Cavetown

Robin Daniel “Robbie” Skinner, professionally known as Cavetown, is a British singer-songwriter, record producer, and YouTuber whose music elegantly blends indie rock, indie pop, and bedroom pop with gentle ukulele ballads. Born on December 15, 1998, in Oxford, England, Skinner’s early life was steeped in musical influence. His father, David Skinner, a musicologist and choir director, introduced him to the acoustic guitar at the age of eight, while his mother, a professional Baroque flautist and music teacher, also contributed to his musical upbringing. Raised in Cambridge, Skinner attended Parkside Community College and Hills Road Sixth Form College, where his musical talents began to flourish.

Skinner’s journey into music began in earnest when he launched his YouTube channel in November 2012. His first significant musical release was an original song titled “Haunted Lullaby,” uploaded in October 2013. The same year, he wrote and recorded his first song, “Rain.” By the age of 14, he had already started releasing music on Bandcamp, with his debut album Everything Is Made of Clouds. This was followed by several more releases, including Gd Vibes, Nervous Friends // Pt. 1, Balance (under the moniker brother), and Everything is Made of Stars. Skinner’s early work on Bandcamp showcased his ability to blend acoustic and electronic elements, earning him initial critical attention.

In 2015, Skinner released his debut single “This Is Home,” and shortly thereafter, his self-titled debut album. The album was praised for its eclectic mix of acoustic and electronic sounds. His YouTube channel, which features covers of popular songs from artists like Pinegrove, Twenty One Pilots, and Joji, helped him gain further recognition and a growing fanbase.

Skinner’s second studio album, 16/04/16, released in 2016, marked a significant milestone in his career. The album, dedicated to his childhood friend Jack Graham, who had passed away from leukaemia, featured a mix of warm, melodic bedroom pop and lo-fi indie rock. The album’s proceeds contributed to Cancer Research UK, reflecting Skinner’s commitment to social causes. His success continued with the release of his third album, Lemon Boy, in 2018. The album’s title track gained substantial popularity, amassing millions of streams and views on streaming platforms.

The period between 2019 and 2021 saw Skinner release the mixtape Animal Kingdom, which included both original singles and covers, and sign a contract with Sire Records. His single “Telescope” was a precursor to his major label debut album, Sleepyhead, released in 2020. Despite having to cancel his supporting tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Skinner continued to engage with his fans through online platforms. In July 2020, he collaborated with Tessa Violet on the single “Smoke Signals” and launched his unisex clothing line, Cave Collective.

In June 2021, Skinner released the extended play Man’s Best Friend, which further cemented his presence in the indie music scene. His 2022 release, Worm Food, featured collaborations with notable artists such as Pierce the Veil, Beabadoobee, and Chloe Moriondo. The album’s diverse tracks highlighted Skinner’s ability to blend various musical styles. In February 2024, he released the EP Little Vice, and later that year, announced his departure from Sire Records. He continued to explore new musical avenues with a cover of Mitski’s “My Love Mine All Mine,” released through Many Hats Distribution.

Beyond his music career, Skinner identifies as both aromantic and asexual and came out as transgender in September 2020, using he/they pronouns. His personal experiences and identity have played a significant role in shaping his music and public persona. As of 2024, Skinner resides in Cambridge and remains an influential figure in the alternative and indie music scenes.