British composer and journalist, born in South Africa in 1948, he studied Music at York University, graduating in 1970. He was a professional musician from 1970 until 1978. Michael Robinson was also a key player in the avant-garde performance group Gentle Fire and also worked with Karlheinz Stockhausen. After Gentle Fire split, Michael moved into journalism, first in the arts and since with the BBC Money Programme.

He is the brother of Toby Hrycek-Robinson and is not to be confused with other same name electronic/contemporary composers.