{{Short description|2014 album by Rob Cantor}} {{Infobox album | name = Not a Trampoline | type = studio | artist = Rob Cantor | cover = Not a Trampoline.jpg | alt = | released = April 14, 2014 | recorded = August 2012 – Late 2013<ref name="Insta Stream">{{cite web |last=Cantor|first=Rob|url=https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRBW9-nERQN/|title=Not A Trampoline Vinyl Release Livestream!|website=Instagram|date=November 13, 2025|access-date=November 18, 2025}}</ref>{{rp|at=14:04}} | studio = Elysian Masters (Los Angeles)<br>Laboratory (Los Angeles)<br>Kingsize Soundlabs (Los Angeles) | genre = *Alternative rock<ref name="NMBFAC">{{cite web |last=Sedam|first=Emma|url=http://www.nomorebloodfromaclone.com/2014/04/interview-rob-cantor.html|title=Interview: Rob Cantor|website=No More Blood From a Clone|language=en|date=April 18, 2014|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> *electropop *dance-pop<ref name="PPA">{{cite web |last=Kupferberg|first=Aaron|url=https://www.powerpopaholic.com/2014/05/sunrise-highway-windows.html|title=Sunrise Highway and Rob Cantor|website=Powerpopaholic|language=en|date=May 23, 2014|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> | length = 41:40 | label = | producer = Gregtronic | misc = {{Singles | name = Not a Trampoline | type = studio | single1 = Old Bike | single1date = March 4, 2014 | single2 = Ghost | single2date = March 19, 2014 | single3 = All I Need Is You | single3date = April 9, 2014 }} }}
'''''Not a Trampoline''''' is the solo debut studio album by American musician Rob Cantor, released independently on April 14, 2014. It follows an alternative rock style with elements of electropop and dance-pop. Produced by Gregtronic, the album originated from a period of exploratory writing without a rigid concept. Former Tally Hall bandmates and peers collaborated on the project, including the featured artists Madi Diaz and Jhameel. Three singles were released in anticipation of the album: "Old Bike", "Ghost", and "All I Need Is You".
Upon release, the album earned generally positive reviews. Critics praised its stylistic variety, songwriting, and upbeat production. The song "Perfect" went viral after Cantor produced a video with Tally Hall keyboardist Andrew Horowitz featuring 29 celebrity impressions, with a later reveal that the impressions were lip-synced within a carefully edited production. ''Not a Trampoline'' received physical vinyl and CD editions alongside a deluxe release on November 14, 2025.
==Background and production== In December 2002, Rob Cantor formed the band Tally Hall with Andrew Horowitz and Zubin Sedghi. Later recruiting Joe Hawley and Ross Federman,<ref>{{cite web |last=Pieknik|first=Andrew|url=http://sitemaker.umich.edu/livingmusic/browse_interviews&findAll%3Dtrue&mode%3Dsingle&recordID%3D000000000000000000000000000000000000000000322294&nextMode%3Dlist|title=Living Music: Browse Interviews|website=Living Music|date=March 9, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805020324/http://sitemaker.umich.edu/livingmusic/browse_interviews&findAll=true&mode=single&recordID=000000000000000000000000000000000000000000322294&nextMode=list|archive-date=August 5, 2011|accessdate=December 21, 2023}}</ref> the band released two albums: ''Marvin's Marvelous Mechanical Museum'' (2005) and ''Good & Evil'' (2011). Tally Hall went on hiatus following the latter, leading Cantor to begin producing solo work. In 2012, he released the singles "Christian Bale Is at Your Party" and "Shia LaBeouf", with both becoming viral videos.<ref name="Improper">{{cite web|last=Paltrowitz|first=Darren|url=http://www.theimproper.com/music/11848/rob-cantor-trampoline-career/|title=Rob Cantor Is Not A Trampoline, Even If His Career Seems Like One|website=TheImproper|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=June 24, 2024|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150806120802/http://www.theimproper.com/music/11848/rob-cantor-trampoline-career|archive-date=August 6, 2015}}</ref> Cantor began writing demos without a collective vision, aiming for the album's variety to prevent monotony. Songs were composed before their lyrics were developed, although at other times, they began with the lyrics. He was influenced by Hawley's writing style with Tally Hall to create plot-focused songs.<ref name="AD">{{cite web |last=Florino|first=Rick|url=https://www.artistdirect.com/rob-cantor/interviews/interview-rob-cantor/3471|title=Interview: Rob Cantor|website=Artistdirect|language=en|date=June 2, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129023901/https://www.artistdirect.com/rob-cantor/interviews/interview-rob-cantor/3471|archive-date=November 29, 2022|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> "All I Need Is You" was the first song written for the album, expanded from an unused pitch for a Time Warner commercial. Cantor and producer Gregtronic were both inspired by Elton John's song "Levon" to incorporate a powerful string arrangement. "Old Bike" followed as the second song written.<ref name="Insta Stream"/>{{rp|at=7:03}}
