Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Artist: Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Hails from: Brooklyn, NY
Musical style: Folk, Rock, Grunge
For fans of: The Band, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Bright Eyes
Why you should check him out:
Influenced by classic guitar riffs and folk rock sentimentality, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson transforms life’s lowest moments into artful songs of tragedy and vulnderability. Gracing the cover of Fader magazine only moments after the release of his debut album, Robinson has quicky proven to be one of Brooklyns best kept secrets, until now that is.
Background check:
It has recently come to my attention that folk rock is becoming an increasingly popular genre to replicate. Across the country young 20 somethings are picking up their acoustic guitars and growling out drunken rants about love and politics, and the way things use to be (you know, back in the 80’s). Sure, it isn’t the most innovative sound to draw from, but with the discouraging state of modern music inventions (rock rap, screamo) you can’t really blame them for retreating back before their time for inspiration.
Bob Dylan started out playing Woodie Guthrie covers, and now 40+ years later Brooklyn’s Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is perpetuating the folk sound with a few Dylan covers of his own. There may be a large lapse in time, but listening to Robinsons debut self-titled release, it’s impossible not to draw such similiarities. Ranging from lo-fi acoustic ballads to distorted rhythms with the occasional psychidelic guitar solo, Robinson manages to maintain a relevant edge on his otherwise classic sound. Although the lyrics aren’t always distinguishable, each song is clearly defined by Robinson’s highly emotive and wavering vocal style.
After stumbling through several bands in a self professed drug induced haze, Robinson teamed up with Chris Taylor and Chris Bear of Grizzly Bear and Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio to record his 2008 debut. These endorsements, coupled with Robinson’s unquestionable talent have resulted in his quick ascent as one of the most promising new bands of 2008. With his first national tour this summer, and a second album due out in 2009, it looks like Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson is finally getting the attention he deserves.
Where you can find them in cyberspace:
On Tour: