Robert Quirarte (pronounced KEY-AR-TAY) is a singer-songwriter from Riverside, California USA. Combining strong, passionate vocals with synthesizer, orchestral, and rock styles give Robert Quirarte a sound all his own. 　　Robert’s love for music began at a young age. “I had an uncle who had lots of albums by the Beatles and I used to listen to them for hours. Their creativity would stay with me always”, says Robert. 　　But Robert’s desire to play music didn’t begin till age 14. “My brother brought home the latest Rush album at the time and I listened to it more than he did. I think I listened to it so much that I wore it out”, says Robert. That and the introduction of the MTV music channel made Roberts ambitions stronger. “All the bands that came out at the time were all different and fresh”, says Robert. Robert received his first drum set and taught himself how to play by copying his Rush album and watching the drummers on the MTV videos. 　　Robert soon after met up with a ska guitarist and they formed a band, playing mostly cover songs. But the group never got off the ground, as Robert was the only person who actually knew how to play. After a few rehearsals, Robert met a punk guitarist and the two looked for players while creating new songs. Robert was exposed to many different genres of music at this time. Unfortunately the punk band also never took off because they couldn’t find proper players. 　　Robert decided to join the high school band and met a guy who introduced him to the music of Depeche Mode. The music was once again a different experience for him and inspired him to want to write songs. Unfortunately because he was only a drummer this was a problem. So he decided to learn to play keyboards. 　　He learned how to play keyboards by listening to Depeche Mode records and copying what he heard, figuring out how it all worked. Robert remembers, “I would make simple melodies and write lyrics, then I would play and my friend would sing. Then I would sing backup”. His friend lost interest shortly after and Robert met another keyboard player and they formed a keyboard duo. 　　Robert graduated from high school shortly after and all of his projects quickly came to a stop. “I was on my own and it was time to go into the world. I knew what I wanted to do and I kept going by going to a junior college and learning more how to play music”, says Robert. He decided to play solo, recording and performing at talent shows and clubs. 　　In 1991, Robert’s brother Chris, took an interest in drums and with Robert formed a progressive/alternative rock trio called Primary. Robert recalls, “I sang and alternated between keyboards and bass guitar while my brother played drums and this other guy played guitar, and off we went”. They played at clubs throughout southern California and developed a large following. Unfortunately in 1995 health problems caused the guitarist to quit and Robert and Chris, not being able to find a suitable replacement, took a break. 　　The band was reformed in 1996 but with a different lineup. “We found guy who was an amazing bass player. He was better than me. I liked the vocal and keyboard side of it anyways’, says Robert. The band continued on and played the southern California clubs, slowly building a fan base with progressive rock fans. 　　In the year 2000 it was becoming clear that Robert and the band were going in different directions and they parted ways. 　　On his own once again, Robert took some time to get back to songwriting and began writing new songs. All the different kinds of music he had experienced in the past came together in his new songs. The old songs also took on a new form of their own. “When I create songs I don’t go out of my way a certain sound. I just try to get a sound together that conveys the message the lyrics are giving, with as much emotion as possible”, says Robert. 　　His lyrics go from the tragic moment of losing a loved one (“Remember”) to fictional progressive rock influenced songs (The Machines”). But the main inspirations for his songs are the moments he has had in his personal life. 　　Robert Quirarte hopes that his music touches the lives of all those that listen to it.