Biography
Rob Middleton's musical journey began at ten years old; he was in the crowd watching the finals of the Youth Talent Search Ontario Competition. When he blurted out "I will be on that stage next year!" Quite amusing at the time as Rob had never even mentioned wanting to be a singer, let alone competing in a talent search in front of hundreds of spectators. But his father a former bass player and mother a singer, enrolled Rob in singing lessons right away with voice coach Cheryl Harrison. Rob practiced day and night and just as he said, was on the stage the following year after making it thru the first few rounds and on to the finals of the Youth Talent Search Ontario Competition.
For the next few years, Rob entered every competition he heard of trying to get maximum exposure as well as performing in showcase concerts produced by Encore Canada Inc. and the Children's Miracle Network Telethon.
At age thirteen, Rob was approached by radio personality Elaine Sawyer from CKSL Radio in London, asking if he would be interested in getting together to form a group with her son a drummer from London. Soon they formed a teen rock group called Shylock.
Well London just wasn't ready for a teen rock band yet and when Rob tried to get his band booked at nightclubs and had the door slammed in his face more times than could be imagined. Club owners were sure no one would come to see a bunch of teens playing in a band. After thinking of a way to play long and hard he finally figured it out. Rob suggested an all ages show that would not cost the bar anything to promote. He offered to print his own advance tickets and only expected the door fee as payment. An offer to good to refuse and that's when it all really started. The Clubs were jammed and the band got regular bookings every few weeks. It was awesome and it almost never happened, just goes to show if you believe you can do anything you put your mind to.
The London Free Press ate it up putting Rob's photo and a huge write-up on the front page of the Entertainment Section boasting he's only thirteen and already one of London's top draws. This led to tons of appearances and interest from local entertainment management.
Over the years, Rob fronted several bands from Classic Rock to New Country and even a Metallica Tribute for some time. He craves the spotlight and believes that the rush felt when standing on stage in front of hundreds of people is truly awesome. Constantly saying "It's a feeling like nothing else on Earth."
Those were great times, but Rob knew his heart was in Country music and soon focused his attention on the thing that matters most, being seen by the public. He once again hit the contest circuit and started meeting tons of performers and other industry people. Rob enjoys singing so much he even invested in his own Entertainment Company and began booking karaoke shows so he could perform live every night.
Rob was a finalist in 2003 and 2004 Ontario Open Country Singing Contest. This is an incredible contest with tons of great competitors, if you're a singer this is one you don't want to miss!
Rob was also a finalist in the 2002 Cradle to Rave Singing Contest held at "The Corral" in Oshawa and sponsored by KX-96 FM & Wellcraft Music Group.
As a finalist in Cradle to Rave Competition, Rob was invited to participate on the 2002 Wellcraft Music/KX-96 Finalists compilation album. He completed recording his first song "Playin' Hard To Forget" an upbeat tempo rock-a-billy type song written by renowned songwriters Cyril Rawson / Jim Witter / Ron Harbin.
Soon after Rob completed work on a song for the Million Penny Toy Drive 2003 Christmas CD a joint effort from KX-96 FM/1350-CKDO radio and Wellcraft Music Group, Rob performed the song "Hot Rod Sleigh" originally performed and written by country superstar Toby Keith.
In January 2004 Rob was asked again to contribute his talents to the 2003 Wellcraft Music/KX-96 Finalists compilation album this time Rob performed two songs:
The first is a melodic ballad about a man who's played women for years and finally gets played back, appropriately titled "The Player"
The second is a rocking' country song about a blue collar cowboy titled "Hillbilly Cadillac"
This is an incredibly cool song and could possibly be Rob's first nationwide release.
Rob was asked in 2004 to appear on the Million Penny Toy Drive Christmas CD and completed another incredible song. This years pick was a remake of the holiday favourite"Santa, Looked A Lot Like Daddy" This track will be on the 2004 CD with proceeds going to help support The Salvation Army and Simcoe Hall Settlement House.
The Million Penny Toy Drive 2004 Christmas CD is a joint effort from KX-96 FM/1350-CKDO radio and Wellcraft Music Group. Thank you to all those who came out to support this year's toy drive kickoff concert Sunday November 14th 2004 at "The Corral" in Oshawa.
Rob also appears on the 2004 Wellcraft Music/KX-96 Finalists compilation album. This year's song is once again a track that almost appeared to be custom made for Robs rock-a-billy feel titled "Ride like a Cadillac" This track was written by two extremely talented and renowned writers Rick Carnes / Peter Callander.
Recently Rob has just wrapped up the recording of four demos for Canadian songwriter Glen Gales, these tunes should be shopped to industry by later on this year to some big names in country music and I am quite excited to see who might end up releasing these tracks.
Rob is also featured on the 2005 Wellcraft Music/KX-96 Finalists compilation album. This albums song is written by Glen Gales and is named "Don't Say Your In Love" and turned out incredible!