all you can, you just have to ask for a little help, and for me it meant "surrendering" and letting the Universe do it's thing.

In This Skin: I have chosen to be part of a business that is really focussed on looks and outside appearance. I'm really tired of that, and In This Skin is my statement. I worked the lyrics to this while sitting at the side of a Downhill Mountain Bike course, while my boyfriend who races, was doing his pre-rides. I was in my happy place, coffee in one hand, sitting on the dirt, with sticks pointing in my bum, and dust in my teeth. How could you not be inspired?

After The Storm: This is the oldest song on the album. I wrote this years ago, actually, ironically enough, during the war in the Persian Gulf. It has nothing to do with war, it has to do with the storminess of emotions in relationships. How the storm boils, then rips through, then the sun comes out and things can get better.

Naked: Most people see this title and get the wrong idea. It's about not letting others see what's really going on on the inside of you

Goddess of Rock and Roll: This song is tongue in cheek. It might seem arrogant to some, but I don't care. It's about living out your dreams. We all have them, some are just too chicken to actually take action. I wrote the lyrics on December 31, 1999. I wanted to write a fun song on the last day of the century. This is a cool song to do live.

That Scares Me: This is about waiting for the other shoe to drop, when everything in a relationship is so wonderful. I guess sometimes I can be a pessimist.

Why is it called "Hidden Power"?
R: It took me a long time to come up with the title for this album. I wanted to encompass the whole feel of the album, the mood of the songs, and the magic of the recording. I really feel that the rawness of the production and the songs give this album a lot of power, and it's somethng that the more you listen to the songs, you discover that.

METAL MAIDENS Interview
How do you keep your voice in (good) shape?
R: I make sure I warm up vocally before performing. It's really important to me. I don't smoke or do drugs, which really damages the tissues, and I rarely drink. I get lots of cardio exercise, and I try to eat well. I hydrate like crazy with only wter, and I need lots of sleep. Nothing worse than a bitchy female singer, is there? It's quite boring, actually, but it works for me. When I'm home, I try to do vocal exercises and sing for an hour 5 days a week.

Do you have any other hobbies, next to making music?
I love to read. My name is Robin and I'm a bookaholic. I love mostly new age, self-improvement types of books, but I also am a sucker for a sloppy romance novel. My other passion is Mountain Biking. I like to use it as a metaphor for life. You need to be in shape and you are always meeting new challenges. If you lose your focus on some of the trails, you can really get yourself in trouble. I have scars to prove it (and now pins and plates). It's a sport that I never dreamed I would get so much enjoyment out of. You can have real good days, where you can ride anything cause you have lots of nerve, and you have days where you can really suck; days where it's all you can do to stay on the trail. It's the same as life. It's just the idea of getting past the days that suck, and keeping going that make you a better rider and a better person. Being in nature, too is great inspiration for writing. When I'm on a big climb, I get my mind in the zone; the same place it takes for inspiration to happen. Many seeds of songs have grown from long, hilly terrain. Plus it keeps me in shape.

Interview exerpt from Michael Schubeler

Robin Brock - Witness the birth of a star!


M: With this amount of time, how close is the album to you anymore?
Have you changed or developed a lot?
R: Yeah, my writing really has. It’s still basically in the same style, but the depth of the writing has really...I find it’s more personal now. It’s better crafted. I think I’m a much better writer. I mean, the more you do things, of course, the better you get at them. And I love writing, so I want to be the best I can be at it. So I really feel that my writing has really developed since I wrote Blame It On Rock And Roll.

M: You say “more personal”. Can you give me an example of that? Because that’s a problem that I have with many American and Canadian artists, especially when they more or less only write about love. It has lost a lot of its meaning and depth just because it was (and is) used too often!
R: I think so too. I feel that you can say it in a lot of different ways without actually saying the word (love), by being creative about it. It’s been said thousands of times before in exactly the same ways, right? And I’m trying with my writing to get away from that.

