Ken Tobias, one of Canada's most accomplished singer-songwriters with a career that has spanned over five decades.
“Tobias’ voice is one of the most versatile vocal instruments I have heard in awhile… There is a rare energy - the kind you usually associate with a Rod Stewart or Elton John…” - Los Angeles Free Press
“He (Tobias) is a lyrical expert…” - The Globe And Mail
“He has feeling for his songs that comes-through with brilliance.” - CHUM-FM, Toronto
“Tobias is one of Canada’s most versatile and interesting songwriters… one of the country’s premier talents.” - The Province, Vancouver
Everyday throughout the world, the songs of Ken Tobias continue to be heard and bring joy. Songs like "Dream #2", "I Just Want To Make Music", "Every Bit of Love", Give A Little Love", "Fly Me High", "New York City", and "Stay Awhile".
photo credit: Mitchell Rose
“I drew a picture of a pair of wings because I want to fly.”
“Down In Hollywood”
Ken Tobias wrote "Down In Hollywood" as a fun way of conjuring up and celebrating the wonderful memories he had of living in the Hollywood hills during the heady times of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The song is full of imagery. The lyrics follow the walking tempo of the music as it takes you on an iconic tour of Hollywood Boulevard, the Sunset Strip and landmarks like the Whiskey A Go Go, the Troubadour, Tower Records and the surfers at Santa Monica. But most of all, he cherished the great nights in the Hollywood hills playing music and sharing sweet life with creative friends like Michael, Mitchell and Vicky, Mort, Roger, Clay and especially his mentor the great songwriter Sharon Sheeley (“Poor Little Fool” – Ricky Nelson). Those were exciting and inspiring times to be in Hollywood. And Ken savored every minute of it all while writing songs and recording music. “Down In Hollywood” was one of Ken's favorite new songs and he was anxious to share it with his friends and fans.
“The Writing On The Wall”
During the COVID pandemic Ken became more creatively driven than usual. He worked on numerous new music and painting projects. His creative muse was in full throttle. He was producing a storm of art. He opened his work book and pulled out partially finished songs, many that were still in early-stage development. He finished many of those songs and wrote several new ones. At the same time, he was working on multiple paintings. He was on a creative binge. His talents were firing on all cylinders. Ken Tobias died of brain cancer on October 2, 2024. He left us with so much new music and visual art which we are now able and happy to share.“The Writing On The Wall” was one of those songs. Ken finished writing it and then produced and recorded it in 2023. The lyrics allude to an imposing symbol of the current times we are in. The symbol of the wall in the song is about power and division. The song speaks of how people willingly fall for the lies spoken by false “messiahs” and in their desperation, accept the promises of salvation. The wall is at once physical and metaphorical. But what is important is what is written on these walls. The wall can be the medium for messengers. The wall can be social media that spray paints the good, the bad and the ugly. In some places in the world, walls are bulletin boards where the anonymous leave words that speak the thoughts that the people dare to say aloud.The new messiah said he'll set you freeYou grab at straws but you still don't get itYou'd rather bathe in your miseryThan bite the hand you think is going to save youSee the writing on the wallIt's as clear as your baby cryin'Know your crusin’ for a fallIt's so clear there is no denyin'KEN SPEAKS ABOUT HIS ART
"Nebula #1" by Ken Tobias. Acrylic, on Gallery canvas. 30"x 40" 2015.
I remember being asked when I was young what did I want to be when I grow up.
I remember saying “I want to be an artist, a singer and a scientist…” well it turned out that I am a professional singer an avid science fan and yes an artist… painting in acrylics for 30 years.
I wanted to study art at an early age but was unable to by circumstances, so I studied Drafting in high school. I’m self taught but asked questions and studied from every artist I met. I’ve read, watched and observed nature and tried to draw what I saw. I jump from subject to subject, like fantasy, animals, landscape, still life and space paintings, trying to find that magic well of knowledge. I have realized though, that it is an ongoing quest that leads me on and on to try and accomplish what I see and feel and find beauty. I learn by trial and error. I’m fortunate to have sold paintings to a few hundred people in North America and Scotland. Here are a hundred or so paintings for your perusal. My goal is 3 dimension on a 2 dimensional plane, colour and light. KT.