Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Hoagland. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, to a family that celebrated the arts, ROB Rise On Belief’s (Robert Hoagland) destiny was to be a performer from an earlier age. He was motivated by his uncle, John Blount, a founding member of the 50s doo-wop group, The Delroys. And influenced by his late mother, photographer Carolyn Hoagland, the singer-songwriter cites both people as his core inspiration for shaping him into the entertainer he is today. After graduating from the prestigious Brooklyn Conservatory of Music, where he studied opera and vocal techniques, ROB Rise On Belief gained the proper education to pursue his dream. And formed his band in 2012 in New York City; the seven-piece rock band consists of the lead singer Robert Hoagland (ROB Rise On Belief), drummer Daniel D. Drums, keyboardist BX, bassist Mark “Abishai” Brooks, and guitarists Jules Drucker, and Kent Thompson. ROB Rise On Belief combined eclectic sounds of rock, and soul with hints of the 1970s and 80s flair, creating a distinctive sound all his own.
ROB Rise On Belief has performed on some of the most legendary stages throughout New York, including the famed Apollo Theater, Webster Hall, CBGBs, The Knitting Factory, The Cutting Room, SOBs, Arlene’s Grocery, and Club Amazura. And he rocked out at a sold-out crowd at the Dewey Beach Music Festival. Dewey Beach music festival was one of ROB Rise On Belief’s best shows; he could network with many bands, greet and sign autographs with the fans, and sell out most of his CDs and merch. But the most memorable and most challenging performance was ROB Rise On Belief rocking out at the Apollo Theater. Being on the stage where legends like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Hall and Oates, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard, Roberta Flack, and The Jackson Five had performed was utterly mind-boggling. ROB Rise On Belief channeled the energy of all these performers and gave the show a lifetime. Because if you don’t rock the house at the Apollo theater, the crowd will boo you off the stage, and being a featured band for that night, he knew the band had to dig deep and give all they had. When ROB Rise On Belief walked onto the stage and started singing Freedom by the legendary Jimi Hendrix, the crowd stood on their feet. They started dancing and singing along with ROB, and at that very moment, he knew he had conquered one of the most challenging crowds in entertainment history. Once he finished his set, the crowd gave him a standing ovation.
ROB Rise On Belief is gearing up to release his new album, “BRIGHT FAME,” on June 17, 2022. The album is mixed and mastered by the world-known engineer Fred Kevorkian. Kevorkian engineered for The White Stripes, Dave Matthews Band, Iggy Pop, and Willie Nelson. And “BRIGHT FAME” was recorded at the famed Avatar Studios in New York, now known as Power Station, and includes the two singles, Mirror Mirror and When Susie Puts On Her Makeup.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My obstacles were getting in my way, and lack of finances. My challenge was being a black rock artist in a world with few black rock singers/songwriters/musicians. And because of this, record labels did not know where to place. But I never let that stop me. Also, a big challenge was the passing of my mom. After she passed away, it took a lot out of me, and I lost my creative energy for a while. And it was very challenging for me to regain my focus and get back to performing and recording music. I must say I have worked through the loss of my mom and recovered my creative energy.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have performed at the legendary Apollo Theater, CBGBs, The Knitting Factory, The Cutting Room, Dewey Beach Music Festival, Summer Stage, Arlene’s Grocery, Club Amazura, Webster Hall, and Triads. Most of this performance took place in New York. I have released two CDs; the first is “ROB Rise On Belief” and my current album, “Bright Fame,” Both are available on Itunes and all online music stores. I have also released a video for my single, “Mirror Mirror,” which has been aired on The Music Network and is available on youtube.
What makes you happy?
My happiness is enjoying life, being creative, being with family and friends, performing on stage, and bringing joy to all who want my music.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robriseonbelief.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/robriseonbelief
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/robriseonbelief1
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/robriseonbelief
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/robriseonbelief
- SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/robriseonbelief
Image Credits
Photos by: Vikram Pathak, Charles McCain, Den Batuev and Carolyn Hoagland
