Robin Stone

Robin Stone is a woman on a mission . “I want people to know that there are artists in Cleveland who are all working together instead of competing with each other,” says the neo-soul/jazz/funk songstress. “It's really exciting. There's a lot of camaraderie — we're trying to cross-market and get our fans to other kinds of shows.”

To that end, she's created She Loves You Records, her own label. So far, the label's catalog consists of her work and that of comrade Alexis Antes. The two will hold a CD release party at the Grog Shop on July 26. A third artist, Cuyahoga Falls native Kehri Spicel will be joining the SLY stable soon and is also on the Grog bill.

“She's really fantastic,” says Stone, “Her stuff is very much pop-rock. It's some of the best stuff I've heard in this city in a long time.”

Stone and Antes have been friends for about three years, have toured together and sung on each other's CDs. Stone co-produced and contributed art design to Antes' new disc, All Come Down. The two have styles that are compatible without being identical.

“I think that's why it's worked out so well when we've done shows together,” says Antes. “It's like we're different enough to maintain interest, but we're similar enough that we have a large crossover fan base.”

Though Stone won the Free Times ' “Best of Cleveland” award in the folk category last year, her stuff is more soulful and funky than what comes to mind with the word “folk.”

“The problem with the Free Times [awards] was that it was either folk or pop-rock and at the time there was no in-between category, so my friends ended up nominating me for folk,” she says. “It just happened that way, but it was just nice to win.”

Though Stone's music shows traces of folk-pop divas such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro (though she says she's not familiar with Nyro's work), you can also hear the funky tough-girl sound of Ani DiFranco and the soulfulness of Marvin Gaye. In fact, on her new release, Rushmore, she does a respectable cover of Gaye's “Inner City Blues.”

Antes, on the other hand, has what Stone calls “a very smooth delivery.”

“Her stuff is very much acoustic pop-rock,” Stone says. “Her writing is very much on love relationships and mine is more just life in general, relationships in a different sense.”

Antes has released two CDs since the demise of her former band, local favorites Odd Girl Out. She's spent the last eight years developing her own voice.

“Musically [ All Come Down] differs from the first album in that there's a lot more production on the new album — more in the way of support vocals and little bells and whistles that were not on the first,” she says. “I've always liked that kind of sound, but production has always been a mystery. I'm limited to what I have with my band as far as what we do in the live shows. I like being able to take advantage of the studio. It's fun to experiment.”

Her moody cover of the Supremes' “My World is Empty Without You” shows a departure from her previous acoustic sound. Three of her former OGO band mates, Victoria Fliegel, Chris deHaas, and Brian Bretton, join her on the CD and will be onstage at the release party.

Stone and Antes are excited about unveiling these new albums at the new Grog Shop, a venue Stone says is “fantastic.”

“It's much bigger,” she says. “The stage is basically right in the center of the room. You can easily see it from anywhere. The sound system is fantastic. It's going to be a great show.”

And just as importantly, says Antes with a laugh, “The women's restroom has stall doors. I keep trying to stress that to everyone.”

The party will be a music-packed night. In addition to sets by Stone, Antes and Spicel, Stone's drummer Joe Rohan, who plays with local band Mother Train, will open the evening. Stone and Antes anticipate some surprises during the evening, with all four musicians teaming up on occasion.

It's this teamwork Stone hopes to promote amongst Cleveland area musicians. In her view, local artists have more to gain by giving each other a leg up than by tearing each other down. The end result is more music — a win-win situation for audiences and artists alike.
- Cleveland Free Times

WILLIAMSPORT, PA- The song has been sticking in my head for days. Robin Stone's impassioned voice in "RushMore", along with her unique musical style not far off from Joni Mitchell and Erykah Badu all in one, has gotten the best of me.


Stone's self-described soul/funk/jazz music has gotten the best of the media as well. The indie folk singer-songwriter from Cleveland has been praised by countless reviewers, including Female Musician and Village-Buzz.com. Her songs have been played on more than 1,000 national radio stations.


The praise for her might be nice, but it wasn't something Stone always aspired to. She learned to play the cello at age 10 but never took music seriously until college. From there, she took her influences from Carole King to Ani DiFranco and started writing songs. But it wasn't until her mother died right before graduation that she decided to make music her career.


"You only live once and if you're gonna try it, you're gonna try it", Stone said.


Once that happened, Stone charged forward and never looked back. She wrote more songs, played out and released her first self-produced album, "My Heart", two years ago. A few months ago, she released her sophomore album "RushMore."


With the onslaught of female musicians in the last 10 years, Stone manages to stay one step ahead of the others. She attributes her success to her pure ambition.


"There are a lot of really talented women out there who aren't doing anything. They might be practicing and playing all the time and maybe playing a few coffee houses in their home towns but not really trying. Or they might not ever record anything ot buy recording equipment because they think it's too expensive", Stone said.


If the music industry's "a mans's world," then Stone certainly isn't letting it get to her. Though she said she did not notice it much in college, she thinks male musicians sometimes are intimidated by really good female performers.


"It's kind of like that old adage that a girl's got to be twice as good as a guy or they won't be heard," Stone said.


Stone likes to push the barriers by always challenging herself to be better. She said she likes to keep learning and stay open to change.


"I kind of decided early on in my career I would do each record different. It would, A: force me to recreate myself, and B: it would allow me to be more creative," Stone said.


"There'a a fine line between staying original and being palatable. The main thing is to make yourself memorable," Stone said.


What Stone would most like to see in the mainstream music world si more exposure for india acts such as hers. People can search for indie music, but it's difficult and much of it will never be heard, she said.


"The main thing that can bridge the gap is public exposure. It's basically the media taking the steps to cover people that aren't as known," Stone said.


"I just have to keep my nose to the plow and keep digging my little niche out." E-mail comments to mbrown@dailyitem.com

- The Daily Item

Robin Stone is a woman on a mission . “I want people to know that there are artists in Cleveland who are all working together instead of competing with each other,” says the neo-soul/jazz/funk songstress. “It's really exciting. There's a lot of camaraderie — we're trying to cross-market and get our fans to other kinds of shows.”

To that end, she's created She Loves You Records, her own label. So far, the label's catalog consists of her work and that of comrade Alexis Antes. The two will hold a CD release party at the Grog Shop on July 26. A third artist, Cuyahoga Falls native Kehri Spicel will be joining the SLY stable soon and is also on the Grog bill.

“She's really fantastic,” says Stone, “Her stuff is very much pop-rock. It's some of the best stuff I've heard in this city in a long time.”

Stone and Antes have been friends for about three years, have toured together and sung on each other's CDs. Stone co-produced and contributed art design to Antes' new disc, All Come Down. The two have styles that are compatible without being identical.

“I think that's why it's worked out so well when we've done shows together,” says Antes. “It's like we're different enough to maintain interest, but we're similar enough that we have a large crossover fan base.”

Though Stone won the Free Times ' “Best of Cleveland” award in the folk category last year, her stuff is more soulful and funky than what comes to mind with the word “folk.”

“The problem with the Free Times [awards] was that it was either folk or pop-rock and at the time there was no in-between category, so my friends ended up nominating me for folk,” she says. “It just happened that way, but it was just nice to win.”

Though Stone's music shows traces of folk-pop divas such as Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Laura Nyro (though she says she's not familiar with Nyro's work), you can also hear the funky tough-girl sound of Ani DiFranco and the soulfulness of Marvin Gaye. In fact, on her new release, Rushmore, she does a respectable cover of Gaye's “Inner City Blues.”

Antes, on the other hand, has what Stone calls “a very smooth delivery.”

“Her stuff is very much acoustic pop-rock,” Stone says. “Her writing is very much on love relationships and mine is more just life in general, relationships in a different sense.”

Antes has released two CDs since the demise of her former band, local favorites Odd Girl Out. She's spent the last eight years developing her own voice.

“Musically [ All Come Down] differs from the first album in that there's a lot more production on the new album — more in the way of support vocals and little bells and whistles that were not on the first,” she says. “I've always liked that kind of sound, but production has always been a mystery. I'm limited to what I have with my band as far as what we do in the live shows. I like being able to take advantage of the studio. It's fun to experiment.”

Her moody cover of the Supremes' “My World is Empty Without You” shows a departure from her previous acoustic sound. Three of her former OGO band mates, Victoria Fliegel, Chris deHaas, and Brian Bretton, join her on the CD and will be onstage at the release party.

Stone and Antes are excited about unveiling these new albums at the new Grog Shop, a venue Stone says is “fantastic.”

“It's much bigger,” she says. “The stage is basically right in the center of the room. You can easily see it from anywhere. The sound system is fantastic. It's going to be a great show.”

And just as importantly, says Antes with a laugh, “The women's restroom has stall doors. I keep trying to stress that to everyone.”

