Who are you and where do you originate from?

I am Tobias Robertson, an acoustic singer-songwriter from Newport

How long have you been performing?

I started off playing open mic nights at the Riverfront in Newport about three years ago and I also did lots of gigs at the Karma Lounge, Newport. As well as gigs in Newport and Cardiff I played at the Cavern Club in Liverpool and did a mini-arts festival around Birmingham last year.

Who are your musical influences?

I think the English acoustic singer-songwriter Newton Faulkner is awesome and I also admire the John Butler trio who originate from Australia but now live in America.

How would you describe your style of music?

I would say it is soul mixed with folk. I write my own music all based on acoustic guitar.

What’s your best live experience so far?

Playing Fashion Wales Live in 2010 in front of 1,600 people after winning a competition to perform at the show at the Newport Centre.

I performed Knight in Shining Armour, which is a song off my first EP which has the same title. If anyone wants to hear tracks from the EP it can be downloaded for free, yes free, from tobias robertson@bandcamp.com There are five tracks on the EP and one of them, Star, has a video too which can be seen on YouTube if you search on my name or just search for Star.

Do you have a new album coming out?

I am currently working on a self-produced new record which will include a collection of songs I have written over the last 18 months and songs I plan to write in the coming months. I am looking to have this out in summer next year.

Where can we catch you live?

Next Wednesday, February 20, I am taking part in the Cardiff Battle of the Bands contest at The Full Moon Club in Cardiff city centre.

It’s free to get in and starts around 8pm. I hope as many people as possible will come along and watch the performance and vote too of course because that is a big part of the contest and it would be nice to see some friendly faces in the crowd!

Keep in touch with TOBIAS online Facebook:

  • facebook.com/tobiasofficial
  • twitter. com/tobias_official