Exposed Vocals Interviews Robert Punsalan

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Robie: My real name is Robert Punsalan. I grew up in the Philippines and loved art since I was very young. Dance, Photography, Movie Making and Beats are things that I’ve come to love and got closer too as I got older.

My parents are partners that love me very much. Mama (Pat) would always make sure to give me advice on building myself up. She helped me become more responsible and active towards the passions that I hold dear to me.

Mommy (Elena) helped out with my day to day needs. She kinda of spoiled me but it’s just her way of showing me affection. I was really isolated and always thinking about problems but beyond that I think I turned out alright. I went to school at Ateneo de Manila University which was great. I had to repeat a year because things were different but I always did have some trouble adjusting. They both gave me the insight but I had a hard time accepting it which led me to rebelling. Because of that I went to a Therapeutic Community style center which also helped me realize the mistakes I’ve made. I used to feel sorry for myself but now I am just filled with ideas to become a better artist in general.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Robie: Vaulks is an alias I used in video games I played growing up. MMORPGs are a keen interest and it’s quite fun being able to interact with a lot of people online. Though I admit it left scared and probably some self-esteem issues I’m hoping to go beyond that. The original inspiration of the name itself “V-a-u-l-k-s” came from a character from “V-O-X”. Vox Verlix is a character in The Edge Chronicles series written by Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart.

The illustration and rich story line inspired me so much to name my gaming characters and media platforms online.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Robie: I love music and love hearing music from different people. I think that based on that music should be free. I’m new in the industry and didn’t really know what sampling meant but I understand it now. The difficulty in just sampling though is that it kinda of left me at unease because I didn’t feel comfortable sing other people’s work. I didn’t see the bigger picture but all I had to do was just reach out properly and respectfully to everyone around me.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Robie: My good friend Anton Saldana has the most boss voice ever. He’s with Cosmic love and The Badsigns. My big bro Alexander Valencia is really dope with guitar he strung up Everlong while we were hangin out. Zef Fabian aka “Zelijah” is really tearing up the scene but my favorite artist and “schoolhood” bestfriend CRWN is really killing it. I love his music and featured it in one of my videos.

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Robie: I usually stream music while playing videogames that is a big inspiration. My biggest inspirations are the closest people in my life. My Moms Pat and Elena, my girlfriend and hopefully wife someday, my titas and of course I still feel remorse for being an ass to my friends so all of them as well. Ahah!

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Robie: I currently use soundcloud in tribute to Vox, the most epic steampunk pirate. The guy blew himself up saving The Edge and I found that very noble but sad.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Robie: I would keep half of it for my family and self. The other half I would donate to Gawad Kalinga, an organization that builds houses for the lower reaches of the Philippines. This is Organization came as a program through my school and we are required every year to participate. It really made me feel good to help the kids.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Robie: Usually I just posted links on facebook and twitter. I’ve been consulting with my cousins and friends about promoting my music.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Artist: Yes, I’ve been studying at Berklee Online and Lynda for the Maschine; collabing with my friend Jhakari Neptune. Hopefully we can produce something that everyone can listen to and enjoy. I find myself at a knowledge gap because I’ve only started in music production a few months ago.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Artist: Besides making music I enjoy recording videos on Youtube. I have a channel “Vaulks” and it is inspired by Vox Verlix from The Edge Chronicles.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Artist: To be honest I’m still working things out. Sleep schedule is bad though dancing keeps me grounded.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Artist: For 2016 I’m hoping to finish my studies and produce better music for my fans. I’m also trying to raise enough money to move to another country. Hopefully I can land a part time job before my certificate course is over.