desire is the solo acoustic chapter of an artist by the name of Cliff Roebuck whom is passionate about composing and performing music that is compelling, thought provoking, and moving. Cliff is a born-again Christian and ultimately wants to see his music make an impact on others as he shares his own life and experiences through the expression of song. Born June of 1985 and raised in southeastern Virginia, Cliff was introduced to music formally at six years of age when his mother began to teach him basic piano lessons. Cliff demonstrated a great level of reluctance to learn as he had no interest in music during this period of his life. His piano lessons with his mother came to a close at the age of 12 but as is undeniably apparent, it did not close the door to his own unconscious love for music that would develop until he was 13 and finally become a conscious pursuit. It was then that he finally appreciated his mother's persistence! This laid the foundation upon which he has grown and matured. He began to write lyrics and poetry in vast amounts and intended to write music for them but never did until he bought his first guitar when he was 15. Since then (year 2000), Cliff has been writing and performing his own music, maturing steadily at each show’s passing. His independent debut album, “the solo sessions volume 1†released on October 27, 2006 is a collection of some of his favorites he has written since his beginning. In his preparation for recording this album, his decision for the track list was one of the most challenging. All of his favorites would not have fit on one album. As is evident when you consider he recorded 18 tracks, which totaled 78:14 (min:sec) of content and exceeded the replication safety limit of 75 min on an 80 min disc. Although, thankfully, no problems arose. Indeed this will yet again be an issue as he sets out to record his sophomore independent album he hopes to release in April 2009 and continues to write groundbreaking pieces of music that will no doubt make a name for him and identify him as an exceptional musician. It is also fundamental knowledge that his friend and colleague Jamie Cheek recorded this debut album in his home studio located in the outskirts of a place Cliff calls home, which made it very convenient and comfortable. Cliff came in only prepared to be inspired, and that he was. Without any extra instrumentation being written beforehand and only that of the main guitar rhythm, Cliff had a challenge set before him. As is evident by the turnout of the album, it was nothing he was incapable of. For the most part, the recordings went something like this: Cliff would record the main rhythm track and have Jamie play it back through the headphones. As he listened to the play back he would immediately write a melody part to it, usually within 5 minutes, and request Jamie to start from the top and put it in record mode. This was the case for almost every song: they entered the studio at one level and left the studio at an entirely different level. Five long months in the late summer through fall of 2006 tells the story of a young man pursuing the production of an album that would best represent him and be worthy of a listener’s attention. Cliff is currently living in Orlando, FL and attending Full Sail, studying to be an audio producer/engineer where he also plans to produce his next album. By attending school, Cliff is reaching for the next level of artistry by complementing his natural abilities with a deeper understanding of music. This has been the prime inspiration for the title of his next album, “the study sessions vol: II.†When Cliff sets out on stage all he wants to do is pour out his heart through song and create a vibe of intimacy so that the music and message will be heard and not soon forgotten. What sets Cliff and his music apart from the rest is his passion. From the moment he sets foot on stage and strokes a sound from his music maker, the vibe is realized and the passion is apparent through the energy you can see and through the sounds you can hear. Come see him at his next show! You’ll be glad you did!
