Robert Ball, singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada, has a soulful voice with velvet tones to match. Having been inspired from everything Broadway, pop, and world music, to R&B and country, Robert has a diverse background that shows in his work. His new single, ‘I Need A Man,’ was recently released. The song emphasizes the importance of deep soulful connection with someone, not just a short term fix or casual fling. Additionally, Robert is on the steering committee for ‘BGMN’ the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, and a mentor, teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts, Vocal Coach with TIFTPA. As an LGBTQ artist, Robert explains that he finds it particularly important to ‘pay it forward’ to his mentees. Read more about Robert Ball’s music and activism in his interview with Jejune below.

Where are you based?
Between Stratford & Toronto, Ontario Canada.

Tell us a bit about your music. How did you first get started, and how have you developed your style?
I’ve been told I sang in my sleep as a baby, I started singing in art school, but started recording in my late teens, recording urban gospel music and choir music. My style has evolved as a blend of my jazz roots, gospel influences, and classic soul and R&B inspiration!

You are inspired by everything from Broadway, pop, and world music, to R&B and country. Do you have any specific role models?
Yes, I do. Broadway inspirations include Norm Lewis and Lillias White. Jazz influences Rachelle Ferrell, Kurt Elling, and Sarah Vaughn. R&B / Soul inspirations Luther Vandross and Jill Scott.

You recently came out with “I Need A Man.” It emphasizes the importance of the meaningful bond in relationships rather than the shallowness. What's the story behind this song?
I started writing the song years ago when performing on a cruise ship. I finished it this year while I was writing a musical. I have been conceptualizing for some time now. It was perfect for me to record as my performance for this year's Pride Toronto virtual festival, and I decided to release it as a single.

What do you want your listeners to get from this song?
It’s ok to want and need someone, and to recognize when you want more.

Do you feel true connections and relationships are harder to come by these days?
I do, social media and keeping up appearances has created this vain vacuum. Also people are busy, and busy in new ways, everyone has multiple hustles and little free time.

You worked alongside Grammy Nominated musician Marito Marquez and accomplished producer Eric Lundgren. How was this collaboration?
It was wonderful, I have worked with Marito for years, he’s my first call Toronto musician —talented and lovely human. Eric and I have known each other less time, but have quickly become family. He and I are collaborating on a show, I’m writing and we work well together.

You have toured the world, performing in over 60 countries as a featured vocalist and a headliner with Royal Caribbean International. How do you see the impact of this experience on your career?
Oh, wow. Well, travel is the best education. I also grew so much as a person and performer through the experience, and over that time I was able to record my first EP on a Royal ship.

We learned that you are on the steering committee for ‘BGMN’ the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, you are a mentor, teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts, and a Vocal Coach with TIFTPA. Can you talk about it a little bit?
Yes, BGMN is a network launched to support and develop community. I’ve had the opportunity to produce events for them as well, along with the other committee members oversee general operations and programming. Mentoring and Vocal Coaching are great joys of mine. I love that transfer of knowledge and the idea of paying it forward.

As an LGBTQ artist, you are quite in the LGBTQ+ activism. This activism brings challenges as well as solidarity. What was the hardest thing you faced during your career or personal life?
Having felt and still sometimes feeling like there are people who may not want to work with me or on certain music, knowing they may feel uncomfortable on certain gigs.

There have always been amazing gay artists, but it seems like they are more able to be themselves these days, ex: Lil Nas. Do you feel the world is finally open to LGBTQ+ artists?
I do think the world is more open to Black Gay artists, and yes, LGBTQ artists on a whole. But still a long way to go.

How do you see the today and future of jazz music?
I think jazz of today will continue to push the boundaries of what jazz is, and in the future , I think there will be a renaissance.

How has the pandemic impacted you and your music?
Well it greatly impacted everyone. The arts community, especially live music and theatre were hit hard. I hate to say it, but in the moments that weren’t dark and sad it felt like a blessing. I had time to write, create, and take classes in a way that I haven’t done in years.

How are you staying positive during a shelter in place? Are you back to normal?
Spotify and solo dance parties lol… also cooking. Fortunately things are moving towards our new normal. I still work a lot virtually, but definitely lots more gigs/shows are rolling in.

What is your motto in life?
No Reserves No Retreats No Regrets / The Universe and all Creation is working for my good.

To learn more about Robert Ball, follow him through the links below:
Instagram: @RobertBallMusic
Twitter: @RobertBallMusic
Website: http://www.robertballmusic.com/

Finding a Soulful Connection with Robert Ball