Your Story Music Spotlight: Rob Fillo, A Better Man

This Is Rob Fillo’s Complete Journey of Music, Meaning, & Connection

Interview British Columbia, Canada, Canadian Artist, Community, Emotional Intelligence, Love, Overcoming Challenges, Perseverance, Sobriety, Vulnerability GP 2025-01-16

Rob Fillo is a singer-songwriter, storyteller, and creative spirit based in Victoria, BC, Canada. His journey as an artist has been one of deep connection, both with himself and his audience, driven by a desire to explore the complexities of life through music, storytelling, and shared experiences.

Music for Rob, is about more than just creating—it’s about forging genuine relationships with those who listen. He’s always been drawn to the power of emotional connection that music can foster, whether through a vulnerable acoustic track or a collective choir singing in harmony. Throughout his journey, he’s sought to tell stories that resonate, inspire reflect, and ultimately bring people together.

Rob takes us on a new journey in this interview with The Path Radio as he reflects and answers our questions.

A Story of Stripped-Back Honesty: The Release of Better Man

One of my most recent releases, Better Man (Red House Studio Demo Take #1), captures this raw, unfiltered approach to storytelling. This demo is a deeply personal and intimate acoustic recording—nothing more than a simple guitar and my voice, captured at a fleeting moment in time. The honesty and vulnerability in this track reflect where I was emotionally, and it’s been incredibly humbling to see how it resonates with listeners.

For me, sharing Better Man has been a reminder of why I fell in love with music in the first place—because of its power to connect, to make people feel seen and understood. The emotional weight of the song—centered around self-growth and the pursuit of a better life—speaks to the universal desire to overcome personal struggles. The catharsis that comes from both writing and performing this song is something I treasure deeply, and I’m grateful that it has found a place in so many people’s hearts.

Unity Through Song: We Choose Love

In addition to my solo work, I’ve also explored more communal forms of music-making. A particularly meaningful project to me is We Choose Love, a choral piece created for multigenerational choirs. This song, with its message of love, unity, and peace, has been performed by choirs ranging from children’s groups to senior ensembles. Seeing these diverse voices come together to sing in harmony has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.

We Choose Love isn’t just a song—it’s a call for collective strength in a world that sometimes feels divided. In every performance, I see how music can transcend age, background, and life experience, uniting people in a shared spirit of hope. To me, that’s the essence of what music can do: foster connections and remind us of our shared humanity.

Stepping into Writing: Singing with the Trees

My creative exploration doesn’t stop at music. In 2025, I’ll be releasing my first book, Singing with the Trees. The book is a reflection on my time living off-grid on Vancouver Island during the pandemic—a period of profound self-discovery, creativity, and resilience. It’s about reconnecting with nature, slowing down, and embracing the stillness that allows for true introspection.

This book, much like my music, is about the importance of being present and listening—both to the world around us and to ourselves. Early reviews have been incredibly encouraging, with one calling it “brilliant.” I can’t wait to share it with the world and see how others connect with the stories I’ve told within its pages.

Emotional Intelligence in Music

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of emotional intelligence—both in songwriting and in life. Writing songs like Better Man or Troubled Times has required me to tap into my own emotional landscape, confronting vulnerability and raw honesty in ways I hadn’t before. This kind of emotional sensitivity is essential not just for crafting songs that speak to the heart, but for creating music that invites listeners into a shared conversation about their own experiences.

Music is a conversation—a dialogue between artist and audience. It’s not just about expressing my emotions, but about creating space for others to feel seen, heard, and understood. Whether through the emotional release in Better Man or the collective joy of We Choose Love, the goal is the same: connection.

Lessons Learned: Vulnerability, Perseverance, and Community

As I reflect on my career, there are three core lessons I’ve learned that have shaped both my artistry and my personal growth:

Embrace Vulnerability
Early on, I thought I had to present a polished version of myself, hiding the parts of me that felt messy or incomplete. But I’ve learned that true connection comes from vulnerability. When I allowed myself to be raw and unfiltered, whether through Better Man or Troubled Times, I saw the deepest resonance with listeners. So, if you’re an artist—or anyone pursuing a personal journey—don’t be afraid to show your authentic self.
Perseverance is Key
Music is full of challenges—setbacks, disappointments, and moments of self-doubt. But perseverance is what keeps the journey moving forward. I’ve had my share of setbacks, but I’ve learned that growth comes from continuing to create, even when things don’t go as planned. For anyone on their own creative path, remember: the road is rarely smooth, but the effort is what makes it worthwhile.
Value Community
One of the greatest gifts I’ve received through this journey is the people I’ve met along the way. Whether fellow musicians, collaborators, or fans, the community around me has been a constant source of support and inspiration. Music is meant to be shared—so seek out those who inspire you, collaborate with others, and build relationships that nurture your growth.

Final Thoughts: Overcoming the Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge I’ve faced has been maintaining my sobriety—something that has radically transformed my approach to music and life. For many years, I relied on substances to cope with stress, find creative highs, or escape from emotional turmoil. But choosing sobriety has given me clarity, balance, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Sobriety has allowed me to rediscover the pure joy of creating without relying on external crutches. It has provided me with the mental space to build meaningful connections and to focus on what truly matters: my music, my health, and my personal growth. It’s not always easy, but it’s been worth every step.

Join Me on This Journey

As I continue to create, I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether it’s through my music, my upcoming book, or connecting on social media, I’m always excited to share the stories and experiences that inspire my work. Together, we can continue to explore the power of music, vulnerability, and connection.