Robert Gillies is one part award-winning songwriter, one part folk-popper, and every bit an infectiously energetic performer, armed with a personality wrought from years of traveling the world and exploring it with a child-like wonder.
Born in Stirling, Scotland, as the only child of two musical parents, Robert began playing music at the age of 4 but didn't truly find his passion within music until 16 years later when he reached a fifth-life crisis.
Now, 6 years later, Gillies is firmly entrenched in a life of music. Having spent several years traveling, serving as a volunteer in various positions around the world and sharing his musical journey with those around him, he graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Before studying at Berklee, Robert had shared his music in venues in Japan, Canada, the US and the UK, to much praise from peers and elders alike.
What is it they hear in his music? Perhaps it is a sincerity driven by an earnest search for the positive in life, the desire to connect to those around him and a certain sensitivity behind the well-crafted lyrics and solid musicianship.
It can certainly be said that Robert is well on his way to somewhere special. Comments from artists such as English/Canadian singer-songwriter and Canadian Idol finalist Martin Kerr, and English writer/producer Robert Weinberg convey the collective thoughts of many about Robert's music.
"A triple threat writer, vocalist and guitarist, whose strong production skills and knack for penning infectious pop anthems."
- Mark Simos, songwriter
"Like a modern day troubadour, Robert's music is a refreshing blend of storytelling, wry observation on life and an expansive global view of things. His songs reflect his personality – bright, engaging and full of wonder and delight at the world and its inhabitants."
- Robert Weinberg, radio producer
2012
Winner: Soft Rock category, 2011 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'Here With Me'
Finalist: Pop & Soft Rock categories, 2011 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'One Of Those Days'
'City Man"
Honourable mentions: Soft Rock category, 2011 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'Older'
'You Are Who You Are'
2010
Honourable mention: Berklee Songwriting Competition:
'Saturday in June'
Honourable mention: Folk category, 2010 USA Songwriting Competition:
'Saturday in June'
Honourable mention: American Songwriter Sep/Oct Lyric Contest:
'Giving In
One of ten 'performance slot' winners, Berklee Songwriters Club Concert:
'Saturday in June'
1st Place: Berklee Songs for Social Change songwriting contest:
'Smile'
Grand Award Winner: 2009 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'Saturday in June'
Winner: Soft Rock category, 2009 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'Saturday in June'
Honourable mention: Pop & Rock/Alt categories, 2009 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'Sleepless Love'
'November Highway'
'Blinded'
'She Knows'
2009
3rd Place: Berklee Songs for Social Change songwriting contest:
'Wage A Little Peace'
Honourable mention: Singer-Songwriter & Pop categories, 2008 SongDoor International Songwriting Competition:
'The Proposal'
'Wage A Little Peace'
2007
2nd Place: The 2nd Christopher Goharriz Bahá'í Songwriting Competition:
'Coral & Pearl'
2006
1st Place: iCompositions.com Dyad Collaboration Contest (with Brent McDowell):
'Twist of Fate'
