Cynics, Heroes & Hypocrites

CONTACT: robertbrentley@robertbrentley.com

BIOGRAPHY:
A new dawn of artists rise pledging to forget the formalities of genre. "Let's enjoy music for music's sake" says singer-songwriter Robert Brentley. "Everyone claims they listen to 'everything' anyway, so there is little point in musicians limiting themselves to one style." It is that virtually limitless potential that makes a new artist so exciting. Robert Brentley is a post-genre songwriter who delivers unapologetic artistry, focusing on the freedom of the medium. Musically, Robert Brentley appreciates the precision of the pocket and the passionate imperfections of live performance. Lyrically, he combines a razor-sharp wit, subtle sarcasm, and an infatuation with wordplay. Whether rocking out to Woodstock-era riffs, tapping into the best of Motown or flirting with Beatlesque pop music, Robert Brentley resurrects that organic connection between the stage and the ear. Coming from a musical family, Brentley grew up grasping fleeting moments behind a drum set, listening to gospel music with his mother, and playing clarinet in his middle school marching band. His interests turned to songwriting by high school. He expanded his influences and vocal range singing along with decades of legendary pipes from Nat King Cole to Freddie Mercury. While attending Tufts University (from which he graduated with a bachelor's in music), Robert Brentley, along with lyricist eLCee, led the nine-piece, hip-hop fusion band Melodesiac. Together, they released a critically-praised debut and made a sizable mark on the Boston scene before gracing stages in the heart of New York City. Soon after, Robert Brentley moved to the Big Apple joining various projects from jazz and hip-hop to political rock. 'Cynics, Heroes & Hypocrites' is his first release. Each song swirls around its own mood or message. Elation, anger, and bravado manifest as rock; sorrow, love, and pride become soul; while apathy, confusion, and envy create that mystifying funk in-between. Robert Brentley’s music is not for everyone, but that’s the very reason that those in the know call it “authentic,” compare it to their favorites, sing it day after day, and namedrop him as a litmus test for aficianados and taste-makers.