Peter Manning Robinson unveils “Initiation,” a haunting new single and music video exploring grief, human connection, and healing through art.
Emmy Award–winning composer and inventor Peter Manning Robinson has released “Initiation,” the third single from his upcoming neo-classical album, Excursions. The haunting composition explores grief, loss, and the connections people form through shared experiences. Its accompanying music video brings these themes to life through music, dance, and painting.
Robinson joins acclaimed modern dancer Lydia McDonald and painter Mariia Menshikova in the video. Together, they use their respective art forms to portray grief’s emotional weight and the possibility of healing through creativity.
A Musical Journey Through Loss and Renewal
Excursions reflects Robinson’s personal experiences with grief, heartbreak, resilience, and hope. He spent three years developing the album, drawing from hundreds of musical sketches before carefully selecting and refining the final compositions with longtime collaborator Klaus Hoch.
Robinson describes the acoustic piano as an outlet for processing difficult emotions. Over time, his compositions became a collection of works that reflected both his personal struggles and the broader experiences of people navigating loss and uncertainty.
The album follows an emotional journey from despair and fragmentation toward renewal and joy. Its title captures the spirit of each composition, with every piece offering a brief journey into a distinct emotional landscape.
“Initiation” follows the album’s first two singles, “Pure Heartbreak” and “Bent Out of Shape.” The first explores the pain of separation through melancholic piano melodies and a cinematic music video set in the California desert. In contrast, “Bent Out of Shape” embraces a more playful, uplifting sound and tells a surreal story of reconciliation.
An Innovative Career Rooted in Musical Expression
Based in Los Angeles, Robinson has built a career spanning film, television, orchestral composition, and live performance. His work earned an Emmy Award for KABC’s Above and Below and five BMI Music Awards for Without a Trace. He also invented the Refractor Piano™, an innovative acoustic instrument that enables his distinctive approach to live performance.
With Excursions, Robinson returns to solo acoustic piano, allowing melody and emotion to take center stage. The album reflects his belief that instrumental music can communicate feelings and evoke images beyond words.
Through “Initiation,” Robinson continues that exploration, inviting listeners to reflect on grief, find connections through shared experiences, and discover how creativity can offer a path toward healing.
Discover “Initiation” and join fans in experiencing the moving blend of music, dance, and visual art.
