|
 Swedish singer songwriter Tobias Froberg has signed his new album "Somewhere In The City" to the UK label Poptones Records, run by the legendary music guru Alan McGee - the man who discovered and signed Oasis and Primal Scream amongst others as well as being responsible for putting The Hives’ career on track by signing them. The agreement was made via Tobias's label Fire Egg Recordings and is for the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. As Alan McGee said himself, "he's the next Scandinavian Superstar".
Tobias's latest single, "When the night turns cold" from the new album is already being used in the pan-European TV ad for Panasonic Lumix cameras.
Can you tell us about your album?
I would say it’s a mix of some kind of contemporary folk, rock and pop. I like simple folk and pop music with a twist.
Why is Somewhere in the City different to your first album, For Elisabeth Wherever She Is?
I really tried to be careful with the songs. On the first album, we pressed the Rec key, and played. This time I had to do some of the songs over a hundred times just to get the right feeling. I think I recorded, for example, When the Night Turns Cold, over 40 times.
What is the importance of live instruments in your music?
Well, I and my co producer Linus Larsson don’t use drum machines, etc. All we do is record live instruments and we do it as good as we possibly can. Linus, for example, is not a drummer, he is an excellent guitar player but he’s behind the drums. He beats them very well, if you ask me.
What has been your favourite venue to play so far?
I played the Koko Club in Camden which was great. Rock n Roll! I played great, great venues in Sweden, Holland, Denmark and New York but Koko Club was really amazing.
Is there anything else you would like to work as if you weren’t doing music?
I have been writing articles and columns alongside with the music so I guess that the writing is not far away.
How do you feel that Sweden is bringing out many successful artists including yourself?
Well, Peter Bjorn and John do very well now, don´t they? They are close friends of mine. José Gonzaléz too. I’m happy about it!
Who are your main inspirations?
God and Satan.
Do you ever get recognised in the street?
Sometimes. Sometimes not.
Would you like to become as famous as The Hives or Oasis?
I don’t think of it that way. I want people to like my music, I don’t care if I’m famous or not.
Is the plan for your music to hit charts worldwide?
That would be good because I would get some more money. I need it.
Where can we see you play live?
I’ll be on a long US tour in September and in October I’ll be supporting Kathryn Williams in the UK. I am so much looking forward to that because she is really good. Really good! Fantastic voice, fantastic songs.
Somewhere In The City is out on 4 Sept.
Offical website: www.tobiasfroberg.com
www.myspace.com/tobiasfroberg
By Rashmi Shastri
 |
