Artist Profile

Rob Sawyer

A raw, organic blend of punk folk, and hillbilly reggae, Rob Sawyer’s song writing reflects a diverse scope of musical inspiration from youthful years to present. Armed with a voice that has evolved strong and compelling, and the well-worn fret board of a much-loved guitar, illustrates the passion of an eloquent and enthused performer.

Only some of us are lucky enough to endure the lifestyle of the travelling musician. One big working holiday some may say. But I’m not exactly sure everyone would agree that riding a bicycle some 4600kms across Australia, loaded with a guitar, provisions, and camping supplies could be considered a working holiday. But according to Rob Sawyer, he’s one of the lucky ones.

Now aged 22, Sawyer’s been travelling, playing music, and doing what he loves for the past 5 years. He rapidly built a name for himself as a live entity, and has worked busily to service rooms full of dancing devotees throughout the land. Across the globe Sawyers eclectic, acoustic style has been welcomed by an array of audiences in cafes, festivals, bars, concert halls, beaches and backyards. Whether it’s playing alongside a classic musical icon, or a trashy garage punk band, something of Sawyers performance is always esteemed and commended.

From the first moments after picking up an old beat up guitar from the local second hand shop at the age of 14, Rob Sawyer knew that he had found his calling. Jump just three short years ahead and Rob wins the first of a slew of awards and accolades by winning the Frankston International Guitar Festival Young Guitarist of the Year award after having just turned 17. Further awards came at festivals all over the country as he was often crowned Young Performer of the Year.

Moving from the national touring comforts of his beat up van, to a house with running water and a real bed, was the primary creative inspiration to get an album started. A studio was quickly constructed in the house and weeks and months of sporadic late night recording sessions produced Rob Sawyer’s much-anticipated full length album “sTUFF” in 2006. An album in which Sawyer introduces the unforeseen upbeat explosive elements of his band.

Over the years Sawyer and the band have made their statement at national music festivals throughout Australia such as the Falls Festival in Vic and Tas, Pyramid Rock Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Bridgetown Blues Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Apollo Bay Festival, Broadbeach Blues, and a number of others.

A second solo tour of Europe in 2007 signifies a fast growing status for Rob Sawyers music when he picks up a show at the prestigious L’Olympia Stadium in France alongside John Fogerty (Credence Clearwater Revival). A venue Rob recollects as “Nerve wrecking, but so awesome!” Over the years Sawyer has also played with the likes of Donavon Frankenreiter, Jeff Martin, Carus and the True Believers, Ash Grunwald, Lior, Jeff Lang and many more.

Early 2008 Rob fulfils an adventurous ambition, on the completion of a musical tour by bicycle, from the east to west coast of Australia. Known as the “On Ya Bike Tour,” Sawyer loads up the back of the bike with his guitar, tent, and some tasty provisions to ride some 4600kms from Melbourne VIC, to Perth WA. Performing shows in towns and cities along the way, as well as crossing the desert during a heat wave to experience an intense, relentless, fatiguing tour schedule, but also a tour of inspiration, education, and a journey never to be forgotten.

Fresh off the bike seat Sawyer embarks on a 4 month European summer tour, this time bringing his band to lap up the sunshine, ruckus and festivities.

It’s only been short, but such a remarkable journey so far. Rest assure there will be plenty more songs and adventures to come for the young ambitious Rob Sawyer.

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