P&P Spotlight: Rob Eberle

Overwhelmingly abundant in today's music scene, the classic breakup concept album becomes more and more difficult to pull off as the years pass. Only artists with the utmost knack for emotional delivery and storytelling can create such a record in a compelling, impactful way. With his cinematic, gut-wrenching debut SIGNAL FADES, Rob Eberle proves that he's one of them. A tumultuous rollercoaster from start to finish, SIGNAL FADES details his long-distance breakup with immense passion. Rob allows his audience to feel every emotion, ponder every difficult decision, and sit with every uncomfortable thought that he faced around his heartbreak.

Image & graphic design credit: Karly Ramnani

Despite the specificity in the narratives he expertly recounts, Rob packs SIGNAL FADES with universal themes, allowing every fan to see themselves in at least some part of the record. For example, the events that inspired "IN YOUR DREAMS" just might be Rob's original experience - seriously, listen to the spoken outro to hear the ridiculous story behind the song. However, the lyrics speak to anyone whose ex has ever suddenly left without a strong reason, emotionally cheated, or moved on too quickly. "LYING WITH THE ENEMY" sees Rob putting aside his people-pleasing tendencies to stand his ground when his ex tries to use him following the breakup, and inspires listeners to do the same. "FIRST TO GO" connects with anyone whose childhood trauma weakens their current romantic relationships.

In other highlights of the album, the poignant "NEW YORK MINUTE" pays homage to Rob's home state, the production in the bridge of "PRESSURE" fuels and intensifies the track, and the melancholy ballad "WE'LL NEVER SAY" reminisces on a love that's now the opposite of what it once was. Throughout the project, he incorporates many elements of current pop radio hits, while adding a nostalgic twst similar to folk-rock icons like The Fray.

The release of SIGNAL FADES coincided with opening night of Rob's first-ever headlining tour, which Playlists & Polaroids had the privilege of attending. Although the project was born out of heartache, the show felt joyful and optimistic. It celebrated not only Rob's accomplishments, but also the fan community he's steadily building from this resonant album.

All pictures in the gallery above were taken by Karly Ramnani.

Playlists & Polaroids is beyond honored to have witnessed this pivotal moment in Rob's career, and can't wait to watch him continue to grow as an artist. As usual, we've curated a playlist to help you dive deeper into his world - but for this one, make sure to have a box of tissues handy.

YOU'LL LOVE ROB EBERLE IF YOU LISTEN TO: The Fray, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Daniel Seavey, Noah Kahan, Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, 5 Seconds Of Summer