BIOGRAPHY
Robert Emmett O’Brien started playing bass at the age of 14 with the inspiration of Flea the renowned bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and from day 1 Robbie took bass playing very seriously. It wasn’t until he discovered Les Claypool of the Band Primus and his incredibly unique use of advanced techniques that the world of bass playing totally opened up for him.
At the age of 15 and then 16 Robbie took his skills to the next level during two consecutive Berklee College of Music summer camps where he engaged in effective practicing 8 hours a day. At this point, he knew that he wanted to pursue music as a Career and he enrolled at Vanier College’s Music program. There, he was trained by Peter Kisilenko who, Robbie says, was one of his most influential teachers. Peter took a kid with a hot shot attitude, mentored him and showed him the path to being a professional.
At the time Robbie who was working in the warehouse at Steve’s Music (the well-known Montreal music store) met legendary singer/songwriter Shawn Phillips, who jammed with him then hired him on the spot for the Quebec leg of his tour. Was it luck or was it fate?
Shortly after this, Robbie continued his education enrolling at Berklee College of Music in Boston where he acquired personal training with famous bass players Lincoln Goines and Oscar Stagnaro. His studies finally came full circle and after 3 years, Robbie was awarded his degree in Professional Music. He is now actively pursuing his career as a professional musician.