Robert Canfield

Story

Robert Paul Canfield writes and records Original Music in the Ocean City MD area. His sound ranges from Acoustic Instrumental to “Pop Rock with an 80’s bent and decidedly Christian Overtones”. His influences range from Yes to Todd Rundgren, Phil Keaggy and the Beatles to Van Morrison. He was in a handful of bands before joining the Rhythm Rats at JMU in Harrisonburg VA as their sound engineer. From there He moved to Atlanta to study Studio Engineering at GSU in 1986. It was there that Robert became the vocalist for "Me’na ~ Me’na" (pronounced like the muppet song, Mah Na Mah Na), a Pop Rock/"Thinking Man's Pop" band that performed an eclectic mix of cover songs as well as original material. As the band began to get its footing, they attracted the attention of Lee Abrams who was a consultant of Capital Records new label Cinema Records a label devoted to Progressive Rock. Unfortunately, Robert was struggling with drug addiction and decided to leave the band and get back to his home town in Pennsylvania. There he got clean and sober. In 1999 he moved to the Ocean City MD, busking on the Boardwalk, playing local coffee shops, the Art League of OC’s Originals Only Night, Songwriter’s Showcases and Festivals. He is currently one of his church's worship leaders. In 2018 Robert was the opening act at the ArtX - Artistic Xpression Festival in Ocean City, MD. Robert is currently in the studio.

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What is music to you? What does it give you?

It transports me to another place and or time. Performing music is even more powerful and healing.

What is your music dream?

My dream is to be heard around the world and for other musicians to play my songs. I don't care if I get famous or rich, just want my music heard. Mind you, no one else should rich off my creations, just say'n!

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Ending racial bias. God made us all different for a reason and it's beautiful!!!

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Ricky don't lose that Number by Steely Dan

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Todd Rundgren, Yes, Steely Dan, Foo Fighters, Phil Keaggy, Rich Mullins, the list goes on and on.....

What inspires you to make music?

Mostly my faith Yeshua. The power of music to convey a thought, a message or a feeling is transcendent. It's spiritual by it's very nature. Being a part of that blesses me to my core.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

"You are loved!" You were created to love and to be loved, without exception. And when we're not so lovable, that's when we need it the most.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Provided I am somewhat prepared, I feel energized, fulfilled. When hit that right chord or sing that certain lyric, I feel euphoric.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Self promotion seems to be the future, but it's so time consuming. The old school way of business allowed the musician to focus solely on their craft, but the labels and management made all the money. Some sort of realistic balance would be ideal. And, I'm not sure how that can happen.

What do you think of Drooble?

I like hearing from my peers about my songs and sharing my thoughts and feeling about theirs. It seems to try to do away with "other musicians are competition attitude" and that's fantastic!

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Not getting my music heard. Also child prodigies that put my musicianship to shame... LOL

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

We have an "All Originals Night" at the local art gallery. If I play, I make sure I stay for all the acts and I try to go when I'm not playing. I also encourage the young musicians.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

You need to be Social Media savvy and do something that is unique, that sets you apart from the herd.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Rick Elias (sadly, he just passed from brain cancer) Jimmy Abegg Terrence McCoy (new artist) Kick the Robot (a young Secular band from Atlanta) They ROCK!!!