Rob Shinno Music, Art, Tech and the Spaces In-Between

Rob has been playing music since the age of seven, and was classically schooled on piano.  Rob was an eager performer who excelled at recitals including performances at the Interlochen Center for the Arts.  Rob moved to San Diego, California in 1983 to form the bands New Continent and Uncommon Ground with drummer Mike McQuilken.  Rob and Mike produced several Pop and Rock albums together, with Rob on vocals, guitar and Mike’s drumming, percussion and sequencing skills. These included 'World One World', 'Structures' and 'Information Age'.  

Soon after, Rob released his first solo CD, ‘River of Life’ which was received with good critical acclaim.  ‘River of Life’ received radio air-play and was Gavin chart bound for 10 weeks.  Rob was also nominated for ‘Best New Artist of the Year’ by the San Diego Music awards.  With 'River of Life' Rob was also one of the first contemporary jazz artists to be openly out as a gay performer, appearing four times on San Diego Pride's Main Stage and multiple community benefits from 1994 on, as well as the San Diego Smooth Jazz festival, Newport Beach Jazz and other mainstream events. 

Rob formed Hemisphere with sax player Don Bowman and released the CD ‘Blue Planet Dreams’ which also garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for ‘Best Album of the Year’ by the San Diego Music awards. ‘Blue’ also featured drummer Bill Ray, and bassist Tony Hill.  Shows to support the album included a headlining performance at 4th&B, the KIFM Smooth Jazz Festival and an appearance at the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. 

After the release of ‘Blue’, Rob traveled the world and those influences were heard on the album ‘Destinations’, which also featured keyboardist Max Zape along with Don and Rob.  ‘Destinations’ was featured on BET Jazz soon after its release, followed by many live shows in California.   

Currently, Rob has been collaborating with Michigan artist and producer Mitch Michelle in the Dark Energy Arcade, an 80's influenced pop-rock band.

Rob has also had a very visual component to his shows, with various multi-media productions to augment live music performances.   

Having graduated with honors from Michigan State with an engineering degree, Rob’s favorite guitarists are Brian May and Pat Metheny. Influences include Queen, Genesis, Pet Shop Boys, Pat Metheny, David Bowie,  Duran Duran, Elton John, Def Leppard, Erasure, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Muse, Steely Dan, Neil Young and Weather Report.  

Rob also is a director the Japanese American Citizens League, founded in 1929, the JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The San Diego Chapter was established shortly thereafter in 1932.  The JACL monitors and responds to issues that enhance or threaten the civil and human rights of all Americans and implements strategies to effect positive social change, particularly with respect to the Asian Pacific American community.