Robert Ball: Today’s Notable Young Professional

Today’s Notable Young Professional is gifted solo artist Robert Ball, whose talent and amazing tenor and smooth effortless falsetto as a background and session singer have enabled him to travel the world to perform…

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WORK

Describe what you do in less than 140 characters. Go.
I am a singer. A naturally soulful voice with jazz sensibilities describes my solo music. As a working singer, my background includes musical theatre, cruise ships, private events, studio/session singer and background singer.

What was the inspiration for your career route?
Watching and listening to the greats; Sammy Davis Jr, Luther Vandross, Whitney Houston, Randy Crawford certainly inspired me. At 11 years old I watched Rachelle Ferrell pay tribute to Patty Labelle, and I told myself I want to do that!

What is the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
I’ve had many, but my top three would be working with Tony Award winner Lillias White, singing background for gospel icon Kim Burrell, and going to Egypt to perform.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Five years : A few more CDs released and consistently touring as a solo artist. 10 years: Having Broadway under my belt. 20 years: Opening a facility to teach and groom young people in the arts.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Yes! Hustle. If your passion and dreams are so great that you think of nothing else, hustle. Be entrepreneurial, network, audition, practice, research, invest in your self, and push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is it (or they) important to you?
Yes. I support the Toronto Arts Foundation. I feel very strongly about their mandate to connect and show every Toronto neighbourhood the social and economic benefit of the arts.  

What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
Bridging what people expected of me as an artist and who I am authentically. A lot of self-discovery, studying my voice, and finding artists that I connect and identify with helped me overcome it.

What does the word notable mean to you?
To be “notable” means to be stand out, worth acknowledging and given recognition. 

PLAY

Where is your favourite place to wine/dine in your city and why?
In Toronto I love Harlem restaurant. They have great food and live music. In New York, Billies Black has a similar vibe with good eats and fantastic live entertainment.

What’s the most visited website on your Internet browser? The most played song on your phone?
Honestly, Facebook! I travel so much and enjoy staying connected with friends and family. “Enough” by RnB artist Tweet is currently the most played song on my phone.

Who’s one person you think everyone should be following on social media?
Brandy (@4EverBrandy); she’s hilarious and talented.

What’s your favourite country to visit and why? And what’s the next one you plan on travelling to?
Spain because of the culture, energy, history, food and architecture. India or Brazil are next on my list.

What gives you the greatest FOMO?
Ironically, travel. I love to travel but I miss keeping up with my family and fellow creative people while I’m on the road.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
I LOVE rings; unique, artisan pieces specifically. 

What’s something you wish you didn’t spend so much money on? What’s something you wish you spent more on?
The taxi bills certainly add up and I’d like to spend more on my music. 

And finally, what does success look like to you? Work, play, or otherwise…
Happiness is success. Personal fulfillment with work and accomplishments definitely contribute to success as well, but the ultimate success is self love, love for others, and loving what you do.

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