Meet Van Robson of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Van Robson.

Hi Van, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan the birthplace of Motown music. Since the day I was born, I was surrounded by more music than you could imagine. Everything I am, I give credit to my mother and father. For placing me in music lesson’s as early as 1st grade to provide me structure. Whether it was acoustic guitar, piano, percussion or woodwind I was bound to play something in school. My mother was among the first Black Harpist accepted into Michigan State University which at the time was an all white program. Basically, music runs through my blood. My father is the one who broadened my palette by introducing me to artists like Kid Cudi, Kanye West, DMX, Guns & Roses, Jimi Hendrix, etc. I recall the exact moment I truly fell in love with music when me and my dad were coming home from a Detroit Tigers game and Day N Nite by Kid Cudi on the radio. I played in my school band growing up until my sophomore year of high school when I was kicked out of the class. Luckily, I still remained in my school choir where I was among the top of my class performing at State level events. I made the move to Los Angeles, California to not only attend university and receive a degree in other passions, but to continue to develop my artistry as well. When I first arrived here I was alone, lost, and had no idea where to start. But through several genuine interactions with peers, long hours up at night writing and multiple anxiety attacks, I built a strong community of talented like-minded human beings with the same drive as I do. Supporting each other is what got me this far and it’s what’s going to push the entire Valley forward!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our job is to make things appear as easy or “smooth” as possible when that’s never the case. Too many people go down this road thinking it is going to be one, but are sadly mistaken. For me, the journey is everything and nothing at the same time. Constantly doubting yourself late at night wondering if everything is going to work itself out when you’re the only one in charge of your destiny in music. Personally, I struggle with anxiety attacks, even minor paranoia at times. I would say the biggest struggle though would be that initial move I made from the Midwest to Southern California in the midst of Covid-19. You don’t know what it’s like to be under a global pandemic, move away from your friends and family, struggle financially and having to essentially start your life over all within a six month span. Even then, I made this conscience choice because I knew in order to be greater than I was I needed to throw myself in the fire. I was a big fish in a little pond chasing after the ocean. You will always come across obstacles or struggle no matter where you come from it’s what brings us together. It’s how you choose to handle them is what separates us.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
First and Foremost, my name is Van Robson and I am a genre-less artist forging new paths for kids like me. I am a singer-songwriter and I take pride in that. I have spent countless hours practicing my writing as well as collaborating with others to write songs. I’ve been making music since the 1st grade, but writing and recording my own music since sophomore year of high school when I got kicked out of my high school band class. I released my debut ep in September of 2024 written all by me, recorded and produced by my good friend Riley Aki and master engineered by Josh Goode. What sets me apart from everyone else is my attention to the details. When I was little I always wanted to be a creative director for one of my favorite brands. I found myself carrying this dream through the music that I create and curate. From the cover art, music videos, visualizers, and choice of sound I am at every side of the creative process. I would also say my writing style is an animal of its own. A concoction of sounds from Motown, the west coast and a sprinkle of Chicago soul. When you listen to songs of mine like “Sunscraper” or “b4d luck” with two polar opposite sounds that you don’t hear anyone else creating. I’m in my own lane that I’m currently paving myself and I couldn’t be more proud.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I would say there are two key lessons that learned over the last few years. The first would be that it is okay to take two steps back to step one foot forward or at times do full on 360’s. Not every path is going to be clear cut but unless you take the first step you’ll never get anywhere. The second would be that a “yes” and a “no” are both equally very powerful. You absolutely do not have to say yes to everything that comes across your way because some opportunities just aren’t meant for you, but god always has a plan. At the same time, don’t be afraid to say yes to things outside of your comfort zone. I’ve learned that you could be your own worst enemy when it comes to being afraid of stepping out of your comfort zone. Always stay true to yourself and those who love you at the end of the day and trust your gut, because you never know where you might just end up.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/vanrbsn
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanrbsn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB_PYjZefq-Z9Q-IK3ZRtCQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vanrbsn
• Other: https://vanrobson.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
images shot by Ramon Pablo, Vincent Camarillo & Van Robson