Tour Repertoire
Virginia
Abbey Road – Virginia Beach
Bailey's Pub & Grille - Richmond
Bethel Assembly of God - Suffolk
Blackcreek Baptist Church - Blackcreek
Canal Club - Richmond
Club Relevant – Virginia Beach
Dwelling Place, The – Newport News
East Pavilion Seniors Home - Franklin
Franklin Baptist Church - Franklin
Gosport Tavern - Portsmouth
Ironhorse Restaurant - Ashland
Murphy's Law II - Midlothian
Musicians Against Cancer Festival - Franklin/Southampton County Fairgrounds
Java Junction – Chesapeake
Java 149 - Suffolk
Jolt 180 – Virginia Beach
Mary’s Upper Room – Virginia Beach
Norva, The - Norfolk
Our Daily Bread – Virginia Beach
Rock Church - Franklin
Scotty Quixx - Norfolk
Underground, The (JCCC) – Williamsburg
North Carolina
Acoustic Coffee - Edenton
Faith Outreach Church - Gatesville
Hog Fest - Gates County
Java Cup – Sunbury
Muddy Waters – Elizabeth City
Mudslingers Coffeehouse - Greenville
Via Cappuccino - Rocky Mount
Zakk’s Coffeehouse - Murfreesboro
Florida
Amy Wilde's House Birthday Party - Oviedo
Austin’s Coffee & Film – Winter Park
Backbooth - Orlando
Barnies Coffee & Tea - Oviedo
Borders Bookstore - Winter Park
Caffe DaVinci - Deland
Central Station Rock Bar - Orlando
Cup O’ Soul Coffeehouse – Winter Park
Daily Grind Unwind - Orlando
Daily Grind Unwind (formerly Push-Play) - Oviedo
Denny's [Store 2275] - Orlando
Friendly Confines – Winter Park
Haven Lounge, The – Orlando
HotSpot Coffee Shoppe - Daytona Beach
Java Dave’s Push-Play Café – Oviedo
Natura Coffee & Tea - Orlando
Peanuts Restaurant & Lounge - New Smyrna Beach
Studio Café, The – Orlando
Tanquerary’s Bar & Grille - Orlando
Timmy Macks Grill & Pub - Altamonte Springs
Tom & Jerry’s Bar & Stage – Winter Park
Underground Bluz - Orlando
Whataburger - Winter Park
Pennsylvania
Mount Deliverance Youth Camp – Williamsport
.:[Written Reviews]:. Write one and it will appear here!
I can honestly say that you are one of the most talented and passionate solo acoustic artists I have ever met.
Russel Watkins-Bandwidth
[05.04.2009]
I really do love your music. I'm thinking about getting your cd later on this week. And I hope you can come out soon again too! Your set the other night was amazing. I'm still blown away by your voice. It was incredible.
Sarah Turman
[12.28.2008]
The first time I saw Cliff [Desire] was at Backbooth in Orlando, FL. I’d never even heard of him before. I wasn’t too thrilled about seeing him perform either. After all he was opening for Bryan Malpass who I’d come to see. I wanted Cliff to get off stage before he even started performing! Once he started, I was thinking, 'Wow this guy is actually good and I wanted him to get off the stage?? What was I thinking?’ His style of music is different. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I would recommend him to someone any day. His music is easy for people of all ages to enjoy.
Brittani
[12.21.2008]
FYI-I love listening to the videos of you live that I got. You're fab, not like I haven't told you that a million and one times. Haha! :)
Devin Smith
[12.16.2008]
Cliff has one of the greatest sounding voices I have ever heard. It is unique and original with a sound all his own. The best way I can describe it is that it is like a fog over a gravel driveway.
Sean Kennedy
[09.29.2008]
Cliff- I really enjoyed watching you play tonight. You emit so much passion while you're onstage that it really is inspiring. There aren't many artists that make me get lost in the music quite like you do. So thank you. I'm glad I came out. Talk to you later!
Sammy Witness
Local Orlando Musician
[09.26.2008]
Matthew Smith
Fellow Full Sail Colleague
[08.10.2008]
Hey desire, how are you? i hope good. You asked me to listen to your music and i did and it is awesome! Your songs are so touching. I loved them! I’m listening to them right now. A singer like you should be known to every one around. Inspirational songs like yours will be loved by every one but you just need to keep getting the word out! I want to thank you for your message coz I’m kind of sad right now and your songs were the perfect thing to help me! I'll do my best to let all my friends get to know you. :) I just commented to all my friends to listen to your music :)
xoxo sara
[08.09.2008]
I love your music!
elo lizzette <3
[08.01.2008]
Your music is fantastic and you have SUCH talent.
Let me know if you ever come to Texas and i'll come see you,
with out a doubt.
Jayme.
[07.20.2008]
I don’t think you need a band. You are awesome by yourself. I think others would ruin it. I haven't met anyone yet that has given you less credit than you deserve. Everyone thinks you’re awesome! Everyone likes music...and some love it...and still others live in it...and that’s you!