Cantor shared an unfinished version of the track "La Telenovela" with Jhameel, who completed its chorus and transformed it into a duet. In 2012, Cantor reunited with Horowitz in Los Angeles, spending six hours together writing the song "Perfect".<ref name="AD"/> The two additionally collaborated on "The Rendezvous" with Madi Diaz, a track that was originally scrapped until further production was applied. Federman contributed drums to the song "Old Bike", while all four of Cantor's ex-bandmates gave feedback during the album's development. "I'm Gonna Win" is a reworked version of a Tally Hall demo written by Hawley.<ref name="NMBFAC"/> The revival of the demo came from Hawley's inclusion of Cantor's song "Time Machine" on the album ''Hawaii: Part II'', sparking a song exchange.{{cn|date=January 2026}} He initially had concerns regarding how the songs would flow together, but producer Gregtronic resolved this issue. For the project, Cantor has cited the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Queen, Elliott Smith, Paul Simon,<ref name="AD"/> and Dan Wilson as influences.<ref name="NMBFAC"/> The track "Lightshine" was later reconstructed from an old demo by Cantor into a drastically different song, only retaining its chorus, though it was scrapped from the album's initial issue.<ref name="Insta Stream"/>{{rp|at=10:33}}
==Release== On March 4, 2014, Rob Cantor announced ''Not a Trampoline'' as his solo debut album, alongside releasing "Old Bike" as its lead single with a music video. "Ghost" followed as the second single on March 19, and "All I Need Is You" with a video as the third single on April 9. The album was independently released on April 14, 2014.<ref name="AP">{{cite web |last=Dih|first=Gerald|url=https://audiophix.com/rob-cantor-revives-his-solo-era-with-expanded-release-debut-project|title=Rob Cantor revives his solo era with an expanded release of his debut project|website=AudioPhix|language=en|date=November 18, 2025|access-date=November 18, 2025}}</ref> These videos were independently made on a low budget, primarily utilizing help from friends and volunteers. Cantor worked alongside other directors to organize the productions, focusing on entertainment value.<ref name="Improper"/> A music video for "The Rendezvous" was released on September 9, depicting an old woman and a young man at a party becoming sexually involved and adventuring through the city before her suicide by drug overdose.{{cn|date=January 2026}} Originally pitched as a comedic concept, the final production was portrayed in a dark tone. Following its release, featured artist Madi Diaz requested to be removed from the video's credits.<ref name="Insta Stream"/>{{rp|at=34:45}}
On July 1, 2014, Cantor released a video performance with Horowitz of "Perfect" while doing 29 celebrity impressions.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crugnale|first=James|url=https://www.thewrap.com/29-famous-hollywood-impressions-performed-by-one-guy-in-one-song-video/|title=29 Famous Hollywood Impressions Performed by One Guy in One Song (Video)|website=TheWrap|language=en|date=July 2, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kupferberg|first=Aaron|url=https://www.powerpopaholic.com/2014/07/rob-cantor-coolest-thing-ever.html|title=Rob Cantor does the coolest thing ever|website=Powerpopaholic|language=en|date=July 11, 2014|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> It received wide press coverage as a viral video,<ref>{{cite web |last=Kristobak|first=Ryan|url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/29-celebrity-impressions-song_n_5548999|title=This Guy Perfectly Impersonates 29 Celebrities While Performing An Original Song|website=HuffPost|language=en|date=July 1, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Blum|first=Haley|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2014/07/02/celebrity-impression-song-rob-cantor-perfect/77339184/|title=This guy nails 28 celebrity impressions while singing an original song|website=USA Today|language=en|date=July 2, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Washington Examiner|url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/red-alert-politics/783556/this-guy-sounds-more-like-britney-spears-than-britney-spears-does/|title=This guy sounds more like Britney Spears than Britney Spears does|website=Washington Examiner|language=en|date=July 2, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> amassing 6.5 million views on YouTube in its first week.