Paul Oakenfold, U2, George Winston, The Police, Vince Guaraldi, Sting, Bob Marley, INXS, Duran Duran, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Steve Taylor, Elim Hall, Bryan Duncan, The Doors, Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, Arcade Fire, Barenaked Ladies, Beck, Blues Traveler, BoDeans, Cake, Crash Test Dummies, Eurythmics, October Project, Freddy Jones Band, The Samples, Journey, Ottmar Liebert, Led Zeppelin, Men at Work, Pearl Jam, John Mayer, David Sanborn, The Cars, Train, Moby, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, James Taylor, David Gray, Lenny Kravitz, R.E.M., Dave Matthews, Jimmy Eat World, Elton John, Stone Temple Pilots, Sarah McLachlan, Enya, Norah Jones, Sade, Enigma, Peter Gabriel, etc.
Music lovers of all ages will be transported to a less complicated, more relaxed world with Costlow's collection of original piano melodies that showcase the talent and universal reach of his passionate and raw sound. Even though Costlow's music is often placed with certain genres, his style is neither new age, classical or jazz. Costlow simply delivers independent, sincere and contemporary music to which listeners can easily relate.
By the time he was twelve, Rob Costlow was trying his piano instructor’s patience by adding his own endings to songs during lessons and recitals. "I literally despised taking lessons and especially practicing other people's music. It just wasn’t for me. I had so many notes running through my head, I wanted to create my own music," admits Rob. This soon brought an end to the lessons that began at age five. Rob realized that his musical future was going to take a different path than the one set by his teachers.
Rob is a true Hoosier born and raised in Indiana. Growing up in a large family helped Rob become focused and tenacious. As the youngest of six boys, Rob got used to seizing every opportunity. In fact, it was one of Rob’s brothers that introduced him to contemporary piano music. "It was so different than the music I studied in lessons," says Costlow. "It helped give me the courage to try my own hand at composition. I said to myself 'I can do this!' It was an immediate outlet to express myself and also provide a sense of calm when times were stressful.”
At age eleven, Rob lost his mother to ovarian cancer. Even as a young boy, Rob was affected by his mother’s constant courage in the face of such adversity. His Mom had and continues to have a huge impact on Rob’s life and music.
Rob received a Bachelors and Masters degree in Kinesiology from Indiana University, Bloomington (IU). Before transferring to IU as a junior, Rob began his college career as a Piano Performance and Composition major at Ball State University. He then changed majors to Kinesiology as a sophomore, giving an ironic twist to the meaning of Rob’s first album, Sophomore Jinx.
At IU, Rob was hit by a drunk driver and suffered injuries in both hands resulting in a broken left-hand and carpel tunnel syndrome in his right. Through surgery and physical therapy Rob has recovered, but still feels aching in his hands after an especially extensive piano performance.
While working on his Masters Degree at IU, Rob unofficially started his own record label based on a business class project. In 2002, Rob released his first professional solo project, Sophomore Jinx (re-released 2005), containing all original music. In 2004, Rob officially founded Tourist Records™. Through Tourist Records™, Rob continues to create and license music. He hopes to inspire other artists to make their own impact in the world.
Professionally, Rob spent about ten years working for influential Internet companies. It is through the Internet that Rob has connected with many people of different backgrounds and cultures. He has gained fans of all ages worldwide and has come to the realization that the world is in need of much more than just your typical “top 40” music.
Rob admits that he is a perfectionist and from time to time he’ll carry on a conversation longer than it should go. Rob loves to travel, “cut a rug” when the mood is right, eat pizza and twizzlers, put ketchup on everything, and spend time with his family.
While Rob has come a long way since his childhood lessons, his love for creating original compositions is still at the heart of his contemporary piano music. "Music is what inspires me,” says Costlow. “It is in my soul. I never force myself to write. I do it when it comes to me. I take things a day at a time."
We are one big family. We are all equal. Thanks to a fan (in Austria) for creating and sharing this video.
Meant to Be
Trucker Tom's (http://truckertom.podshow.com/) "Montana Oblivion" video set to "Meant To Be." The video is Tom driving in southeast Montana on a two-lane road.
L.A./Passing By
This video was created by Adam (a friend, who has done a lot of photography for Rob). This was a special tribute for Adam's daughter (Rose).
What a wonderful concept, your Reconstruction Music Project. I think I can speak for many music and soundlovers that especially in times like these, we can certainly use ideas like these. I was also touched by the Music for Change project as I was by yours and it reminded me of the power of music once more. After all: 'Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife...'
Hi Rob, just listen to your song "Meant to Be" ... It's a beautiful song that can speak to the human soul ... I send you greetings from Europe from the Czech Republic and I wish you and your family a wonderful weekend :-)
Thanks sooo much for the add req. The piano speaks volumes to the kindred soul and the lonely heart and it uplifts your mind. Music carries you to new heights. your blessed with talent. I love contemporary sound. may your every endeavour be blessed and truly magnified.. ciao..
No problem, your music is awesome. the piano is such a multi functional instrument for me..soothing, relaxing, inspirational, and great in times of misery loves company. keep composing, i'll keep listening. you have the gift =)
Love your music it is very beautiful, will have to get me a cd of yours so i can listen to it when i'm not in my highest of hopes so it can bring me up. Anyways thanks so much for the friends request and i hope to hear a lot more from you. Good luck with your Beautiful music!
Great work! I don't know a lot about this style of music, but when I was young I found Liz Story and really enjoyed a couple of her albums (especially Solid Colors). Yours reminds me of that somewhat, but clearly your own style. Keep up the excellent work!
wow im glad u requested me rob... or i wud of not heard ur beautiful music... its so calming, soothing, and poetic... you really have a way with ur hands.... its amazing...
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