Rob has appeared on the likes of Spinnin (Liquid), Discover, High Contrast, Black Hole, Enhanced, Somatic Sense and finally Paul van Dyk’s mighty Vandit Records which has enabled him to push his way into the record boxes of the biggest names in the industry and receive their continuous support.
As an engineer Rob has worked closely with Jon O’Bir to create Jon’s first artist album, From Within and has engineered and produced, singles and remixes for Jon, Aled Mann (Discover), Owen Clark (Club Elite), Freesoup (Five AM), Chris & Matt Kidd (Joyride) and David Newsum (Discover), clearly showing the range and diversity of Rob’s production skills.
Although he is primarily known as a producer, Rob has been DJing since his first experience with a pair of turntables while at school. He has gone on to play at the biggest nights in the UK including Gatecrasher and Passion and regularly travels the UK and often abroad to perform. He is a bi-monthly resident at easily the best and fastest growing night in the UK, Digital Society, where his late sets have become a popular part of the night showcasing the harder side of his style.
If that wasn’t enough, Rob also owns and runs Conspiracy Recordings along with Jon O’Bir and Kev Ribbens. The label, which has grown rapidly in the first few years, has had massive support from the biggest names in the industry including regular appearances on Armin’s ASOT, Above & Beyond’s TATW, VONYC Sessions, Sound garden as well as Radio 1 and various other FM radio support.
The label has developed a reputation of showcasing brand new music from new artists, has helped kick start the careers of Tom Colontonio, Anguilla Project and Peter Martijn Wijnea, as well as releasing tracks from more well known artists like Ian Betts, Dan Stone and Peter Dafnous.
UR
Activa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You need that buzz to come alive
Out on the edge, out on the town
You ain't got time to settle down
You're always sure, you're always right
You see it all in black and white
You never listen to anyone
Because you're young
A world of hate and a world of dreams
So much to lose, so much to gain
So much to fight for, so much to change
You don't look back, you don't look down
You gotta turn everything around
You live your life like a loaded gun
Because you're young
Stop talking back, get off the phone
You're late again, you missed the last bus home
This ain't the way you want to live
I know something's got to give
You're always sure, you're always right
You see it all in black and white
You never listen to anyone
Because you're young
The lyrics of "UR" by Activa convey the experience of youth, specifically focusing on the restlessness, rebelliousness, and intensity of emotions that come with being young. The song captures the energy and impulsivity of youth, portraying a sense of urgency and a desire for excitement and change in the singer's life. The opening lines describe the youthful protagonist as sharp-witted and in need of stimulation to feel truly alive. The imagery of being "out on the edge, out on the town" suggests a sense of thrill-seeking and a reluctance to conform to societal norms. The repeated refrain "Because you're young" highlights the idea that one's age is a driving force behind their actions and mindset.
The lyrics also touch on the duality of youth, portraying a conflict between idealism and the harsh realities of the world. The singer is torn between a world filled with negativity and one brimming with dreams and possibilities. The references to having "so much to fight for, so much to change" evoke a sense of passion and a desire to make a difference in the world, despite the challenges that may arise. The defiance and determination of the youthful protagonist are emphasized through the assertion that they "gotta turn everything around" and live their life with a sense of purpose and urgency.
The song delves into the frustrations and challenges that come with youth, highlighting the struggles of balancing independence and responsibility. The lyrics depict a sense of recklessness and defiance, as the singer is urged to stop talking back and take control of their life. The lines "You're late again, you missed the last bus home" symbolize a lack of adherence to rules and expectations, suggesting a tendency to live in the moment and prioritize personal freedom over conformity. The chorus reinforces the idea of the singer's unwavering self-assurance and refusal to be swayed by others' opinions or advice, attributing this steadfastness to their youth and the invincibility it often entails.
Overall, "UR" by Activa captures the spirit of youth through its portrayal of rebellion, passion, and the desire for change. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young protagonist who is determined to carve out their own path, navigate the complexities of the world, and live life on their own terms. The song celebrates the intensity and drive that often characterize youth while also acknowledging the challenges and uncertainties that come with this stage of life. Through its evocative imagery and powerful refrain, the song resonates with listeners who are familiar with the tumultuous journey of adolescence and the quest for identity and purpose.
Line by Line Meaning
Because you're young, sharp as a knife
You are youthful and full of potential, eager for excitement and adventure
You need that buzz to come alive
You thrive on stimulation that makes you feel alive and engaged
Out on the edge, out on the town
You live on the fringes of societal norms, seeking thrills and experiences in the urban environment
You ain't got time to settle down
You resist the idea of settling into a routine or traditional lifestyle
You're always sure, you're always right
You are confident in your beliefs and convictions, convinced of your own truth
You see it all in black and white
You view the world in absolutes, without shades of gray or nuance
You never listen to anyone
You are independent and self-assured, disregarding external opinions
Because you're young
Your youthfulness defines your perspective and actions, influencing your choices
Because you're young, you're torn between
As a young person, you feel torn between conflicting forces and possibilities
A world of hate and a world of dreams
You grapple with the harsh realities of life alongside your aspirations and hopes
So much to lose, so much to gain
You face significant risks and rewards, with much at stake in your decisions
So much to fight for, so much to change
You have many causes to champion and injustices to confront, seeking to make a difference
You don't look back, you don't look down
You are forward-looking and focused on progress, avoiding regret and hesitation
You gotta turn everything around
You feel compelled to transform yourself and your circumstances, seeking a new direction
You live your life like a loaded gun
You live with intensity and volatility, ready to explode with energy and passion
Stop talking back, get off the phone
You are urged to stop being defiant and distracted, to focus on what truly matters
You're late again, you missed the last bus home
You are repeatedly behind schedule, missing opportunities and connections
This ain't the way you want to live
You recognize that your current lifestyle is not fulfilling or sustainable, prompting a desire for change
I know something's got to give
You acknowledge that a shift or sacrifice is necessary to break free from your current circumstances
Because you're young
Your youth plays a central role in your experiences, choices, and challenges
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Collin McFaull, Daryl Smith, Mick Beaufoy, Steve Bruce, Steve Burgess
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kostya U (Hexfire)
This is one of my favourite tracks you have produced. Substate group here, but the track is more sharp and Activa-ish, in all seems to be the last Substate track, which follows the lines of its predecessors in Horizon and The Following.