Episode 77: Robbie LaBlanc of Blanc Faces, Find Me, Cannonballz & more!

Robbie LaBlanc has been singing and playing instruments since age 3. Robbie’s first influences (besides his dad, who was always singing and playing the guitar) were Trini Lopez and the Beatles. Shortly after, bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Grand Funk Railroad were further influences.

Robbie’s first break in the music business came when he met Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Felix Cavaliere of The Rascals in CT. Felix produced Robbie & Brian’s (Robbie’s brother) band Fury with a slew of great musicians in a CT studio. After the album disappeared from the charts, Robbie signed with a management company that had Michael Bolton ties and the duo recorded at least four albums worth of material at Michael’s CT studio. It still failed to generate a record deal. When that deal ended about three years later, Robbie dropped a DAT tape in Arif Mardin’s mailbox in CT. Arif called the next day, and a deal with Atlantic Records was on the table. One hurdle to go, a showcase with the new Atlantic regime. Again, it proved disappointing; no deal.

At the suggestion of a friend, a CD was sent to Frontiers Records and two “Blanc Faces” records were done in 2005 and 2009.

Robbie also sings lead vocals in a long-standing project named Find Me (along with Daniel Flores) and also provided vocals to another project called East Temple Avenue, which had its first release in 2020. ETA is comprised of members from various bands like “Work of Art” and “Cruzh” along with Darren Philips (founder) and Phil Lindstrand.

Robbie hooked up with Escape Music (UK) to do a “70s and 80s vibe” solo record, and Robbie loved the idea. The result was “Double Trouble,” which came out in 2021, written and produced by Steve Overland and Tommy Denander. The songs are fresh and vibrant, just what we need in these troubling times, with Robbie’s powerhouse vocals leading the way. Robbie furthered his association with Denander in the Vitalines project as well.

2025 will see yet another project named Blue Ambition with Frederic Slama (of “AOR” fame). And best of all might be the news that the sophomore Cannonballz record is on the way in later ’25 or 2026. The Cannonballz debut was recorded over a decade ago to great fanfare, so a new record is certainly welcome news!

When Robbie isn’t singing on one of his many projects, he can be found doing his “day job” of the last 20 years as NE Regional manager for Bogle Vineyards! So check out this great episode and Salute!