M: How do you work together with John (Capek, also keyboards)? Is the work strictly shared? You write all the lyrics, I guess.
R: I write the lyrics, and he writes the music. I live in British Columbia, and he lives across the country in Toronto, and part time in Los Angeles, so we don’t get together that often. I email him any new lyrics that I feel might inspire him, and then he’ll interperet them in whatever way he thinks would work, and sends a demo to me. I trust him completely, because I know what he can do, and I know he’s so good at what he does. It works perfectly, I feel.

M: One thing that’s very strong in almost all of your songs is the bridges. They are very clever and at the same time, very emotional. Must be really hard!
R: Oh, I don’t know! I find that writing bridges is really easy! It’s funny, because I don’t necessarily try to be clever. You know, I try to say something different, because that’s what a bridge is all about! Usually, a lot of times when I’m writing, the bridges come from the first line that inspires the whole song. I might try to put it somewhere else during the writing process, but if that doesn’t work, a lot of times it usually ends up in the bridge, because it’s a great line and I don’t want to throw it away. It’s a strange, strange process, but I really like writing bridges. I have the hardest time with the second verse always.

M: Why’s that?
R: Because you always want to say something different, you know, you want to move the story along, and you don’t want to say the same thing you did in the first verse, cause you’ve already said it.

M: How much of your potential have you been able to exhaust on the new album? (Hidden Power)
R: Oh boy... a lot, ha ha. Especially my writing abilities. I’ve really gone places where I never thought I would go, and might not ever wanna go back to. I don’t want to sound conceited, but I figure I’ve just started to tap into that potential. You know, the more I write, the better I get, and the more I’m saying, the more I’m tapping into that.

M: So, I conclude from what you say, that you followed my advice and released the brake on the new album, ha ha.
R: Yes, it’s funny that you said that in your review, but I really think that that’s happened. You know, I love Blame It On Rock and Roll, because it was my first album. Of course, the songs are like my children. You write what you know about at that time. But in between the last album, and starting to write for this one, a lot of things happened to me in my life, a lot of things to wake me up. I finally opened the door to go to the other side of that wall. There’s actually a song on the new album called These Walls, which really encompasses that.

M: Did you have any idea what you would find behind that door?
R: No, I didn’t. You know, I’m a much happier person now. I’m much more settled. I’m much more confident.

M: On my favourite track “Lipstick and Lace”, you also show a certain sense of humor...
R: YEAH!! I have one of those, ha ha ha. A lot of people really don’t get that song. Some people just don’t like to see the humor in things, I guess, especially in rock and roll. But that’s my sense of humor...

M: A very healthy one I suppose!

* Note from the author: My name is Michael. I am a freelancer from Germany. My main goal is to make a living from my writing talent which is impossible to do from the German market only. I hope my devotion to and the love I feel for music came across in the article you just finished reading. I believe ANY magazine that features rock music can become more colourful through my work. So, if you think I am the contributor your team is missing, feel free to contact me at any time - or inform others you know who might be interested.

Michael Schubeler
E-mail: schuebi@aol.com

From Powerplay Magazine

Powerplay:When did you realize that you had a singing talent?
Robin:I always sang, all the time, growing up. It was something I loved and felt good doing, it was just something I did. I always sang in my school choir, and no one ever said I sucked at it, so I never really thought about it, until I did a small solo one year, and afterwards, everyone kept coming up to me and telling me how much they liked it. Later on in the year, I decided to sing a whole song. It was "Against All Odds" by Phil Collins. Afterwards, people from school that I didn't know came up to me, and one guy told me he had shivers run up his spine as I sang it. I was so shocked.

P: How long did it take to turn that realization into a musical career, and then a finished album?
R: After I performed that solo, I was approached buy some local guys who were putting on a talent night, and asked if I would like to perform at their upcoming show. Later that day, two guys from school told me they needed a singer for their rock band, and asked me if I would like to join. I said yes, of course, and as soon as I stepped on that stage, I knew that was what I wanted to do, no matter what.

P: In view of the diversity, it's hard to pin down your influences, so which bands do you listen to regularly?
R:I listen to Bryan Adams, of course, Kiss, Def Leppard, Metallica. I listen to many types of music - Sheryl Crow, Seal, some country.

