Source: AWARD-WINNING MEN
Book Author: ED KARVOSKI JR.
Subject: ROBERT URBAN
Date: 2002

AWARDS: Outstanding Live Performer of the Year, OutMusic Awards, 2001; Outstanding Legacy Recording for ELEGIES, OutMusic Awards, 2001

Singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Robert Urban says he never really had to come out of the closet because he never really was in one: "I was always 'out' in the sense that I always knew who and what i was. As a kid, I think my mom and sisters and probably my dad just sort of knew, maybe even before I did, and it was okay. I know I'm really lucky in that sense."

And while some gay dudes might feel uncomfortable blending into the hyper-masculine and traditionally straight-identified world of rock 'n' roll, Urban says, "The rock thing was actually very easy for me. I think I was 13 or 14 years old when I discovered there were guys my age all over the place getting together in garages and basements and making music as a thing to do after school. It was very enjoyable for me as a teenager, and gay, to be in there with the other guys. It was the best! Total male bonding!"

Born and raised in Fairfield County, Conn., the musician progressed out of the garages and into the classrooms. He received a B.S. degree in philosopy and music from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut. While in school, he won the university's concerto competition on flute and he conducted the Yale Orchestra as a guest artist. Additionally, he toured the U.S. as a singer with the Boston Opera under Sarah Cauldwell.

"I see all music as one; I really don't see much of a difference between opera and rock and classical," he notes.

Upon moving to Manhattan, Urban began composing scores for an array of dance, theater and film productions. He composed the score for the documentary film Ticket to Freedom: Woodstock, which also features original songs by Richie Havens. Music from his "godless"album is featured in the gay-themed art film Paradise Attempted, released in 2000. His other CDs include who i was and Elegies.

Additionally, he loves playing with other musicians, both live and in the studio. He particularly enjoys his association with lesbian musicians. "I don't think there's a gay guy on this planet that has played with more lesbians than me!" he says, laughing.

"I'm so proud of the achievements of lesbians in rock 'n' roll, Urban says of the likes of Melissa Etheridge, as well as up-and-comers in the industry. "Women are succeeding in this area because they're doing their homework and they're playing the game as everybody plays the game. They want to be equal players with all the straight men in the world."

Urban, too, has achieved recognition as an equal player. The rock magazine THE PROGRESS REPORT included him in the 2001 "Ten Most Important New Voices in Modern Rock Music."

Of course there's always a potential occupational hazard, notes this gay musician who jams with straight guys. "I spent my life in bands with straight guys - you think falling in love with one of them hasn't happened? It has happened many times to me! That's a very bittersweet part of my life. Especially when I was a teenager. I fell for the drummer in my first band; I was so in love with him!" Urban blurts out a sigh that says it all. "It's funny, we're still friends and we still talk about it."

In fact, Urban has written a song about unrequited love based on his experience. "When I sing the song live, I ask the audience, 'Has anyone out there ever fallen in love with someone your're really not suppose to fall in love with?' This is a universal; this has happened to everyone," he says.

"Most of the gigs I do are for audiences with all kinds of orientations," adds Urban. "I love it when queers craft songs that speak of their own experience but in a way that becomes a universal, something that anyone can relate with. Certainly, that's a key to writing a hit pop song."

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