PureVolume

Members: Robin Horlock, Ryan Hyland, Kenny Sams, John Galik, Mike Vartanian, Tom Sheppard

Robin Horlock is an anomaly... an irregularity on an already gloriously diverse Detroit music scene. Hailing from England, Horlock is blessed with the perfect combination of Motor City soul and refined British song writing ability. It's this clash of cultures, this reconvening of 2 great nations, that sets Horlock apart from other Detroit-based singer/song writers.

Born in Chelmsford, in the English county of Essex, on September 29th, Horlock started playing music at the age of 10. Shortly after his family relocated to the Detroit area when his father, a Ford employee, was transferred to the city. The creative Detroit air had an impact on the 10 year old, and before long he was writing his own songs. The prodigious young talent was soaking up the sounds of the Beatles, Paul Simon, the Dave Matthews Band, Bob Marley and Oasis and, with time, moulding his own sound. Later influences would include Stereophonics, Gomez, the Goo Goo Dolls and Jack Johnson. Having made Detroit his home, though still fiercely proud of his English roots, Horlock forged ahead in a musical direction that would see him attract an enviable fan base across the city. Playing a live show mixing originals and choice covers, Horlock gradually increased the number of original compositions in his set until, within a few short years, he was widely considered an artist in his own right.

In April 2004, he released his debut album "Risk To Try". Critically lauded, the record showcased Horlock's very personal writing style leading . Mike Boyle, then of CMJ Magazine to say "You're gonna have to wrestle this Robin Horlock CD from me. Wow, what a pleasant surprise." . Songs like "Piece By Piece", "Devils and Angels" and "All That I Need" place the listener into the singer's head for their duration. Melody Baetens of the Detroit News said "A sensitive and talented songsmith, Horlock could be the next John Mayer".

Horlock and his band released "EP" in July 2006 and again the critics were vocal with their praise. Cal Cagno of 89X 88.7FM Detroit said "Poised to take over TRL and your favorite rock club, at the same time, Robin Horlock creates amazing music again!"

In January 2009, Horlock released his 2nd full length album, "Music". The Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI, was the venue for a dual CD release party featuring himself and fellow Detroit artist Brandon Calhoon, as well as opening band Dirt Road Logic. As early as during DRL's set, the event was completely sold out. With a lline stretching around the bllock, 600 people were crammed into the venue on the night, eager to see the latest talents spewed out by a city consistently blessed with musical greatness. By the end of the night, the doormen were forced to only let a paying punter in when another one left. Detroit Rock Review were quick to report that "It may have been a sub-freezing night outside, but the temperature was quickly rising inside the Bag as the hordes of fans that did make it inside were scrambling to find a spot to stand without being pushed aside by one of those large black t-shirted guys with the word STAFF written across the front".The show was an unprecedented success, with both Horlock & Calhoon turning in blinding performances and demand for "Music" was high.

The record itself sees Horlock shifting musical gears and producing a mature, poignant body of work. Reviewing for the Metro Times, Brett Callwood said of the record that "Horlock has produced an album that has wide appeal and radio-playability". That is certainly true; the album is accessible to anyone with hearing, with songs like the title track, "Skeleton Key" and "Difference Between Day and Night" pulling the listener into Horlock's head for a good look around at his tender psyche. "What would life be without music?" asks the singer on the opening track. Thankfully, we'll never have to know and, for many, this record will provide the soundtrack to their own life. "Why can't we find a skeleton key and unlock the chains that keep us from singing in perfect harmony", he sings on "Skeleton Key, deftly tackling the subject of world and inner peace. Then there's "Bella" which sees Horlock exploring his more romantic side with the line "I don't know how I could want you more, oh, than I do now". The album covers the full spectrum of human emotion, from pain and pleasure to contentment within a relationship and concern with world affairs. Nonsensical, throwaway lyrics they aren't. Horlock himself is an accomplished and seasoned guitar player, and he's surrounded himself with talent, something which is of huge benefit to "Music".

His band is completed by Ryan Hyland on bass guitar and drums, Kenny Sams on lead guitar and 12 string, Tom Sheppard on drums and Mike Vartanian on piano and keys. The album has been released on Horlock's own Risk2Try Records and was recorded at The Church Studios in Plymouth, MI, a place that the people behind the studio are steadily turning into, according to Horlock, "a one stop shop for artists".

Having already played live with the likes of Sponge's Vinnie Dombroski, Ty Stone, Brandon Calhoon, Willy Mason, Air Supply and Blind Melon, 2009 could well be the year that sees Horlock make the transition from local live act and recording artist to nationally renowned singer and guitarist. Everything is in place: the music, the rabid following and the critical praise. It's time to get onboard with Robin Horlock while it's still possible to see him play in an intimate venue.

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Performed at:

Festivals & Conferences:
*CMJ Music Marathon 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08 - New York, NY
*Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats Festival 2007 & 08 - Pontiac, MI
*River Days Festival 2008 - Detroit, MI
*Winterblast Festival 2007 - Detroit, MI
*Metro Times Blowout 2006 & 07 - Hamtramck, MI
*Millennium Music Conference 2006 & 07 - Harrisburg, PA
*Midpoint Music Festival 2005 - Cincinnati, OH
*Motor City Music Conference 2005 - Detroit, MI

Colleges/Universities:
*Western Illinois University - Macomb, IL
*Central Michigan University - Mount Pleasant, MI
*Eastern Michigan University - Ypsilanti, MI
*Albion College - Albion, MI
*Aquinas College - Grand Rapids, MI
*Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI

Other Accomplishments:
*Performed for former President Bill Clinton in September 2008
*Airplay on 172 College Radio Stations
*Received airplay on XM Radio
*Licensed Music To MTV
*Hit #1 on Broadjam.com in 2004 in pop/rock for "Missing You"