P: What do you make of the whole emphasis shift from AOR to New Country and the number of the traditionally melodic rock bands that are now working out of Nashville?
R: To me, it's all rock. It all comes from the same place. It may be mellower, with fiddles and steel guitar, but it's pretty close to rock and pop.

P: So, where is home for you?
R:I live in the interior of British Columbia, in the westernmost province of Canada. It's so beautiful. We have Bears, and Mountain Lions, and Deer right in our back yard. I love the city and I love the rural area where I live. It's a great balance; we get lots of snow in the winter and the change of seasons is very evident. You should come and visit. Lots of fresh air and nature is a wonderful inspiration.

P: Speaking of sleeve-notes, I am curious to know who Lee is?
R: Lee is my soul mate. He is the guy who puts up with me and my strangeness, no matter what I do. He inspires me.

P: Also, who are "The witches who help keep me sane"?
R: The Witches are a few of my closest friends who have supported me all through my career and the craziness of the music business. It was actually a typing error, and should have been spelled with a B instead of a W. Just Joking!

P: With the exception of Larry Gowan, who had been very successful, almost every Canadian artist that we speak to is totally despairing of the rock scene at home. So how well has "BIOR&R" fared there?
R: I had really great airplay across Canada, when it was released a couple of years ago, but it was bad timing. Canada follows the States so much, so rock here is hard to sell - my kind of rock, anyway. It's coming around again, everything is cyclical. Thank God for you guys in the UK and Europe, who aren't afraid to take a chance.

P: I'm surprised that you've struggled to break into the US market? I would have expected that you to be quickly adopted by the New Country fraternity there?
R: When I was shopping this album in the States a couple of years ago, they wouldn't touch it. So much for their foresight. They kept telling me it was dated, whatever that means. When I asked anyone what they meant by that, no one could give me a straight answer. It was frustrating.

P:"She's Outta Control" opened up the sampler CD with our last issue, and the response we've had to it has been phenomenal. People keep asking why they haven't heard of you before. Any comment?
R: This really thrills me. I am so ecstatic that you like it! It is so awesome when you can find people who appreciate your music.

P: We're currently receiving voting forms for our annual awards and I've been more than a little surprised to see your name on plenty of them. Have our readers been particularly quick to pick up on your music, or are you finding the same thing everywhere?
R: In the UK I have been getting such wonderful reviews. You guys say such nice things. I have also been getting some reviews from the Netherlands and Austria. It's so cool. I love it.

P: What makes you sad?
R: What makes me sad? When people don't respect themselves, or other people. It really makes me sad to see people who have great potential and are paralyzed by fear. But I guess that's just their path. When I see animals hurt, I get sad, also.

P: Aside from music, what inspires you?
R: When I see people doing what they love, or taking chances, making the world, or their own lives, a better place, I find myself inspired. Nature also inspires me.

P: Obvious question, but we are dying to find out - what are the realistic chances of seeing you play in the UK?
R: Very realistic. I would LOVE to come and play there. Tell my record company, A2.

P: Finally, can you take us through the album track by track and tell us what about each one and what it means to you?
R: "She's Outta Control" - this song is a description of what music can do to a person. It reminds us of the power of music.

"You Lost Your Heart" - this is about the fine line between friends and lovers. Sometimes it can work, sometimes it doesn't.

"Rockin On The Airwaves" - to me, you don't need drugs to take you to another place. When I'm feeling down or depressed, music is the cure for me.

"I Lied" - sometimes we have a different perception of what is going on in a relationship than the other person. This is about letting someone go to protect them from you and what you could do to them. Warped.

"Burning Up" - this is about the passion you can feel for someone. Isn't it obvious?

"Just A Fantasy" - I wrote this when I saw Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley on the Oprah Winfrey Show once. I don't want to reveal too much.

"If I can Forget" - this was written in LA, when I was away from my boyfriend and was feeling homesick. This is so personal to me, like "I Lied"

"Lipstick and Lace" - this is a fun song for me. I was inspired by a TV program, I think, and I decided to use the cheating song as a concept, but I thought it would be cool with a twist.

