Photo Credit: Shae The Photographer
When it comes to working harder than most, Robbi Niles takes the cake. Working on his music career since his early teens, he’s got about a decade’s worth of experience. More than some of his older peers, but he couldn’t be happier doing anything else. When we first met he was a kid with an alternative sound but as time has passed, his sound has evolved. Still present is his rock side, but he’s incorporated some new elements that make his style stand out in the crowd. Especially on his latest single, “No Time To Be Wastin.” We talked about the single, his growth, and more in this back and forth exchange.
Kendra: There are very few things I remember about being a toddler, except the time I took off in the middle of the morning and the cops picked me up. Is that how you are with the steel drum scenario? Like is that a moment that sticks out from your toddler years because it was so pertinent to your overall story?
Robbi Niles: Playing the steel pan at three-years-old was my start in music. So yes, it is a significant memory that sticks out to me. Especially since the first song I learned to play was “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, taught to me by my father.
Kendra: Let’s fast forward your story a bit to when you were 16 and dropping “Wonder.” It had a bit of an alternative sound and with your latest single, “No Time to Be Wastin,” you’ve seemed to step away from that. Did that growth in sound just come with age? Because you’re what, 25 now then?
Robbi Niles: Yes, with time and experience my taste in music changed. I went from an Alternative sound to a Rock sound and landed in the hip hop genre.
Kendra: When it came time to step into the studio with Rob Wells, what do you feel he brought out in you musically that may’ve not been there before?
Robbi Niles: It was an honor to be in the same space as Rob Wells. He pushed me outside of my comfort zone and we were able to make some great music, such as “Better Him Than Me.”
Kendra: Your latest single is going to make a lot of people sing along but also think about their own life and how they may or may not be wasting what time they have left because we don’t know day to day what will come. What are some ways you try and live life to the fullest every day?
Robbi Niles: Time for me is critical because time lost is never regained. I try to take the hand I’ve been dealt and make the best of it. I create every day and I try to leave no regrets. I make time for my family and friends each day because my support system ensures that I waste no time.
Kendra: On another note, you’re working on breaking into the Canada scene. How is that going?
Robbi Niles: It’s difficult. But it is the music industry. However, I have a great team made up of Canadians and Barbadians and they are working with me to help break into the scene.
Kendra: Can you tell us what else you have planned for the rest of 2019? More singles?
Robbi Niles: The rest of 2019 is going to be exciting. I will be dropping more singles and my EP I may even drop a new music video. Who knows? I definitely will be doing shows. Be sure to follow @robbiniles on all platforms to stay updated!
