Robin Battaeu is Making a Scene

May 25, 2026

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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Robin Batteau

Robin Batteau is a Grammy-winning, Emmy-winning, Clio-winning, Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter, soloist, and producer whose career blends fearless creativity with world-class musicianship. Remarkably, his first record deal came just six months after graduating from Harvard with a degree in biochemistry—when he signed with Columbia Records and launched a musical life that has since spanned decades and styles.

Over the course of more than a dozen albums, Batteau has developed a signature approach that’s uniquely his own, including a highly personal style of improvisational violin. His collaborations read like a musical map of modern culture, with performances alongside artists as diverse as Yo-Yo Ma, Benny Goodman, and Bruce Springsteen. His songwriting has also reached far beyond his own recordings, with his songs performed by names such as Whitney Houston, Judy Collins, and Paul Newman.

Batteau’s work has consistently extended beyond entertainment into purpose-driven art. He has written music for major charities and causes including World Hunger Year, Save the Whales, Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp for children facing serious illnesses, and even Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign. Whether for a stage, a film, a broadcast, or a cause, his songs are built to connect—melodic, human, and emotionally direct.

In the commercial world, Batteau has also made a lasting mark. His music helped shape major advertising campaigns and contributed to nearly 1,000 industry awards, with widely recognized work including “I’m Lovin’ It” for McDonald’s, “This Is Beer” for Budweiser, and “The Heartbeat of America” for Chevrolet. Along the way he has received praise from outlets like The Boston Globe (“Acoustic heaven…”), Time, People, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Entertainment Tonight, as well as support from fellow artists—Bonnie Raitt famously calling him “the Love God.”

For many years, Robin performed and recorded as one half of the celebrated duo Buskin and Batteau alongside David Buskin. Together they released multiple albums and built a loyal following before the duo concluded in April 2014. Since then, Batteau has continued forward as a solo artist and producer, still guided by the same rare combination that has defined his career from the beginning: high-level craft, fearless versatility, and music made to matter.