<ref>{{cite web |last=McKee|first=Jenn|url=https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/ann-arbor/2014/07/tally_halls_rob_cantor_has_a_v.html|title=Tally Hall's Rob Cantor has a video that's gone viral|website=MLive Media Group|language=en|date=July 8, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=ABC News|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/watch-singer-28-celebrity-impressions-song/story?id=24458648|title=Watch Singer do 28 Celebrity Impressions in One Song|website=ABC News|language=en|date=July 7, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> When inquired by ''Today'' about its spread, Cantor stated "I'm so glad people enjoy the clip, and I'm even happier they seem to dig the song!"<ref>{{cite web |last=Dawn|first=Randee|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/singer-rob-cantor-does-28-spot-celebrity-impressions-viral-video-1d79878627|title=Singer Rob Cantor does 28 spot-on celebrity impressions in viral video|website=Today|language=en|date=July 2, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> He then published a behind-the-scenes video on July 9, revealing that the impressions were lip synced with home movie editing designed to make it seem real.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bishop|first=Rollin|url=https://laughingsquid.com/musician-rob-cantor-reveals-how-he-faked-his-song-featuring-29-impressive-celebrity-impressions/|title=Musician Rob Cantor Reveals How He Faked His Song Featuring 29 Impressive Celebrity Impressions|website=Laughing Squid|language=en|date=July 9, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=McKee|first=Jenn|url=https://www.mlive.com/entertainment/ann-arbor/2014/07/tally_halls_rob_cantor_reveals.html|title=Tally Hall's Rob Cantor reveals his impression-packed viral video was faked|website=MLive Media Group|language=en|date=July 10, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sneider|first=Jeff|url=https://www.thewrap.com/29-celebrity-impressions-music-video-was-a-hoax-singer-reveals-making-of-video/|title=29 Celebrity Impressions Music Video Was a Hoax; Singer Reveals 'Making Of' Video|website=TheWrap|language=en|date=July 9, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> Stephen Peltzer of Westchester Productions, Cantor's representative, described it as "a carefully orchestrated effort",<ref>{{cite web |last=Dawn|first=Randee|url=https://www.today.com/popculture/28-impressions-viral-video-singer-rob-cantor-reveals-hoax-1d79909602|title=28 celebrity impressions viral video revealed to be a hoax by singer|website=Today|language=en|date=July 10, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> aiming to promote the album.<ref>{{cite web |last=Berkowitz|first=Joe|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/3032900/nothing-is-real-guy-reveals-29-celebrity-impressions-1-original-song-is-a-hoax-in-most-charm|title=Nothing Is Real: Guy Reveals "29 Celebrity Impressions, 1 Original Song" Is a Hoax In Most Charming Way Possible|website=Fast Company|language=en|date=July 10, 2014|accessdate=June 24, 2024}}</ref> On October 30, 2025, Cantor announced a physical issue of ''Not a Trampoline'' on CD and three vinyl variants, which were released on November 14. The edition features "Lightshine", re-recorded drumming by Federman, and new mixing by Gregtronic.<ref name="AP"/> Federman recorded the album's drums in late June 2025 alongside Cantor's upcoming second solo studio album.<ref name="Insta Stream"/>{{rp|at=50:10}}
