Despite being a growing talent within the UK, there are a lot of people who are still unaware that 20-year-old Bluey Robinson is more than just a singer/songwriter from London, he is the true definition of a natural talent. Inspired by music for all the right reasons, if ever there were a twinkling hope of bringing authenticity back into the music of today, Bluey Robinson would be that light. Easily recognised by his distinctive dress sense, upon meeting I decided to follow him as he shopped around Covent Garden and get to know the real Mr. Robinson; the look, the lifestyle and the music of an artist who will one day touch the stars he so passionately reaches out to. Walking into one of his regular spots, I pick his brain about his look to find out what he looks for when he's out shopping, and how he manages to pull it all together so effortlessly. "Ermm..." he muses, looking into space "Anything that sticks out to me, really. Anything that looks slightly cool, appealing or quirky. Like these here." he points to a line of t-shirts inspired by famous films. Bluey likes to dress retro but is completely clueless when it comes to keeping up with fashion. "To be honest I'm rubbish at keeping up with the latest trends," he admits. "I just buy whatever I like, it doesn't need a brand name or any of that. I believe your appearance represents who you are, and what you're about so if you're truly trying to be yourself you should dress the way you feel comfortable. A lot of people wear what they're told or what they think will make them look cool. Personally, I think it's cool to stand out." Bluey sounds wise beyond his years, a sign of a solid upbringing. Raised in a number of different areas in London, he has now settled in Woolwich, south London and doesn't regret moving away from some of the distractions he had growing up. "If I stayed [there] I may have been a different person altogether," he turns and says as we walk through another clothing isle. "I'm so passionate about music and as crazy as it sounds, I feel that I was always destined to do something that would change people's lives in some way, but if I'd stayed with the wrong crowd I may have gone down the opposite path." The conviction in his voice tells me that he will pursue his passion by any means necessary and the the new company he keeps, F-Street, are much better for his career. Stopping by some long leather jackets we both agree that there's probably a limit to how much you want to stand out as an artist. "Maybe when I get a lot older," he jokes. "It's a bit too Morpheus for me!"
As we walk over to the next store Bluey starts to casually sing aloud. The song is one that I don't quite recognise. 'Look Good In Leather by Cody Chesnutt' he informs me. It seems he has grown with an open ear for all genres, the perfect way to develop a well rounded knowledge of music. Bluey's music varies from soulful RnB to more upbeat sounds, as well as funkier Jazz-influenced tracks, so as we step inside I ask him about his most prominent influences, expecting a list of common musical icons. "Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Freddy Mercury, ABBA," he starts to reel off names of some of history's greatest musicians. "Andre 3000, Kanye West, Bruce Lee..." I had to stop him there. "Why Bruce Lee?" he repeats back to me "To be honest I like to watch interviews of the greats to hear what they've experienced and understand their views on life. I would have loved to have been around when they were at their peak because it's fascinating how one person can change the mindset of so many others." The depth in which he takes the conversation is intriguing, coming across as more than simply an artist, but also an observer and an inquisitive young mind. He goes on to speak about people's aspirations to be like those greats who came before. "but why we can't achieve more than they did in their lifetime, you know what I mean?" he questions "I believe anything's possible." Continuing with this kind of attitude could only mean positive things for Bluey Robinson in years to come, as we know, a man who believes in no limitations can only climb the ladder of success.
Not feeling any of the clothes in the shop we made our way outside and go in search of some accessories. Taking it back to where it all started, Bluey claims there was never a time at which he consciously decided that he would turn his greatest passion into a career. "It was more like a natural progression," he explains. "I wasn't sure exactly how it would pan out but I knew I would eventually take this path. There is nothing else I would be truly happy doing! I want to have a voice that the people want to listen to as oppose to being another Pop or RnB singer that will disappear after a few records. I want to leave my mark in this world and leave a legacy behind." He clearly appreciates that the most rewarding thing about music is the inspiration it gives to others, something that many so-called artists of today forget in their pursuit of money and fame. Ironically, at that moment heads begin to turn in Bluey's direction after seeing him being followed by myself, recording the conversation, his management holding a camera, and my photographer who is taking pictures. "People are looking at me like I'm famous!" he laughs, showing a slightly shy side to the boy wonder.
If only getting recognition in the industry were that easy. Fortunately, Bluey is soon to release his debut single I Know. Instead of being a typical debut love song from a new RnB singer, it speaks about something a little more real than that. "I wanted it to be like a letter from someone who's passed away" he explains as we walk on. "Telling those people they've left behind that everything's alright. It's a comforting song if you're going through a hard time. It tells you 'I know, it's life and life's hard but you just have to carry on.'" Visit Bluey's Myspace and you'll find a number of tracks, each different in their own way, showing his ability to adapt his voice to a range of songs. Another popular song is the exciting and uplifting Give Me A Sign. Clearly the experienced one, I asked him how would you know if a girl was giving you a sign? "[laughs] I don't know," he hesitates. "It could be anything but I'm a guy who needs a sign or some sort of signal. Sometimes I even need my friends to point it out to me. I'm just too laid back!" We stop at a place selling some 'trendy' shades but after trying on a couple it's clear they're not to Bluey's taste and we quickly move on.
On our way toward the exit he spots a display of tribal wristbands and makes his way over. Quickly charming the owner with his flawless charisma, she lets him try them on before purchasing. Bluey will always have a lot of female admirers, but at the moment what the girls want to know is if he's single and searching. "Well, right now I'm just trying to live life," he replies before clarifying. "I haven't got a girlfriend or anything like that. I'm smart enough to know that it doesn't make sense for me right now. Music is my first love, and if I had a girl I wouldn't want her to come second. I'd rather wait until I've achieved certain things, then I can say 'Now I'm ready.'" So that's the verdict girls, however at least we're dealing with an intelligent guy who understands the importance of prioritising life.
We made our way outside once more in order for me to find out about the next steps in his early career, working from the ground up as an artist with great potential. "I Know will be the first single." Bluey assures me. "There's no release date for it yet, we're just building the foundation with radio and things like that. We're also putting concepts together for the video, which we're going to shoot soon. I'll soon be doing some live shows and performances with my band. My website Blueyrobinson.com is in development and will be up very soon. So yeah man! We're just gonna go from there!" For my final question, I ask about his plans for an album. "I'm eight or nine songs into my album," he informs me. "The title we're going with for the album is The Rising Sun. I'm just going to complete it and promote as much as possible, eventually making myself the star I need to be and achieve my dreams."
Myspace.com/blueyrobinson
We made our way outside once more in order for me to find out about the next steps in his early career, working from the ground up as an artist with great potential. "I Know will be the first single." Bluey assures me. "There's no release date for it yet, we're just building the foundation with radio and things like that. We're also putting concepts together for the video, which we're going to shoot soon. I'll soon be doing some live shows and performances with my band. My website Blueyrobinson.com is in development and will be up very soon. So yeah man! We're just gonna go from there!" For my final question, I ask about his plans for an album. "I'm eight or nine songs into my album," he informs me. "The title we're going with for the album is The Rising Sun. I'm just going to complete it and promote as much as possible, eventually making myself the star I need to be and achieve my dreams."
Myspace.com/blueyrobinson
Article written by Lawrence Gichigi
Check out his personal blog: http://www.onceabartender.blogspot.com/
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