Meet Pauline Roberts

We were lucky to catch up with Pauline Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Pauline , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’m a wild optimist, and I’ve always been that way. I usually get two reactions to this: either it’s appreciated, or it annoys people around me.

Today’s world circumstances are bleak, needless to say. For the latter group of people mentioned before, they will tend to think that my wild optimism comes from a place of delusion or ignorance. I understand them. Admittedly, it can make me unrealistic with people or circumstances at times. But in reality, my optimism is at the core of my motivation for change.

If I can’t project into the future the world I want to see around me, then how could I ever take action toward it? Ideas with no action are meaningless, but no meaningful action was taken without a strong idea behind it. My optimism isn’t my expectation; rather, it’s my compass. It tells me what I think is right and guides me in the moments where crucial decisions are to be made. The danger of not having optimism is the danger of conforming to how things are and accepting a sort of defeat. Stagnancy. Without hope, what do we believe in?

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am, in essence, a classical percussionist gone rogue. Now based in NYC and focusing mainly on vibraphone, drums, and vocals, I’m working on my debut solo album “Nuevas Músicas para Vibráfono y Electrónica.”

It is a vibraphone and electronics solo concert, presenting Argentine pieces commissioned through the FNA grant (AR). Going beyond the boundaries of traditional percussion music, it incorporates improvisation and vocal elements. It celebrates the innovative expression of my hometown’s contemporary music through the works of Evelyn Frosini, Esteban Insinger, Facundo Negri, a piece of my own, and the cover art by Elena Cesar. This project has been in the works for years, and 2024 is finally the year of its release as an album.

On the other hand, I’m finishing some new songs for my band: a singer-songwriter project. Fusing all of my percussion background into a modern songwriting setting, as I find my sound, I am eager to share the process with you all in my live performances and on social media. I will also continue to play with some of my amazing peers and mentors, such as Lulada Club (an all-female salsa band), Billy Martin, and more.

 

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Intellect, wisdom, and courage, i.e., study your subject/learn as much as possible, always aim for the higher good of all parties involved, and be bold enough to speak of who you are truthfully. Combining these things in harmony with your words, thoughts, and actions is some of the hardest things to do.

For intellect: Follow and nurture your curiosity. YouTube became a huge resource for me in the music world. Listen to the concerts of the people you like, watch their interviews, nerd out.

For wisdom: Engage in any kind of humanitarian practice. Nothing does it quite like being in service to others and yourself.

For courage: Stand up for yourself when the time is right. Not before, not after. Take the leap you already know you need to take.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron is a book I am currently revisiting after 3 years, and it truly never gets old. I recommend it especially for those artists who are struggling to find their own place in the world and those who are transitioning to being professionals.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Julieta Iricibar @julietairi Camila Buendia @camalia_visual

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