"It's My Heart" - this is my mom's favorite song. It's about the evolution of a relationship, and how you give your heart so carefully, especially if it has been broken before.

"Drowning" - this song was written in about 15 minutes. I never dreamed it would get on the album, because to me, it wasn't finished. I like the dreamy quality of it. The emotion of when you are so lost in someone it's so easy to let go.

POWERPLAY Pro- Files

Nickname at School: Rockin' Robin - what else?

First record you ever bought: With my own money, Pat Benatar - Crimes of Passion. With my dad's money Kiss - Dynasty.

Favourite TV Show and Film: Law and Order, and any forensic science show where they cut up bodies.

Film? It changes. I guess Robin Hood with Kevin Costner. Or anything with Denzel Washington.

Most annoying person on TV: Anyone from Seinfeld.

Things you hate: Wet socks, liver and cooking. I'm a really good cook, but when I'm home I'll do anything to get out of cooking. I doesn't matter how hungry I am, I'll try to wait my boyfriend out. Oh, I also hate rude, ignorant people. But don't we all?

Most Underrated band of all time: Hardline, and I also have to say Richard Marx. He is such an incredibly talented singer and writer.

Most overrated band of all time: Nirvana. I never got the grunge thing.

Childhood ambitions: I always wanted to be a singer, but at an early age I never really thought I could do it as a living. For a short time I wanted to be a Police Woman, but I was just too short. They had height restrictions at that time. But I always wanted to be a singer.

Most hurtful thing written about you: This wasn't written about me, but I was at a conference once and overheard a female A&R person tell my manager: "Your artist is beautiful, but she needs to lose some weight. I'd never touch her for that reason." That pissed me off. Bitch.

Most embarrassing moment: Why do you think I don't drink alcohol?

If you won the lottery: I would buy myself a top ten spot on the Billboard charts (I don't want to be greedy now), and I would buy myself a multi-platinum album. Oh, and lots of books and rocks, and leather stuff.

Fantasy date for one night, who would you choose: Merlin the Magician. I would get him to show me all his magic. I dig old guys.

Body feature you'd most like to change: My butt and hips. I have booty.

Interview Exerpts from Rock-It-magazine with Birgit Schwanke (Germany)

Birgit: “Hidden Power” is your second album - how did you get such big names on the album to play with you like Randy Bachman for example?
Robin: I don’t want to make this sound easier than it was, but I simply asked them. Actually, I personally was too chicken, so I got my manager to ask them. They liked my previous album, and what I was doing, so Randy and I agreed to try writing together. I was honestly terrified to work with legends such as Randy (BTO and The Guess Who) and producer Keith Olsen ( Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac), but they are such sweet and easy men to work with, I soon forgot about all that kind of stuff. I really appreciate how they treated me like an equal. Sometimes in the music business, men kind of have an attitude about working with women. I am so fortunate to have had this experience. Keith told me he’d find the best guys for the project. That he did. Tim Pierce ( Celine Dion, Phil Collins), on guitar, Jeff Pilson (Dokken) on bass, and James Kottak (Scorpions, Krunk) on drums, helped bring a magic to these songs. It was so wonderful to work with such incredibly talented and wonderful guys. We had so much fun, too. That makes such long hours in the studio fly by. It never felt like work for one minute!"

exerpted from www.rock-it-magazine.de

Strutter Interview
ROBIN BROCK is a Canadian artist who released a great debut CD titled ‘Blame it on rock&roll’ last year. A record which will please fans of the female fronted melodic rock of bands like HEADPINS, CHRISSY STEELE, DARBY MILLS, SARAYA… I had an interview with the girl and let’s see what she has to say…

Strutter: I heard you won some contests before you released your debut CD. Please tell me about them, especially the Netherlands Song Expo you won?
Robin: Song contests to me are a testament to the time, emotions, heart & soul that a writer puts into a song. At least thats what I put into my songs. It is a real honour to be recognized for that. A few years ago I was chosen to perform at the Golden Stag Festival in Romania. That was really the start of the song contest thing for me. I never won anything, but performing there at Brazov representing my country, in front of thousands of people was a beautiful experience. Next I went down under to the Gold Coast of Australia to perform Rockin On The Airways and John and I won first prize in the rock category. What a surprise to me. Through Fidof, the organization that helps sponsor these contests, I heard of the Netherlands Song Expo. John Capek and I wond a medal for Lipstick & Lace in 1998 and this year we won for She’s Outta Control and You Lost Your Heart in the rock category. That was so cool. Hopefully I will be able to perform at the song expo awards ceremony in 2000. I would love to come to the Netherlands. I have family there.