The party will be a music-packed night. In addition to sets by Stone, Antes and Spicel, Stone's drummer Joe Rohan, who plays with local band Mother Train, will open the evening. Stone and Antes anticipate some surprises during the evening, with all four musicians teaming up on occasion.

It's this teamwork Stone hopes to promote amongst Cleveland area musicians. In her view, local artists have more to gain by giving each other a leg up than by tearing each other down. The end result is more music — a win-win situation for audiences and artists alike.
- Cleveland Free Times

Robin Stone - Rushmore
A CD that has no direct classification, Rushmore by Robin Stone has many elements that make it a truly volatile musical work. Blending elements of modern jazz, neo soul and some downright edgy blues rock. Playing her music for audiences of all ages and musical tastes, Robin Stone has become well known in her native Cleveland, Ohio sharing the stage with major acts like Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, and Lyle Lovett. A collection of thirteen memorable tunes, twelve of which were penned by Stone.
The musical diversity shown on this project tells you Robin Stone could pigeon hole herself into a number of musical categories if she chose to do so. The diversity however is what sets Rushmore apart with it's acoustic blending of styles, it dares to transcend musical barriers. The voice is as distinct as the music, you can feel the passion that flows through the core as it tries to captivate you and draw you in deeper. Although this is a good disk, I am wondering if the general music public will "GET" the style, or lack thereof, or dismiss the album before examining it deeper.
A soulful voice that may not be immediately recognizable, but has a warmth and charm all the same as it glides through the tracks. The writing style of Stone proves to be a cumulative style that is sure to improve and gain more focus. The end product is a good CD release that will draw attention to an artist who garners not only praise,. but respect from her peers as well. This is not an album for the fans of the Spice Girls, Brittney, or Christina, this has more maturity and is for a more discerning audience.
As far as it goes, the CD has a unique style that will draw some in deeper, and of course will send some potential fans away. Isn't that what music is supposed to do though, I have to step back and think if all music were to sound the same what a boring job I would have, and what sheltered lives we would all lead. Pick up Rushmore and try if on for size if you believe yourself to have a diverse taste, this may be just what you are looking for.
( 4.5 Stars out of 6 )
By Rikk Matheson
http://www.rikksrevues.com/popmusic.htm
http://bandtattoo.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=49
- Rikks Reviews

As engaging a vocalist and savvy a lyricist as Robin Stone is, it's her knack for just making good music that ultimately drives her new album. Like most fine songs, Stone's succeed on purely musical terms. No matter how one interprets the verbal snapshots, impressions, and journal entries here, they consistently make for good lyrics. They weave well into the breezy, open acoustic grooves that are RushMore's bill of fare. And much of the credit for this belongs to Stone's jazzy melodic sense -- ever-present, but never worked to distraction -- which consistently persuades words of substance to behave like words to a song.
In the wake of Norah Jones's Grammy-studded success, this may be a good time for sophisticated female artists. Stone has the wherewithal to shed the "regional" tag, and this disc is a strong step in that direction.



clevescene.com | originally published: July 23, 2003
- Scene Magazine

Robin Stone - Rushmore
A CD that has no direct classification, Rushmore by Robin Stone has many elements that make it a truly volatile musical work. Blending elements of modern jazz, neo soul and some downright edgy blues rock. Playing her music for audiences of all ages and musical tastes, Robin Stone has become well known in her native Cleveland, Ohio sharing the stage with major acts like Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, and Lyle Lovett. A collection of thirteen memorable tunes, twelve of which were penned by Stone.
The musical diversity shown on this project tells you Robin Stone could pigeon hole herself into a number of musical categories if she chose to do so. The diversity however is what sets Rushmore apart with it's acoustic blending of styles, it dares to transcend musical barriers. The voice is as distinct as the music, you can feel the passion that flows through the core as it tries to captivate you and draw you in deeper. Although this is a good disk, I am wondering if the general music public will "GET" the style, or lack thereof, or dismiss the album before examining it deeper.
A soulful voice that may not be immediately recognizable, but has a warmth and charm all the same as it glides through the tracks. The writing style of Stone proves to be a cumulative style that is sure to improve and gain more focus. The end product is a good CD release that will draw attention to an artist who garners not only praise,. but respect from her peers as well. This is not an album for the fans of the Spice Girls, Brittney, or Christina, this has more maturity and is for a more discerning audience.
As far as it goes, the CD has a unique style that will draw some in deeper, and of course will send some potential fans away. Isn't that what music is supposed to do though, I have to step back and think if all music were to sound the same what a boring job I would have, and what sheltered lives we would all lead. Pick up Rushmore and try if on for size if you believe yourself to have a diverse taste, this may be just what you are looking for.
( 4.5 Stars out of 6 )
By Rikk Matheson
http://www.rikksrevues.com/popmusic.htm
http://bandtattoo.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=49
- Rikks Reviews

Initial Impression
I was first introduced to Robin Stone live at a local Lakewood, Ohio club during a "singer/songwriter" showcase. It was a laid-back, mellow night which left me with the impression that Ms. Stone's work was more or less on the quiet side. With the first track of Rushmore I realized that I was mistaken. It's not the first time folks.

Notable Lyric
"You are my outfit. My most comfortable one." from "Separated"

Factoid
There's a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" on this disc. Another interesting tidbit is that Robin owns her own record label called "She loves You Records".

Serve With
Blue Number Nine -- a band out of NYC.

Comments
Robin Stone has a magnificent voice. Crisp, clear and clean in her delivery (at the risk of making her sound like a breath mint), I'm reminded of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians (think "What I Am") or Basia. Theres a large serving of jazz and a side of funk and blues ("Piece 'O Summer" brought to mind Blues Traveler) to the music, which adds a strong sense of diversity. The lyrics encompass relationships, lost loves, summer fun and even a bit of superstition and religion.
- Score Magazine

Initial Impression
I was first introduced to Robin Stone live at a local Lakewood, Ohio club during a "singer/songwriter" showcase. It was a laid-back, mellow night which left me with the impression that Ms. Stone's work was more or less on the quiet side. With the first track of Rushmore I realized that I was mistaken. It's not the first time folks.

Notable Lyric
"You are my outfit. My most comfortable one." from "Separated"

Factoid
There's a cover of Marvin Gaye's "Inner City Blues" on this disc. Another interesting tidbit is that Robin owns her own record label called "She loves You Records".

Serve With
Blue Number Nine -- a band out of NYC.

Comments
Robin Stone has a magnificent voice. Crisp, clear and clean in her delivery (at the risk of making her sound like a breath mint), I'm reminded of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians (think "What I Am") or Basia. Theres a large serving of jazz and a side of funk and blues ("Piece 'O Summer" brought to mind Blues Traveler) to the music, which adds a strong sense of diversity. The lyrics encompass relationships, lost loves, summer fun and even a bit of superstition and religion.
- Score Magazine

"This music is very complicated and the songwriting very unpredictable. There are so many unique and interesting qualities on this album, one can only sit back and attempt not to be dumbfounded by the musical excellence."
~TheGlobalMuse.com

"Being a musician myself, I was tickled by track 10, "blurb". In this track, she becomes very candid, and down-to-earth. It's funny because it's so real! She's reacting to the recording of a song. A few directions to the crew, and a shock, as she finds herself caught off-guard. It's only 11 seconds long, but just enough to make the listener realize that this could very well be a next door neighbor, or a best friend."
~Female Musician



"Stone-who possesses a beautiful voice-plays the kind of neo-folk/light jazz that has made Ani DiFranco a grass roots sensation. Like DiFranco, Stone has tried to build her fan base from the ground up."
~Scene Magazine, Cleveland OH

"Reminiscent of Joni Mitchell of the new millennium. A great deal more inspirational."
~WCSB, Cleveland OH

"Stone, a self-taught multi-intrumentalist, brings a notable funkiness to her unplugged rock approach on
her debut CD, My Heart. Those who appreciate the music of Sheryl Crow and Carole King will embrace Stone's sound."
~The Times, Valparaiso IN

Robin's music is best described as layered. Rather than put down a blob of clay and spin a pot out of it, she chooses to put sounds and words down in a methodical and textured manner. This is not an album that was churned out in a few days. This is a serious chunk of her life."
~Village-Buzz.com

"With a voice that combines the bluesy gusto of Cheryl Crow and the gentleness of Carole King, Stone can fill a room with her soulfull voice."
~Melissa Brown, Williamsport Sun Gazette, PA

"Her music can be seductively slow and elegiac, with well-thought-out lyrics that explore the complexities of human relationships."
~Alan Cackett, Country Music International With Compliments, England

"According to reviews, Stone's appeal lies in her variety of style and instrumentation, vocal quality and messages."
~Sue Hoffman, Solon Times, OH

- Various

"This music is very complicated and the songwriting very unpredictable. There are so many unique and interesting qualities on this album, one can only sit back and attempt not to be dumbfounded by the musical excellence."
~TheGlobalMuse.com

