It's his looks. It's his voice. Bluey Robinson, who is half-Swedish, half-Trinidadian by birth - yet a Londoner by nature - truly illustrates himself beyond the usual pop package, with an unmissable presence. 21-year-old singer/ songwriter Bluey has serenaded the West End as Simba in The Lion King, and showcased at events such as Orange Rock Corp and YoYo's.
He has generated 500,000 YouTube hits, performing spontaneously and recording live footage in open public spaces, including Harrods' music department. His influences include The Jackson Five, Bob Marley and Phil Collins. Bluey's debut single 'I Know' broke out independently in Autumn 2009 with a remix by U.S producer Ryan Leslie. Now, he features on the upbeat soul track 'Gotta Be A Way' by Gil Cang, (writer for Michael Jackson and Amy Winehouse). A signed deal with Sony RCA is the most recent reward for Bluey.
Name the worst and best reaction received by the passing public when singing spontaneously?
The worst one was at the London Underground when this woman I was trying to sing to looked at me and said, “Is this the behaviour in your town?” Very embarrassing! Best one was in Paris where I got a round of applause at the end.
What is the Bluey vision and what drives your music?
The vision is to do my best, to inspire minds and uplift the world however I can. Should be easy! That’s what mainly drives me. I felt I was destined to do this from a young age and have always had so much passion for it.
How did the major record deal come about? What are your thoughts on artists who choose to be independent?
Well, initially I wanted to be independent. The thought of a label coming in and telling me what to do and how to do it was never really something I could live with. I and my team therefore planned to build up enough of a buzz doing what I love doing first. So if anything came about that felt right, I could go into it with confidence and enough creative control. The deal eventually came about through the hype that had been created via radio, Youtube videos and also the live performance aspect. I’d always say go independent before jumping into anything major. Develop as best as you can first.
You have pursued music professionally since 1999. At what defining point have you felt recognised as an artist by fellow industry members? Which song best describes your feeling of recognition?
I don’t know when I’ll feel or have felt recognised as an artist by fellow members. I’ve kind of always done what I’ve done and not thought too much about all that. I still know I’ve got so far to go and have so much more I want and need to achieve. So maybe when Kanye comes up to me and shakes my hand, that’ll be it!
What was the last album you purchased and would recommend?
It has to be Michael Jackson´s ‘Off The Wall’ as I shamefully didn’t own an original copy. And I also bought Muse’s new album. It’s dope!
Can we expect Ryan Leslie or any other major collaborations on your debut album?
I think that more than likely Ryan and I will end up doing something, but in regards to other collabs, it’s all hush, hush at the moment. We’ll see how it goes!
Describe your album in five words.
Something for the whole family.
Name three essentials you need when recording in the studio.
Vibes. Something to write with or on. Music.
Having started at the West End already, is acting a profession you may wish to follow at some point? What would be your character of choice to play?
Yes, eventually I’d love to get back in to it. I’ve always felt like I’d be good at the quirky/ funny best friend type role.
As a London citizen, if you were requested to write and sing the official 2012 Olympic anthem what would it say or represent?
What they all generally represent really. Positivity, to believe in oneself and to have that fighter attitude.
Any shout outs or discussion topics for our Black Sheep readers?
Shouts to Fstreet, Master Shortie, Labrinth and Ed Sheeran. Check ‘em all out!! Peace x
NOTE: Catch Bluey Live at the Roundhouse, Camden, on 7th March
For more Bluey music: www.myspace.com/blueyrobinson