==Reception== {{Music ratings | title =''Not a Trampoline'' ratings | rev1 = ''AudioPhix'' | rev1Score = 7/10<ref name="AP"/> | rev2 = ''Daily Vault'' | rev2Score = B+<ref name="DV">{{cite web |last=Clutterbuck|first=Jeff|url=https://www.dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=8430|title=Not A Trampoline Rob Cantor|website=Daily Vault|language=en|date=October 3, 2014|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> | rev3 = ''Powerpopaholic'' | rev3Score = 8/10<ref name="PPA"/>}} ''Not a Trampoline'' received generally positive reviews upon release. Aaron Kupferberg of ''Powerpopaholic'' gave the album an 8 out of 10, complimenting its varied genres and usage of harmonies and guitar riffs.<ref name="PPA"/> Jeff Clutterbuck of ''Daily Vault'' rated the album a B+, praising its brevity as good idea utilization. He additionally accentuated the album's packaging and Cantor's vocal range awareness as contributing to its enjoyability, comparing various tracks to works by Weezer, ELO, the Cars, and Ben Folds Five.<ref name="DV"/> A BMI spotlight of ''Not a Trampoline'' likened its style to Cantor's work with Tally Hall, calling attention to the album's "smart songwriting and infectious, poppy beats".<ref>{{cite web |author=BMI|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/indie_spotlightrob_cantor|title=Indie Spotlight: Rob Cantor|website=Broadcast Music, Inc.|language=en|date=June 23, 2014|accessdate=November 14, 2024}}</ref> Albert Lunn of ''The Celebrity Cafe'' lauded the multitude of vocal collaborators bringing diverse sounds, singling out the production of "Old Bike" and its theme of companionship as encompassing the album. Within a week of its release, Bandcamp's staff noted the album as its weekly pick, describing it as "meticulously arranged pop music filled with gorgeous harmonies and irony-free optimism".<ref>{{cite web |last=Lunn|first=Albert|url=https://thecelebritycafe.com/2014/06/review-of-rob-cantor%E2%80%99s-debut-solo-album-not-a-trampoline/amp/|title=Review of Rob Cantor's debut solo album 'Not a Trampoline'|website=The Celebrity Cafe|language=en|date=June 4, 2014|access-date=November 14, 2025}}</ref> Gerald Dih of ''AudioPhix'' scored the album a 7 out of 10, criticizing the first few songs as "not having any brilliance" but commended the songwriting and production of the rest, highlighting "I'm Gonna Win" for its contrasting instrumentation. The track is the most-streamed song from ''Not a Trampoline'', accumulating over 25 million plays across streaming services by 2025.<ref name="AP"/>
==Track listing== {{track listing | headline = ''Not a Trampoline'' track listing | all_writing = Rob Cantor, except where noted | total_length = 41:40 | title1 = Ghost | writer1 = {{hlist|Cantor|Gregtronic}} | length1 = 4:08 | title2 = Old Bike | length2 = 3:07 | title3 = Garden of Eden | writer3 = {{hlist|Cantor|Gregtronic}} | length3 = 3:23 | title4 = The Rendezvous | length4 = 3:37 | note4 = featuring Madi Diaz | title5 = I'm Gonna Win | writer5 = {{hlist|Cantor|Joe Hawley}} | length5 = 2:38 | title6 = All I Need Is You | writer6 = {{hlist|Cantor|Gregtronic}} | length6 = 3:18 | title7 = Lightshine | writer7 = {{hlist|Cantor|Gregtronic}} | length7 = 5:04 | title8 = Flamingo | length8 = 3:16 | title9 = La Telenovela | writer9 = {{hlist|Cantor|Jhameel|Gregtronic}} | length9 = 2:55 | note9 = featuring Jhameel | title10 = In Memoriam | length10 = 1:11 | title11 = Let Your Mother Know | writer11 = {{hlist|Cantor|Gregtronic}} | length11 = 3:08 | title12 = Perfect | writer12 = {{hlist|Cantor|Andrew Horowitz}} | length12 = 3:21 | title13 = Lonely (But Not Alone) | length13 = 2:29 }}
==Personnel== '''Musicians''' {{div col}} *Rob Cantor – vocals (all tracks), guitar (1–9, 11, 13), ukulele, whistling (12) *Gregtronic – keyboards (1–9, 11), additional vocals (2, 6, 8, 10), orchestral arrangement (5, 6), additional programming (7) *Ross Federman – drums (1–9, 11, 12), additional programming (2) *Jacob Bartfield – bass (1–3, 5–9, 11) *Bora Karaca – guitar (1, 11), whistling (12) *The Zabeth Russell Children's Chorus – additional vocals (1) *Alia Marie – gospel vocals (2, 10) *Madi Diaz – vocals (4) *Andrew Horowitz – keyboards, production (4, 12), whistling (12) *Andrew Laurich – additional vocals (8) *Charlotte Lee – additional vocals (8) *Jhameel – vocals (9) *Carlos Tequila – trumpet (9) *Merrick McGeorge – harp (10) *Cyndi Lynott – horn (10) *Greg Nicolett – orchestral arrangement (10) *Chase Deso – guitar programming (11) {{div col end}}
'''Technical''' {{div col}} *Rob Cantor – art direction *Gregtronic – production, mixing engineer *Bora Karaca – engineer, art direction *Dave Cooley – mastering engineer *Cameron Lister – additional engineering *Nick DuPlessis – packaging layout, photography *Diana King – photography *Greg Kessler – photography *Cyndi Lynott – management *Erik Selz – booking {{div col end}}
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Rob Cantor}} {{authority control}} Category:Rob Cantor albums Category:2014 debut albums