Few musicians can show a high level of professionalism and maturity with their first release but Newport singer/songwriter Tobias Robertson has certainly achieved this with his EP Knight in Shining Armour.
Aged 17, Tobias has already gained a large fan base through gigs he has performed in and around the Newport and Cardiff area. His interest in music progressed after been inspired to play following participation in a school production of The Blues Brothers.
"I picked up my guitar then a couple of years down the line started singing and writing my own stuff," Tobias says. "My friends just said go for it do some open mic nights and stuff and I did and its advanced from there."
Tobias Found Cavern Club Date "Amazing"
Tobias gauges the popularity of his music material with his audiences at live performances. "I’m constantly writing," he says. "There's some new songs pop up here and there. I play them at gigs to see if people like them and they usually get a good response."
In November 2011, Tobias traveled from Newport to Liverpool to take the stage at the legendary Cavern Club, now widely remembered for its connections with acts such as The Beatles, The Searchers and Gerry and The Pacemakers.
However, Tobias' connection with the venue is a little more special as his great aunt, Cilla Black, worked there as a cloakroom assistant in the1960s, before she scaled chart heights with songs such as "You’re My World" and "Anyone Who Had a Heart." His experience of playing the Cavern was a positive one "that was amazing, I was really honoured to be able to play there."
Knight In Shining Armour EP Features Upbeat Performances From Tobias
Tobias was careful to gauge the right material for his Knight in Shining Armour EP that consists of five all-original upbeat songs with emphasis on heart-felt vocals and intricate guitar work. The release draws inspiration from his own personal life as well as musical influences such as Damien Rice and Newton Faulkner.
The title track, "Knight in Shining Armour," was inspired after Tobias met his first girlfriend. The song displays an ability to write intelligent lyrics accompanied with a raw musical energy that builds up as the song unfolds.
Tobias draws further inspiration from teenage love and emotions with outstanding performances on "She Doesn’t Want a God" and "Everything." While his singing on "She Doesn’t Want a God" is melodic, he adopts a contrasting, if not deliciously, raw vocal performance on "Everything"
Tobias presents "Star" in a style that allows the listener to kick back and relax, while "Harder Times" is an optimistic and uplifting song which focuses on being productive In the face of adversity. The optimism of "Harder Times" reflects Tobias' positive outlook to music and wanting to leave his audience "…not depressed but empowered!"
Tobias Releases Album to the Public
The Knight in Shining Armour EP is an impressive debut of intelligent pop songs and strong ballads featuring intricate guitar work, making Tobias an artist to watch in 2012. The Knight in Shining Armour EP is available on CD and available to download from iTunes.
For further news on Tobias' releases, gig dates and how to download Tobias' cover of Outkast's "Hey Ya," visit Tobias' official website.