S: You have just released your debut album Blame It On Rock & Roll, can you tell me all about this release?
R:I wrote the album with John Capek a few years ago. We did the preproduction in Los Angeles, partly in John’s studio and the rest was recorded in Canada, in Vancouver, at what is now known as Greenhouse studios. In all, after I had my part in the writing finished, it took about three months to complete the album. I call the songs guitar oriented melodic rock with an edge. John Capek produced this project and I was fortunate to have some of the nicest and best musicians play for me. It was so much fun. Being my first album, I was so nervous to be around such professionals, but they all made me feel at home and we had an awesome time. When the album was released in Canada, I had great airplay across the country but because I was an independent and I had no huge distribution deal behind me, it was a difficult sell. Most units in Canada were either sold off stage, or by word of mouth. I was so fortunate to find Rupert and Richard at A2, someone who really believes in me and my music and I am so thrilled with the European reviews. The first release is ‘I Lied’.

S:Your music is very 80’s based AOR/Melodic Rock, clearly in the Canadian tradition of Toronto, Chrissy Steele, Cindy Valentine and Heart. Which bands inspired you?
R:Well, Toronto was actually before my time, but I remember my older sister playing it some. I was actually influenced by Kiss, strangely enough. I am a MAJOR Kiss fan. I know every song by heart and have every single one of their albums. They were a huge influence. Bryan Adams, Def Leppard and Bon Jovi as well as you guessed it, Heart, but only in their later years after their comeback if that’s what you want to call it. To be honest with you I don’t think of my music as 80’s sounding. Maybe production wise, because it’s that slick, big sound. I just think of it as guitar driven melodic rock. Really, I guess because I spent my childhood in the 80’s that it’s really difficult not to be influenced by that type of music. If you look at my influences, I was drawn to their music because it was uplifting and made you feel good. It was never depressing and dark. That means good songs with a good story, cool riff, and a cool melody and memorable chorus. If you ask me, up until a few years ago, with the resurgence of dance music, it was really difficult to tell in a song where the verse ended and the chorus began. I don’t find that exciting. So I try to incorporate the melody, guitars, a bit of a story, and the positive energy into all my songs. I think at least a little thought should go into the lyrics. That’s my mission.

S: Well, the 80s were the times of fun melodic rock and writing about the normal things in life. The 90s were more like feeling depressed and writing about stupid things. Anyway, something else, I heard you are working together with Randy Bachman for a future release. How did you get in contact with him and have you written any stuff with him so far?
R:I am so excited to be writing with Randy Bachman. As of this moment, I have not written with him yet. We are waiting for our schedules to match up, and I will be heading to Vancouver to write with him then. I know that I can learn so much from someone like Randy who has written so many great songs. Randy and I belong to an organization in the States called TAXI and in the monthly newsletter a year ago or so, I read an interview with him and he was saying how much he enjoyed writing with new young artists. I thought, Why not? I have always admired him, so my manager contacted his manager. TAXI was putting on a seminar for its members and Randy was going to be the keynote speaker, in LA. So, my manager and I met him there and we began to e-mail back and forth. It wasn’t until I signed the A2 deal, that I began to think seriously on the whole thing.

S: So basically what are the plans for the coming months, new material and when can we expect a follow up to Blame it on Rock & Roll?
R:I will be locked in my basement waiting for that bolt of inspiration to hit me in the head for the next little while. We get so much snow that I have no choice, except to hire a sled dog team. I’m just kidding. I will be writing, sorting out all the material that may be suitable for collaboration with Randy. John and I have already written three new songs and we are working on about seven more. I am hoping a new release for spring 2000. It all depends on how soon the UK wants me over there to tour. Very soon, I hope.

