Exclusive Interview: Penelope Robin

Tara speaks with delightful Penelope Robin, a 15 year old American singer-songwrite about expressing her emotions through her lyrics in new single ‘Taking Back Sunday’, growing up in Colombia and how that has influenced her music, plans for whats next, advice for other emerging artists like her and lots more!

Pop newcomer Penelope Robin follows through with another gripping pop gem on “Taking Back Sunday” – her second official single, released independently via The Orchard.

Starting off with soft retro ’80s synths, the stellar production quickly unfolds into a feisty pop-rock concoction of whirling guitars and angsty riffs, as Penelope’s lively vocals tell an inspiring story of taking back both personal power and wasted time.

Assisted by visuals directed by legendary Colombian director Herney Luna, the “Taking Back Sunday” video also sees Brandon Figueredo (star of the hit Netflix Colombian series Eva Lasting) play Penelope’s love interest; following a lover’s argument, Penelope finds herself on a journey of discovery and leaving the past behind.

‘Taking Back Sunday’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. Musically it is empowering and makes you feel like dancing crazily around your room, but most importantly, it is a reminder that no matter how much someone takes from you, you can always take it back.

“Taking Back Sunday” is the Latina’s second major single following on from February’s well-received reggaeton-rock anthem “Animal” – making a splash with international online tastemakers such as GRRL Music, She Makes Music, Unsettled Magazine and Celeb Secrets, the genre-blending “Animal” explores the ferocious journey of escaping toxicity and has already raced to 400K+ streams across Spotify and YouTube alone.

With all of her music being a reflection of her innermost thoughts and feelings, Penelope Robin’s diary-like songs gives her the opportunity to express emotions in a different form. Writing from experiences and interactions with people and their emotional impact, Penelope’s personal and insightful music aims to explore the ups and downs, the good and the bad through genre-bending, memorable musical moments.

Growing up in the US, music was always the heart and soul of Penelope’s Miami family home, to the point where on some days she would quite literally fall asleep and wake up to music – either from her Cuban father’s work as an in-demand hitmaking producer, or her Venezuelan mother’s varied musical interests being played around the house. Developing a curiosity about the process of creating songs, Penelope regularly put pressure on her father to make a song with her; she finally succeeded at age eight, learning to play the piano and writing her first ever songs with him.

Getting a taste for life as a musician with opportunities like a slot opening for Karol G in front of a 14K audience and touring around the US at schools, shopping malls and music festivals, Penelope made the decision to take a step back from the stage, in search of her own unique sound which felt true to her.

Over the years, Penelope eventually moved to Bogotá, Colombia and has dedicated herself to developing and finding a sound which succinctly combines her varied musical influences, Latin heritage and vibrant personality – “Taking Back Sunday” emerges as the latest from these sessions.

Now in a position to rise as a credible, unique pop force, Penelope Robin is only just getting started – stay tuned for plenty more to come in 2023 and beyond from this future star.

Check out our Discover Spotlight Podcast featuring interviews with other emerging artists. Plus listen to Channel R Discover, our 60min curated playlist featuring the best emerging artists Sundays at 10am PT/1pm ET on Channel R.