Midwest Musician Makes His Own Path, Opens Minds, and Avoids the Mainstream Mindset
Fishers, IN – June 6, 2005 -- In an age of pre-fabricated boy bands and pop divas, few would imagine that the work of a solo pianist would garner much attention. However, the debut album Sophomore Jinx from artist Rob Costlow is becoming known around the world and his brand new release, Woods of Chaos, is bound to do the same.Costlow’s firmly anchored to the ground with his music and priorities. “My mission is to broaden the minds of musicians and music lovers. Too many musicians get wrapped up in their own world. I try new things and do a lot of grass roots marketing, so I can open up new doors and get into the minds of music lovers who’ve been waiting for something new. This is not to serve myself, but to inspire and serve the world better. I’ve had so many children and adults approach me at performances or via email asking questions and inspired to take lessons or practice harder. Music is a great self-development outlet, and the classic instruments are great tools to build character, discipline, and creativity. We all have a choice to move forward or stay put. I choose to move forward and do my utmost to help improve people’s lives. My music is doing this, and I’m extremely grateful. A lot of people who hear and purchase my music for the first time tell me they wouldn’t typically buy or search for instrumental music. However, they can relate to the music. The music is universal, which I believe is the core factor drawing in the untypical fan. The broader my audience, the more my efforts will blossom.”
Jim Brickman (platinum selling pianist) states, “Rob Costlow definitely has his own style. His original compositions are refreshing and I would recommend his CDs to all music lovers. Keep your eyes and ears on this guy."
Costlow mainly credits the Internet for his success in gaining exposure and fans. Costlow states, “If you want to get something done, do it yourself. Don’t expect or wait for something to happen. Make it happen. Use all the resources you can.” In early 2004, Costlow placed his music all over the Internet, which recently led to a special foreign fan to fall in love with Rob’s music. This fan had a contact at a Singapore record company. In November 2004, Costlow signed a foreign record deal with Orange Music, which distributes music to six Asian territories. Sophomore Jinx, released under the title “Oceans” in Asia, is already an all-time best seller for the label. Costlow also distributes and sells CDs through his U.S. label, Tourist Records™.
Could boy-band fatigue be setting in? Are people searching for something to help them escape from the insanity of a world that seems more and more crazy? Costlow has managed to gain an audience by opening up the minds of music lovers of all ages. Perhaps we’ll soon see Costlow at the top of the charts along with the many cookie-cutter groups currently filling those positions.
CDs of Sophomore Jinx and Woods of Chaos can be purchased through Costlow’s website - http://www.robcostlow.com.
About Rob Costlow and Tourist Records™
Growing up in a large family helped Rob become focused and tenacious. As the youngest of six boys, Rob had to get used to seizing every opportunity that came his way. While working on his Masters Degree, Rob unofficially started Tourist Records™, based on a fictitious business plan. In 2002, Rob released his first professional solo project, Sophomore Jinx, containing all original music. He officially founded Tourist Records in 2004. His compositions are inspired by his family and earthly adventures throughout the United States, Canada, Italy, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Rob’s ultimate goals are to license music for use in television and film as well as help other artists who are dedicated to creating original music make their own impact in the world. He currently lives in Fishers, IN with his wife Melissa. Visit http://www.robcostlow.com for more information on Costlow.