Interview by Wes Royer from OpenUpAndSay.com (exerpted)

Wes: Okay, let’s get this out of the way first: I am not going to tell you who I think you sound like vocally. Set modesty aside and tell me who you would compare yourself to? And who were your greatest female vocal influences?
Robin: I really don’t like to compare myself to anyone - it gives me too much to live up to. I was strongly influenced by Ann Wilson and Pat Benatar - if I could be half as talented as those girls, I would be happy.

W: I know all the songs on the album are probably your “babies”, but what tracks are your favourites and why? Maybe one or two are the most fun to perform live?
R: When you put so much of yourself into a song it is really hard to play favourites, much like kids, because they tend to have their own personalities. I always love to perform Rockin’ On The Airwaves and She’s Outta Control, because they are so edgy, and so much energy. If I had to pick a favourite, I always lean towards If I Can Forget and I Lied. They were the toughest songs for me to write, because of the emotional aspect and they were songs that I really had to work at for them to come into being.

W: What would you do differently on your next album? What is different in your approach to music at this point?
R: On the new album, everything is much simpler. The performances are rawer and more emotional. The songs I think are even better lyrically, because I really feel I have developed more as a writer. Keith’s (Olsen - Producer) approach was to just keep it more with a live feel; not overrehearsed - no hours and hours of rehearsal. The music is still rock and roll but there is a really good mix. The rock songs are crunchy, there are some mid tempo tunes and one or two you could almost classify as ballads, and loads of attitude. I wrote with 6 different co-writers, so there is a huge variety of influence there.

Interview by Wes Royer from OpenUpAndSay.com (exerpted)

Wes: Okay, let’s get this out of the way first: I am not going to tell you who I think you sound like vocally. Set modesty aside and tell me who you would compare yourself to? And who were your greatest female vocal influences?
Robin: I really don’t like to compare myself to anyone - it gives me too much to live up to. I was strongly influenced by Ann Wilson and Pat Benatar - if I could be half as talented as those girls, I would be happy.

W: I know all the songs on the album are probably your “babies”, but what tracks are your favourites and why? Maybe one or two are the most fun to perform live?
R: When you put so much of yourself into a song it is really hard to play favourites, much like kids, because they tend to have their own personalities. I always love to perform Rockin’ On The Airwaves and She’s Outta Control, because they are so edgy, and so much energy. If I had to pick a favourite, I always lean towards If I Can Forget and I Lied. They were the toughest songs for me to write, because of the emotional aspect and they were songs that I really had to work at for them to come into being.

W: What would you do differently on your next album? What is different in your approach to music at this point?
R: On the new album, everything is much simpler. The performances are rawer and more emotional. The songs I think are even better lyrically, because I really feel I have developed more as a writer. Keith’s (Olsen - Producer) approach was to just keep it more with a live feel; not overrehearsed - no hours and hours of rehearsal. The music is still rock and roll but there is a really good mix. The rock songs are crunchy, there are some mid tempo tunes and one or two you could almost classify as ballads, and loads of attitude. I wrote with 6 different co-writers, so there is a huge variety of influence there.

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

Some of Robin’s songs would be ideal for radio with a commercial feel to them making them appeal to a wider audience. With 14 good songs but sadly no encore hopefully it won’t be long before we get a Welcome return from Robin Brock.

Classic Rock Society - Rotherham - Live show

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

Soulful, sassy and provocative, Brock combines both ballads and powerhouse rock, with an inkling of New Country, in a performance that will keep you wanting more...Her melodious vocals inspire listeners that are looking for something jazzy to sing along with.

A good mixture of tracks from both of Robin's albums saw her crooning seductively on the likes of "I'm Doin' Fine" and "I Surrender", and kicking up a storm on big hitters such as "Rockin' On the Airwaves", "She's Outta Control" and "These Walls", which was the highlight of the show and featured a stellar performance.

Powerplay Review of Rotherham, UK show.

...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.