Exclusive Interview with 'Tobin Rock'

Tobin Rock’s “Breathe Again,” inspired by epic-rock artists like as Muse and Snow Patrol, highlights the strength of human perseverance. This song is a reminder of the awe-inspiring strength of human perseverance, and the drive to press forward and “Breathe Again” in a world still recovering from the pandemic.

Tobin Rock is dedicated to inspiring us to think about the world we live in. “As an artist, singer, musician, or other creative individual, you should write, talk, and create from whatever drives you.” Because there is so much chaos in the world right now, I am determined to address social concerns and confront what is truly affecting or challenging us all. With ‘Breathe Again,’ I’ve found it very useful recently to think on the mind-boggling size and complexity of the world around us, as well as to put things into perspective regarding how the human race always finds a way to keep going. And, at the end of the day, in this vast existence, all we have is love, which, as John Lennon said, is “all you need.”

Tobin Rock, based in Chicago, has embraced global collaboration, collaborating with incredible musicians, technicians, and industry leaders such as Italian virtuoso violinist Lucia La Rezza, renowned British session guitarist Damien Nolan, Ukrainian guitarist Artem Efimov, and Grammy-winning mixer Dom Morley. Tobin Rock has released nine songs since 2020, culminating in a complete album release and live tour in the fall of 2022.

*All proceeds from this song will go to the Ukrainian Red Cross. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

TOBIN ROCK: A while ago, I started out as a lead singer in an alternative rock band. I drifted away from my music to focus on being an actor and director. And during that time, I continued writing music and setting it aside. Once the pandemic hit, I had all this open time and over fifty songs collecting dust. Since 2020, I have collaborated internationally with over fifteen amazing musicians from twelve countries remotely and produced nine singles. This fall, I will be releasing my first full album!

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

TOBIN ROCK: I started out training in musical theatre and opera but the best training ever has been getting on stage and falling down on my face every once in a while.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘TOBIN ROCK’?

TOBIN ROCK:
I love rock. I love alternative rock. Bands that rock with their music and have something to say really fired my inspiration and got me going. Nirvana, Muse, Pearl jam, Rage Against The Machine, REM. Tobin Rock is my name as it incorporates me as the ringleader of a collection of astoundingly amazing musicians creating rocking music!

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

TOBIN ROCK: I live for moving people and can’t help, pretty much with everything I write, pushing for the world to be a better place. As a listener, there is a sound when we hear that amazing song which makes us feel good inside, impassions us and empowers us. In all my art, I strive for that. Nothing inspires me and gets me more excited in life than moving someone with my art!

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?

**TOBIN ROCK**: I am inspired and have continually learned by people making art. People creating. Acting, Music, Painting. The list goes on. Artists that have something special to say. And people out there sacrificing their whole lives to make the world a better place and taking risks to make change. And I love rock and roll. To me, there is special magic about it that is so inspiring and uplifting.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?

TOBIN ROCK:
The music I make is a conduit as a for all of these vehicles. And it’s not that I go out of my way to write songs that push this. Every thing I write just comes out that way. That being said, you definitely have to have technical artistry, your own personal narrative, and entertain as a base or then song probably won’t be any good to start with!

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

TOBIN ROCK:
I love creating art and music and will always keep creating and hopefully growing no matter what.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

TOBIN ROCK:
I come up with a basic sound and lyrics which I hammer out on a keyboard or acoustic guitar with vocals. Then, I work with my musicians remotely to collaborate and take it to the next level. I am constantly in awe of what they come up with and very humbled by their talent. Almost always, their work takes my songs beyond anywhere I ever imagined they could go.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

TOBIN ROCK:

I am currently in the process of putting together a new local band. Since all of my collaborators have been international, I can’t quite round everybody up from to play live. It is a lot of fun creating a new band to play all of this music but also challenging.

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

TOBIN ROCK:

This whole journey of being in the middle of international collaboration with some of the most amazing musicians in the world and being on this musical journey which is just beginning!