Tobtok’s sonic banger ‘Aber’ is getting another shot at the big time, not that it needs any help having already racked up 1 million streams for the Swedish wunderkind, the track has now been retrofitted with a brand-new vocal from Romanian vocalist and songwriter Sorana.
The brains behind Tobtok is Sweden’s Tobias Karlsson, and he’s been kind enough to answer some of our famously gruelling questions like, “what’s the view like out of your window?” and he also touches upon tetchy subjects like “what’s the weather like?”. Such a brave soul. So he’s given us sneak peak out of his window, presumably somewhere in Sweden, and you’ll even get a peep at his studio (spoiler: it’s not very impressive).
Hello.
Can you please Introduce yourself.
My name is Tobias Karlsson /aka/ Tobtok.
Whereabouts are you today… ?
I’m in my rainy hometown that is Uppsala, a small student-city in Sweden!
And what’s the view like…?
Gives us five words that best describes your new track…?
Emotional, Colorful, Pumping, Chopping and Annoying.
Who inspired you into a life of music… ?
Michael Jackson! I remember being like 5 years old seeing him on TV thinking he was the coolest guy ever.
Do you ever regret it…?
Not one bit! Music has always been my biggest passion since I can remember so it felt natural for me to pursue it as a career.
If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why…?
It would be the whole thing with respect and creative integrity. There are so many people ripping eachother off and stealing ideas from one another.
Who is your favourite artist…?
Right now it’s Kilian Eng, his stuff is so cool!
What was the first record you bought…?
My first CD was “Metallica – Ride The Lightning” and LP was “Judas Priest – Unleashed In The East”
What was the last record you bought…?
“Lifelike – So Electric” on Maxi-Single, It’s probably my favorite Nu-Disco track ever.
What track do you wish you’d written…?
Paul Simon – Still Crazy After All These Years. The chords are so orgasmic!
What track makes you happiest…?
Michael Jackson – Rock With You, evertime I hear it I start to dance no matter how embarrasing it will make me look!
What track makes you saddest…?
Led Zeppelin – Since I’ve Been Loving You.
What’s your favourite club…?
It’s hard to pick a favorite but I think the club that made the biggest impression on me recently was “Mirror” in Bali, Indonesia where I played last year. It looks like a psychadelic cathedral and the vibe there was amazing!
What’s your favourite after party record…?
Have to go with a guilty-pleasure here! It’s “Danny Saucedo – Dör För Dig” which is a really cheesy swedish-pop tune haha!
What track has had the most influence on you…?
In terms of what I do right now I think it has to be “Daft Punk – Around The World” as it was my first encounter I can remember with House-Music!
Which of your own tracks are you most proud of…?
My latest tune Rooftops! I don’t think I’ve ever put so much work and effort into a track like it.
What’s your current favourite record…?
“Neiked ft. MIMI – Call me”
If your studio was on fire and you go back in to save one thing, what would it be and why…?
Well I have to be a bit boring and say my computer, because I have all my work I’ve done on my harddrives hehe! I’ve spent years collecting samples you know!
