All About Rob Burnell
Rob Burnell might be called unique. Some may even say he has extraordinary musical talent, but to Rob, making music is simply what he was born to do.
Even at the age of 17, Rob has quite a story to tell. Adopted at 6 months of age, Rob was truly a blessing to his parents, Doug and Linda. Doug and Linda would soon learn that the gift they had received had a gift of his own to share. Rob discovered his passion for music at a young age. “I remember taking naps on the couch at my Aunt's house when I was around six years old. My cousins would play music to put me sleep – they were my early inspiration.”
Rob began taking guitar lessons but also discovered a talent for song writing. Upon learning that his disabled Aunt was also battling skin cancer, Rob wrote his first song in her honor. “Love Me Anyway” is a heartfelt song about acceptance and family, and the emotion that went into creating it is still evident each time he performs it.
Rob continued with formal guitar lessons until he was 15. After hearing repeatedly from each successive instructor that they had taught him as much as they could, Rob began teaching himself. “I got tired of learning music theory and wanted to focus on writing. I had always been able to learn by ear as well as read sheet music, so I decided it was time to teach myself.” In the past 6 years Rob has taught himself to play bass, piano, and the drums. He also continues to grow his music portfolio by writing more songs.
Whether he is playing his treasured acoustic guitar or the keyboard, covering Keith Urban’s fun, fast paced “Sweet Thing” or his own soulful “Summer Girl”, Rob is genuinely at home on the stage. “It is such a rush for me to be in front of an audience. I feel like I’m in my element – like it’s meant to be.”
Rob finds inspiration in the artistic styling of John Mayer, Keith Urban, The Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind, and Jason Mraz. He lives in Readfield Maine and is a senior at Maranacook Community High School where he is a member of the ice hockey team. Rob enjoys spending time with his friends, writing new music, and being cheering for his favorite teams which include the Boston Bruins, New York Giants, and New York Yankees. But most of all, Rob loves to make music.