Robyn Sherwell
Act Profile:

Robyn Sherwell

Genre:
Pop

Fresh acoustic soul-folk from this British singer-songwriter.

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Introduction

Fresh acoustic soul-folk from this British singer-songwriter.

Bio

Distinctive, minimal nu-soul-folk stylings from British artist Robyn Sherwell. Always one to write from the heart, her songs explore love, heartbreak and notions of home and belonging, each sentiment exposed through stripped-back production tinged with subtle electro ambiance. Arresting vocals blend power and fragility, and an uncompromisingly raw delivery gives rise to a gorgeously bittersweet collection of songs. With her songs “Heart” and “Mister Mister” included as background music in the recent London Film Festival hit Junkhearts (Eddie Marsan, Tom Sturridge) and rave reviews from the industry panel at Unsigned Band Review, Robyn is set for great things in 2012. With the support of an eclectic group of musicians and friends, Robyn is currently performing some intimate gigs as well as recording material for release.

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Q. How did you first get into playing music?

I started out playing the recorder in school. Then the oboe… I learned piano for a while too, we had a beautiful clangy upright at home which my mum used to play. By the time I was about 13 I had given up the piano lessons but found myself playing to accompany myself singing, self-teaching Tori Amos, Jewel, Rufus Wainwright… which led to writing songs and focusing on creating music.

Q. How long have you been performing?

Singing in the shower… as long as I can remember. Professionally, about 4 years. I started gigging my own songs acoustically in 2010. We’re a bit of a trio now and I’m excited to develop the live gig further whilst keeping the stripped-back, intimate vibe.

Q. How would you describe your sound in one sentence?

Aaah, the ‘one sentence’ question… I asked someone this question the other day about my music. Here goes: “The sound of a heart not just breaking, but mending - then coming back stronger.” Maybe that’s right – writing music can definitely be a cathartic thing.

Q. What makes your music unique?

No animals were harmed during the making of the music. A few men though.

Q. What inspires you to write songs?

Relationships mostly. My music rests on emotion so I guess that makes sense. Listening to music unlocks emotional inspiration for me too. I’ll be watching a gig, I’m moved by an artist’s performance – and pretty quickly that tends to put me in touch with what I need to be writing about.

Q. What have been your best and worst gig experiences?

Playing the Station Sessions in St Pancras was cool – I enjoy playing unusual venues or places, blurring the idea of where a performance can happen or what my stage can be. Worst… when a promoter changed the line-up and timing of a gig at the last minute and heaps of people arrived for my set just as I came off stage… and even worse, as they were closing the bar… Eeesh.

Q. If you had to listen to one album for the rest of your life what would it be?

Something with cracking emotional reach… Probably Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life … or Jeff Buckley’s Grace for the same reason… with just one album for the rest of my life, I’d want music to cry to, to sing to, to dance to – the full spectrum.

Q. What do you get up to when you’re not making music?

Watching gigs! And having a nice cup of tea. I like to travel when I get the chance as well, I love seeing and exploring new places and absorbing new surroundings. I’m still discovering things in London that I never knew existed – I recently stumbled upon Brunswick House in Vauxhall, an old Georgian townhouse, full of salvaged antiques in every room - the place is an absolute treasure trove. And the café serves amazing tea, so it’s win all-round.

Q. What are your goals at the moment?

Doing some releases. And then getting a great support tour and national radio airplay – just generally getting my music out there and staying creative.

Q. What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or gigs lined up?

I’ve recently shot a fun video of me covering Ben Howard’s ‘The Fear’, with my friend Ric Elsworth playing Marimba. You can watch it on YouTube here, http://youtu.be/k-nOqzkiJEk

Q. What do you think of Unsigned Band Review?

It’s a great support for unsigned artists. It’s not always easy to get yourself out there and UBR provides a valuable platform for exposure and recognition, which is so important for encouraging new music.

Q. What is the name of the last track that you wrote and what is it about?

I wrote a song called Under These Lights and its about going out and having a good time... inevitably there's a bit of man chasing in it too!

Q. What was the music scene like where you grew up?

I grew up in Guernsey, a small island but full of creative music making types and with a great scene for young bands and musicians. I was fortunate to have the support of some talented individuals there who encouraged my songwriting and artistry, as well as my move to London to pursue music.

Reviews

Act name: Robyn Sherwell

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Reviews of: My Hand (2)

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  • Robyn Sherwell is another soul-tinged singer-songwriter, so her song My Hand sits quite nicely next to Breakfast At Spitalfields by Juan Zelada. [Both of these tracks are part of our Emerging Icons playlist on Air New Zealand's inflight radio this December (2011)] The production is bare, and has ambient flourishes throughout. This suits the sparse emotive atmosphere Sherwell is trying to achieve. Even though My Hand is an acoustic ballad at its core, there are a few R n' B tricks thrown in, mainly in the vocals as Sherwell doubles up and harmonies her voice at just the right moments. She is undoubtedly a great singer with a lovely voice, and whoever her producer is (maybe it's her) they've done a fine job on this track.

    Reviewed by
    Lee Childs
    02 January 2013

  • My Hand - Very strong offering in the female indie/folk singer songwriter genre, gorgeous vocals over blissed out acoustic beats shows tremendous promise.

    Reviewed by
    Sarah Champion
    08 June 2012

Act name: Robyn Sherwell

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Reviews of: Heart (1)

 46  0

  • A high quality voice emotes over a fairly standard ponderous song ,not helped by the long cello notes. Another arrangement could turn this into a Stadium anthem. I suspect this is not her finest hour.

    Reviewed by
    Simon Li
    05 September 2012

Act name: Robyn Sherwell

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Reviews of: Mister Mister (1)

 30  0

  • Robyn Sherwell - Mister Mister. As a fan of the confessional female singer songwriter this ticks all the boxes for me, an alternative folky pop track that shows real promise.

    Reviewed by
    Sarah Champion
    08 June 2012

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