Madeline Anderson
[07.13.2008]
you got good shit man, great job, don't let anyone bring you down =D
Bryan!
[05.27.2008]
WOW!! i give you props man your really a great writer and performer!!
~Ashley
[05.26.2008]
ah, your music is just amazing. Listened to your cd this morning and it just made my day. It's great,
you're great. Hope you have a good day. =]
Courtney
[05.23.2008]
i LOVE your music, you're so talented! The song you first sang, “don't say goodbye†is incredible!! I LOVE that song! Whenever you play at Natura, message me and let me know. I'll go!
Jessie
"Inspiring Comment" [05.13.2008]
Hey Desire! I checked out your music and it's absolutly amazing (: You are really opening the hearts of others and telling about God. I hope you get further and further in your music and show even more people about God. I am very glad I FINALLY went to your page because I just fell in love with ALL of your songs (: you're definitly talented. God is Wonderful; Better than wonderful. He lead me on to church. When I was 8 I got saved. Shortly I drifted away. Then in 6th grade my friend told me about her church about a year ago and I went to the youth and fell in love with everyone and the church. I followed Jesus from there. I got baptised on Pentecost Sunday last year; Joined the church. Then I went to resurrection in Gatlinburg, Tennesee where I became the closest to God ever. So I started going to Confirmation (a class for young students to understand clearly about our Savior) at my church. Then last sunday again on Pentecost Sunday and Mother's Day I got Confirmed to God. "I am a child of God." I have truly been inspired by alot of people here lately...and Guess what?? YOUR ONE OF THE PEOPLE WHO HAS INSPIRED ME (: I hope my story has told you alot about my relationship with God and I hope it puts a smile on your face to know that just another person has been saved from darkness. God bless & with love.
--Logan
[04.04.2008]
"I just want you to know that your music is so beautiful and i can totally relate to it...you really have talent and your lyrics are amazing...and I love your song "don't say goodbye" more than life!
Brittney Hepps
"This is Some Good Music!" [03.22.2008]
"Cliff Roebuck performs with such a passion and has the power to pull his audience into his performance. He is very talented and modest about his talent as well. His performance will move you and will draw you into his love and passion for music. He is a single act that has the ability to fill a room with his music and just by a few strums of his guitar and a few notes heard your head will turn. I have never seen so much love and passion for something like Cliff has for music."
Mary Harris
[02.12.2008]
Wow, dude you're killing the acoustic, awesome!! You're really talented :)
KT
"A Very Impressive Solo Album" [12.02.2007]
"My first experience with "Desire" (forgive the quotation marks but I know him as Cliff), was actually a live performance. I live in Daytona Beach, and a bunch of friend of mine had been telling me about this little place just outside Orlando where they go to sit, have coffees, and watch artists take the open mic and have their 15 min. Cliff was a VERY impressive one man act. The feeling that he puts into his music, and into his performance is nothing short of moving. Cliff played three songs, I can't remember the first two but the last was "Don't Say Goodbye" (Track 12). My friend Chris had requested him perform it. I was so moved into the music that I found myself wishing I knew the words so I could belt them out along with Cliff. This album, while not a true live performance, brings a feeling not unlike that I felt at the coffee shop. The music is well written and very moving. It can take you in and make you feel. It's like a bag of Lays chips; you can't have just one song. You play one, and then you want to play another, and another. This is music at its simplest. But there is much beauty in simplicity. And that beauty is in the emotion, and the feeling that powers the sound. If you are a fan of solos, or are an open-minded music listener like me, you will definitely enjoy this album."
Matthew Bourguignon
[11.12.2007]
thanks for the request. lovin' the jams. very good. you're very talented. have a good day. <333
Courtney
[12.09.2006]
hey cliff just wanted to stop by and say that I'm proud of what your accomplishing so far! One day your music will be world wide cuz! Have faith, your gonna make it!
Bryan
[10.20.2006]
There are moments of outstanding creativity...warm & thoughtful. I hear an artist with a talent and passion."
Mike Naylor
CD Rollout Replication Services
.:[Promo Material]:. Copy codes in your profile!!
.:[Video Blog]:. Desire @ Keep a Child Alive Benefit
