Robert Ellis

Robert Ellis was born on November 6, 1988, in Lake Jackson, Texas. He began his musical journey performing under the name “Eyes Like Lions” in 2005 in his hometown. Ellis self-released his debut LP, “The Great Rearranger,” in 2009. His second album, “Photographs,” released in 2011, gained recognition when American Songwriter magazine included it in its top 50 albums of that year. Throughout his career, Ellis has toured with notable acts such as Alabama Shakes, Old Crow Medicine Show, and the Old 97’s. In 2012, he relocated from Austin, Texas, to Nashville, Tennessee, to work on his third album, “The Lights from the Chemical Plant,” collaborating with producer Jacquire King. This album, influenced by his Texas roots, incorporated pop elements.

Ellis has released six solo albums, including “Robert Ellis” (2016) and “Texas Piano Man” (2019). His latest album, “Yesterday’s News,” was released in 2023 on his own label, Niles City Records. This release marked a turning point in his career, as he aimed to take more ownership of his work after an amicable parting with New West Records, where he had released five albums. Simultaneously, Ellis has expanded his professional roles significantly. He is a partner in Niles City Sound, a recording studio in Fort Worth, Texas, alongside producers Jimi Bowman and Josh Block. In this capacity, he has produced albums for artists like Jamestown Revival and Zach Williams of The Lone Bellow, and he composed the score for the true-crime podcast “Devil Town.”

In addition to his music and production work, Ellis is actively involved in expanding his entrepreneurial ventures. He has two young children, aged four and one, reflecting a busy personal life alongside his professional commitments. He is also developing a new venture: rebranding and reopening a bar in Fort Worth as a vinyl/hi-fi bar, which will occasionally host concerts. This diverse portfolio demonstrates Ellis’s progression from a touring musician to a multifaceted artist, producer, and business owner, continually exploring new creative and commercial avenues.