Whether you are talking about Italian cantautori, ancient bardic chant traditions or the wistful North American blues scene, the singer-songwriter has always played a valuable role in society.

Social issues and personal life experiences typically have a tremendous influence on the singer-songwriter genre, and because of this, the listener is almost always treated to a very original piece of music, even if it focuses on an issue or emotion that has been around for ages.

In the early to mid-20th century, singer-songwriters in North America developed mostly through the genres of the blues and folk music. Songwriters like Lead Belly, Jimmie Rodgers and Robert Johnson helped lay the groundwork for the modern era of singer-songwriters.

Johnson was ultimately inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an “early influence” in its first induction ceremony in 1986. 

Singer-songwriter Robin Terrazas (Robin T) is breaking onto the scene right here in San Antonio, Texas. Terrazas is a singer-songwriter with a smooth voice perfectly suited for the jazzy, lounge feel of her music.

Terrazas writes all of her own music, starting with nimble melodies she creates on her guitar. However, she decided to branch out from the solo acoustic framework that often confines singer-songwriters to one-dimensional performances.

Teaming up with producer/composer Alex McCumba, Terrazas looked to develop a more sophisticated, intricate arrangement of her music in the hopes that it will appeal to a broader audience of listeners.

McCumba, with the help of musicians Raymond McCumba, Jim Kalson and Joe Gonzales, provided the musical backdrop for Terrazas’ voice on her new album, “Let’s Take Two.” She finalized the album under the guidance of Claudio Leiva, one of the principles at a local studio called The Sound Box who has worked with big-name artists such as Santana.

“Let’s Take Two” subscribes to the singer-songwriter vibe with a very poignant, yet uncomplicated exploration of relationships.

“It takes two to be in a relationship, it takes two to make it work and it takes two to make it over the humps … and that song is about speeding over those humps and getting to the good parts together, and really enjoying and appreciating the good things in life,” Terrazas explains.

When it comes to emerging as an artist (particularly in a city not as commonly known for cultivating music when compared to Austin, for instance), it is important to find one’s signature, and authenticity is key.

Terrazas is interested approaching the music scene on both fronts. She wants to create good music, and she and her husband, Ted, have a vision for making an impact on the arts here in San Antonio, particularly with regard to the view that the public holds about San Antonio’s place among the live music and recording landscape.

Terrazas will have no problem with either endeavor. Her personality and passion for life are as soulful as her music. Luckily for her fans, as a singer-songwriter, her music feeds off of her life, and her life feeds off of her music. It’s a combination befitting of the title song on her album.

“Let’s Take Two” signals the beginning of long career as an artist for Terrazas, who feels, now that her children are a little older and she has a balance on her family and budding musical career, “it is [her] time.”

For more information on Robin T, visit www.robintmusic.com. You can also find her music on iTunes.