Robinson Eikenberry was not a typical producer, engineer, or musician. He was all that in the most brilliant and present way, and he had an ability to reach into the music and the musician and find the way to what felt like the best song in the world. He gave you that power; he was a teacher and a spiritual guide for many; he was supposed to grow old past us all. Our beloved Robinson unexpectedly died recently and left a huge void not just in the music community but among many in Santa Barbara and beyond.
Robinson wrote and recorded music with Bruce Winter under the name Fringe Deities in 1996 on the Household Ink Records label. Robinson’s sonic wizardry was witnessed by all who recorded with him. He pushed the limits of sound, whether with a microphone, tube amp, or kid’s toy with barnyard squawks. “Let’s put some fringe on that track,” he would say. He treasured unique microphones and equipment, and he was an active member of the Gearslutz Pro Audio Community, a forum for professional recording and mastering engineers. He started a pay-it-forward movement that went viral and still continues. That philosophy carried into all walks of his life. He secretly funded and inspired the creation of NYM, a local music venue, back in the ’90s. Creative events like Cinergy and the art studio Perch also sprang from Robinson’s secret investments.
Robinson was an illustrator, painter, and sculptor and earned many nicknames: Yoda, Buddha, Raw Bean Zen. He resided on a higher plane yet knew when it was time to play. He would often be seen giggling at flowers, sharing his infectious smile, and giving the warmest hugs to anyone he encountered. Children of all ages connected with Robinson, and when he recorded with them, he’d say his heart was filled with happiness and with their little voices in harmony with the world.
