Today we’d like to introduce you to Emanuel Robinson.
Hi Emanuel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Becoming Emanuel Robinson has really been a journey of overcoming self-doubt. My passion for singing began back home in Oakland, CA in church, however I didn’t receive the support in home to fuel the pursuit. That’s where my self-doubt began, and I then dealt with nerves caused by fear when it came to singing publicly. Back then, I could give a whole show in my shower or at home if no one was around, but when it came to singing around people, I didn’t have the confidence.
My breakthrough moment happened my freshman year in college when I got the strength to audition for our annual Apollo Night talent show. And I only auditioned for the show because they offered virtual auditions; I couldn’t even muster up the courage to audition in person. I performed an acoustic version of Kings of Leon’s Use Somebody. I remember preparing my song, alone of course, and the minute I got on that stage, my nerves began to cause my body to shake, which came through in my voice. But as I began to sing, I found comfort quickly as I made it through the first verse. Then once I found my comfort in the song and performing, I began to hear noise coming from the crowd. A mix of “boo”s and “woo”s began to rise, which in the end just translated as “boo”s that got me swept off stage. From that moment, I was able to overcome my self-doubt when it came to singing because I experienced one of the worst things a performer can imagine.
I then began performing more through college with groups and solo, and then after college I was introduced into the world of Karaoke. This helped mold me as a singer and performer as I began performing in Karaoke Competitions. I’m so grateful for the lessons and experiences I received; I just knew I wanted to be my own artist with my own music.
I then began my journey of discovering myself as an artist. That self-doubt began to come back as I was put in a world where everyone was striving to be an artist in Los Angeles. It took me a while to find my voice because I was comparing myself to those who were getting attention as singers and artists. I then had a revelation of the power and abilities I have within myself and that are available.
I began learning how to create music using garageband’s loops. I was then able to produce and write my first single Distance of Your Love which I released in 2019. From then on, I realized that whatever I wanted in this life I can get. So that fuels me to continue to write and produce more music.
Today, I have begun to explore more sides to my artistry. I’m in a place where I know my voice while also still learning new abilities I have vocally. I’m creating music that provokes feelings and tells stories through the lyrics. The ultimate goal is to create timeless music that can be translated all over the world for generations.
I’m grateful for the power I’ve gained over my self-doubt; although fear tries to sneak back in but my power is strong, so it’s no longer a worry in my life and artistry.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I believe very “bump” we encounter is meant to only make us stronger; we just have to change our view of situations to see the light.
I’ve been a victim of trying to survive while also trying to live. This world isn’t made for all artists to thrive, so I’ve gotten caught up in working jobs that provided comfort financially, but I allowed it to take away my creativity which delayed a lot of my progress in my artistry. My inspiration to write and produce was lost because I’d been working so hard to maintain a comfortable lifestyle while also controlling growing debt.
Once I let that go as an excuse and began back investing into my artistry, I encountered issues of finding other producers to collaborate with. I couldn’t find anyone that gave me a sound I felt inspired by. And there was also the budget of paying for studio time plus mixing and mastering. However, I had to change my mindset and view the financial part as an investment into my future.
So, I’ve been able to find a balance in my work life that allows my creative to thrive, and I’m able to invest in my artistry. I’m still going through the challenge of finding a fitting producer and engineer, but I believe in time that will be resolved.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a vocal artist. I believe I’ve been gifted with a voice to make meaningful impressions on the world. Singing is my passion, and performing is my love. Making music is where the power of my voice is utilized. I enjoy music that provokes feeling, and I strive to do so with my own music.
I’m known for the texture of my voice and the feelings it provokes. I consider myself a soul-pop artist because my roots are church. In church, when I sang I was taught to feel the words as my own, and in doing so it will reach your audience, or congregation, in a personal way. That lesson has been engraved in me when I sing.
I see a soul as being something that’s felt internally, while I believe the concept of “pop music” is music that tends to cause an outward expression of feeling. As a soul-pop artist, I believe in causing an inner and outer body experience with my music and when performing.
I’m proud of my evolution as a vocalist and artist. I’ve been challenged with finding my voice and artistry because I was searching for and desired attention. I would view others who were getting the attention I wanted in the space of the arts and didn’t see any similarities in myself. Or I would try to emulate some of their techniques in my own way but didn’t get the same reaction or attention I saw them receive. That then made me doubt myself and my gifts. I then had an awakening when I realized I’m not meant to fit into the bold of others but create my own. And in that, I had to stop searching for attention and start searching of my definition. When I began figuring out who I was, then I unlocked a new confidence within myself where I discovered the power of my voice and the abilities I have as an artist. And that I’m grateful for.
It’s complex to explain what sets me apart from others. I strive to be seen as an individual in my artistry. My vocal style and presence really set me apart, as well as my character. I believe that combination, along with my height, helps me to be set apart from others.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During Covid I learned many lessons; the main thing I learned is that life is meant to be cherished every day. I learned the importance of finding beauty in my everyday life. I learned that there’s still kindness in society, and we are all the same in many aspects of our lives.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ruleofrobinson?igshid=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emanuelrobinsonofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emanuelrobinsonofficial/featured
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/emanuelrobinsonofficial
