Life & Work with Robert Allen Burrell of Los Angeles, Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Allen Burrell

Hi Robert Allen, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Well, it all started at an early age, inspired by Tim Burton’s 1988’s Beetlejuice soundtrack, I’ve always wanted to play piano, but I didn’t get focused and serious about it until my late teenage years. I spent my entire childhood focused on sports, Basketball, Baseball, and Football. After graduating high school in 2003, I had no idea what to do next, but I knew for a fact that I wanted to be a composer and performer. I attended Baltimore City Community College for a semester where I got all A’s, but I’d often ask myself, “will this take me to where I want to go?” After I made the decision to leave after one semester, in 2004, I worked 3 jobs to pay a local producer/engineer based in downtown Baltimore to teach me the in’s and out’s of recording and music production. I would work those 3 jobs until the evening where I would spend 9-12 hours at the studio. I put in the work everyday, but I still felt like I needed to be in an environment where I could network and be in a place where my chances of music industry opportunity were higher. I worked and practiced for 6 years, then I finally made the decision to move to Los Angeles to attend the Los Angeles Film School. I studied audio engineering in 2010 to 2012. I was the only one in my class to intern at a major studio, Conway Recording Studios. After my internship, I re-enrolled at LA Film School from 2012-2014 and was apart of the first class for the bachelor’s degree program in entertainment business.

After graduating in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in entertainment business, I became a backline tech for 5 years, where I had the opportunity and pleasure to work with many of the music industry’s biggest music acts such as, KISS, Rolling Stones, John Legend, The Hollywood Vampires, Snoop Dogg, Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, and many other talented musicians.

In 2019, the CEO/Founder of, WorldScout, LLC, Cindy Cooper, contacted me personally to offer me the job of, Director of A&R. I was responsible for reaching out to records labels, artists, producers, and businesses to work with us. It was a company centered around helping indie artists, musicians, and producers build their network, learn the music business, and often times pitch them to the record labels that we had within our network, which included, Disney, Capitol Records, Atlantic, Republic, HitCo, Empire, etc. In that time as director of A&R, I got to contact, connect, and work with, Steve Lobel, Scott Storch, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Antonio Reid Jr, Chief Keef, Zhavia, Mike Zombie, Jason “Koko” Bridges, Purps, Fresh Ayr, Bob Robinson Jr, Jay E, and many other super talented, heavy hitters in the music industry.

In 2022, I decided to finally take the leap and pursue my passion for composing and performing. Within the past 2 years, I have worked with many talented artists, producers, and musicians, and in 2024, I got 3 music credits in the Lionsgate released, feature film, “Running On Empty” (2024) for composer and musician. I also, recently just composed the original theme for the Los Angeles Film School’s 25th anniversary.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle was prior to moving to Los Angeles, which was, overcoming the self doubt and fear of failure. I didn’t have any friends, family, or connections in California so I was all on my own. I knew it would be a fight, but I was up for it. 14 years later, I’m still here doing what I love.

Another issue was dealing with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, which I was diagnosed with in 2005. Which was strange I was told, because this condition is supposed to begin in your childhood.

After the big move, I changed my life completely with daily exercise and a healthy diet, and now…I haven’t had any Epileptic issues in 14 years. I was told by the doctor that there wasn’t any chance for me to ever overcome it, but I was determined to figure out a way for me to beat it, so I decided to live a healthier lifestyle by changing the way I eat and began treating my mind and body better through daily meditation and fitness training.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am currently a freelance music producer and composer based on Los Angeles, CA.

I specialize in music composition, music production, sound design, piano, and teaching.

I am most known for my work at, WorldScout, LLC (Director of A&R) more than anything because it was such a major opportunity. I got to make connections and deals with many major record labels, artists, producers, and radio stations.

I am the most proud of myself for making the decision to move across the country to California. With my work ethic, skills, and personality, I knew I would eventually get to where I wanted to go, but it would take many hours/years of dedication, discipline, sacrifice, and hard work.

One thing that I’ve always noticed about myself is that, my imagination sets me apart from others. We all have an imagination, it’s just the matter of embracing it, figuring out what it all means, and how you can express it through your art. We are all inspired by something or someone, but what really sets you apart is, being YOU. Figure out who your really are and get to work.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
One thing I’ve learned through that experience is that, show love and appreciation to your loved ones, and as long as you have your health, be thankful, keep on working and do not give up, because it truly is a blessing to see another day, and to see it in good health.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @robertallenburrellmusic
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@robertburrellmusic

Image Credits
“Running On Empty” (Lionsgate)
3 credits for Composer/Musician

25th Anniversary Theme for Los Angeles Film School

Original WorldScout theme