"Being a musician myself, I was tickled by track 10, "blurb". In this track, she becomes very candid, and down-to-earth. It's funny because it's so real! She's reacting to the recording of a song. A few directions to the crew, and a shock, as she finds herself caught off-guard. It's only 11 seconds long, but just enough to make the listener realize that this could very well be a next door neighbor, or a best friend."
~Female Musician



"Stone-who possesses a beautiful voice-plays the kind of neo-folk/light jazz that has made Ani DiFranco a grass roots sensation. Like DiFranco, Stone has tried to build her fan base from the ground up."
~Scene Magazine, Cleveland OH

"Reminiscent of Joni Mitchell of the new millennium. A great deal more inspirational."
~WCSB, Cleveland OH

"Stone, a self-taught multi-intrumentalist, brings a notable funkiness to her unplugged rock approach on
her debut CD, My Heart. Those who appreciate the music of Sheryl Crow and Carole King will embrace Stone's sound."
~The Times, Valparaiso IN

Robin's music is best described as layered. Rather than put down a blob of clay and spin a pot out of it, she chooses to put sounds and words down in a methodical and textured manner. This is not an album that was churned out in a few days. This is a serious chunk of her life."
~Village-Buzz.com

"With a voice that combines the bluesy gusto of Cheryl Crow and the gentleness of Carole King, Stone can fill a room with her soulfull voice."
~Melissa Brown, Williamsport Sun Gazette, PA

"Her music can be seductively slow and elegiac, with well-thought-out lyrics that explore the complexities of human relationships."
~Alan Cackett, Country Music International With Compliments, England

"According to reviews, Stone's appeal lies in her variety of style and instrumentation, vocal quality and messages."
~Sue Hoffman, Solon Times, OH

- Various

Robin Stone is the kind of woman who sets an example for women artists everywhere simply by living out her life the way that she wants and touching the lives of others as she goes along. Robin started off as a singer-songwriter but moved quickly in to becoming the front woman for a modern funk band. She thrives in this position, encasing her beautiful throaty vocals within talented instrumental showcases. But that’s not enough for this active woman. She is also the owner of her own record label, She Loves You Records, through which she has national distribution of her own music.
In her song “No Fool,” Robin describes how, “sometimes I feel like an ocean, always changing, always in motion, too big for her own good, not able to be all the things that she should.” This verse seems to sum up the essence of the singer, a woman who seems to constantly push the edges of her own boundaries, boundaries which touch the edges of all of the continents with their breadth.
Like the ocean, her energy cannot be easily contained, and it is an energy, which is infectious. She draws people to her shores with the smooth flow of her strong voice and welcomes listeners to dip their toes in to the chill-producing foam of her acoustics. Before long, fans will want to dive in headfirst and experience the full rush of this inspirational woman’s musical world. - In Tune Magazine

Robin Stone is the kind of woman who sets an example for women artists everywhere simply by living out her life the way that she wants and touching the lives of others as she goes along. Robin started off as a singer-songwriter but moved quickly in to becoming the front woman for a modern funk band. She thrives in this position, encasing her beautiful throaty vocals within talented instrumental showcases. But that’s not enough for this active woman. She is also the owner of her own record label, She Loves You Records, through which she has national distribution of her own music.
In her song “No Fool,” Robin describes how, “sometimes I feel like an ocean, always changing, always in motion, too big for her own good, not able to be all the things that she should.” This verse seems to sum up the essence of the singer, a woman who seems to constantly push the edges of her own boundaries, boundaries which touch the edges of all of the continents with their breadth.
Like the ocean, her energy cannot be easily contained, and it is an energy, which is infectious. She draws people to her shores with the smooth flow of her strong voice and welcomes listeners to dip their toes in to the chill-producing foam of her acoustics. Before long, fans will want to dive in headfirst and experience the full rush of this inspirational woman’s musical world. - In Tune Magazine

Robin Stone

Vocalist

Singer-songwriter Robin Stone is like Cleveland's answer to Ani DiFranco: She plays a mix of rock and folk and has been fiercely independent throughout her career, now almost a decade long. A righteous babe who regularly plays benefit concerts, the Cleveland native has her heart in the right place too. Look for a new studio release this spring.

- Scene Magazine

Robin Stone

Vocalist

Singer-songwriter Robin Stone is like Cleveland's answer to Ani DiFranco: She plays a mix of rock and folk and has been fiercely independent throughout her career, now almost a decade long. A righteous babe who regularly plays benefit concerts, the Cleveland native has her heart in the right place too. Look for a new studio release this spring.

- Scene Magazine