The First Track That Started It All: “If And When”

Every creative journey begins somewhere. For Paul Robert, the spark that ignited a deeper meaning of music and purpose came the day he recorded his first official track, “If And When”.

Before that recording session, music had always been a companion. I t was always playing in his ears, shaping his mood, and inspiring his thoughts. But building a song from the ground up, recording it professionally, and hearing his own sound come to life was something new. It was transformative.

“If And When” was officially the first song Paul released. I t was originally recorded on June 10, 2023, at Bias Studios in Springfield, Virginia and it was only his second time ever recording vocals in a professional studio.

Though proud of that first effort, there were parts he wanted to refine. He re-recorded some vocals just a few weeks later on July 1, 2023, at HyperThreat Studios in Parker, Colorado. The track was then mixed, mastered, and distributed by CD Baby by the end of the month. More than a debut, this song was a declaration. It was a personal vow not to back down.

“This was the first song I completed and really poured thought into. Not just the lyrics and music, but also learning the mechanics of an industry that’s totally changed since the internet upended everything. What drove it was my commitment to personal growth and a belief in the future ahead.”

The title “If And When” itself reflects a mindset Paul has carried forward. A belief that things will work out, even when the path isn’t clear.

When he first heard the finished version, the emotions were mixed. Pride, honesty, and determination.

“When I heard the final mix, I knew something had changed. I wasn’t where I wanted to be yet, but I was proud to stand behind what I had made. It felt like the true beginning.”

That moment opened a creative floodgate.

“I caught the songwriting bug. Once I finished the first one, I couldn’t put my pen down. That’s when I decided to create a fuller project of ten songs I called 110.”

As Paul returned to the studio, his confidence grew. Each new song made the process more intuitive, and each session deepened his understanding of the craft. From writing and recording to collaborating and producing.

The “110” mindset began to take shape. Not just in the songs, but in his whole approach to artistry.

“As an independent artist, you are everything. Songwriter, marketing, IT, sales, HR, all of it. It’s like starting a business. You have to be patient and willing to fail before you figure it out. But all it takes is one song to move the needle.”

Even now, Paul doesn’t create based on trends or expectations. He writes what feels right for the moment he’s in. The “songwriting bug” hasn’t gone away.

That first release laid the foundation for a body of work that now includes over 100 original songs. It also introduced what would become his creative mantra. 110. Not just a number, but a commitment to give more, go deeper, and stay true, especially when no one’s watching.

The sound evolved quickly. Paul began experimenting with genres, stretching his vocal range, and sharpening his storytelling. With every release, the music grew more layered and the message more powerful.

Looking back, “If And When” wasn’t just a song. It was a shift. A quiet but resolute declaration:

“I’m here. I’m serious. And this is only the beginning.”

As Paul’s catalog continues to grow and 110 evolves into a lifestyle brand, that same energy remains. It has never been about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about creating with heart, showing up fully, and inviting others to do the same.

“The most important part is getting started and not losing heart. Without that first song, I wouldn’t have been able to record the 100+ that followed. That moment still matters because that was when I committed to the work and to myself.”

-110 Team