Tobias Lund

Tobias Lund: “Let Me Know” (feat. Phono Magic)

Everyone’s got their favorite blue-eyed soul artists. And sure, it’s technically a derogatory term, but if you’re after some super blue-eyed soul…like so blue-eyed it’s Scandinavian, then look no further than Austin’s Tobias Lund.

This is the third time we’ve talked up Tobias, and long story short, the keyboardist-singer’s already shown a ton of talent across the soul-pop spectrum. So after a strong sequence of sultry standalone solo and collaborative singles, imagine our delight upon hearing about Tobias Lund’s debut EP, Leap of Faith, out next Thursday.

Lund plays a set Hole in the Wall 10PM that same evening with EP guests Camila Rivers and Phono Magic, plus The VYB Project alongside opener EddieAngel at 9PM and closer Chico Jones at 11PM. And just yesterday Lund lent us the album’s second lead single made in cooperation with Phono Magic, “Let Me Know”. We knew Tobias was smooth, but damn, this one just breathes baby-makin’ magic. Whichever way you lean, this erotic piece of modern R&B is an instant aphrodisiac for aural arousal.

The VYB Project & Tobias Lund: “Gradient”

SXSW, and by extension, the year-round Austin Music Experience as a whole, draws tons of international acts, eager to gain traction, to our fair city limits. And outside the live scene, our academic institutions also attract a ton of talent, and not just UT. No, it seems like ACC, in particular its Music Business program, serves as somewhat of a melting pot for artists ready to take their career to the next level.

At least, that’s exactly where Mumbai producer Trishant Bhatt (better known as The VYB Project) first linked up with Copenhagen singer-songwriter Tobias Lund. It didn’t take long for them to realize that Bhatt’s borderless production style and Lund’s soul-pop vocals could make for a colorful combo, and soon enough, they paired up and got to work. And just in time for the holiday, Lund and The VYB Project released the first fruit of their labor last Friday, in what we’re hoping will evolve into a cornucopia of collaborations.

Lund’s sultry pipes grace Bhatt’s crisp drums, evolving electronic arpeggios, easy-going guitar, and seductive synth chords on “Gradient” for a gliding piece of EDM and pop that’ll keep you warm throughout a full spectrum of upcoming winter weather.

Tobias Lund: “Hurts Just A Little”

This past Monday we premiered something from Norwegian producer-arranger-composer Morten Martens, and his project Les Imprimés. Well, not even a full week later, we’ve got another new Scandinavian tune for you. But unlike Martens, this Nordic songwriter lives right here within the Austin City Limits.

We’re referring to Tobias Lund, who moved here from Copenhagen last year. Sure, the migration was primarily in pursuit of a law degree, but once Lund acclimated to “the Live Music Capital of the World” culture, he quickly felt his artistry ascend to an even higher level. Like anyone with good tastes, Tobias Lund draws a lot from Stevie Wonder’s iconic style of jazz-soul, but you’ll instantly recognize the modern influence of pop-R&B innovators like Eloise and Mac Ayres.

Today, Tobias was kind enough to give us an early listen to his debut studio single, “Hurts Just A Little”, and boy are we glad he did. At a hair over three-and-a-half minutes, “Hurts Just A Little” kicks off with erotic key chords and Lund’s passionate pipes before graduating up to a brilliantly simple drum beat, staccato six-string rhythms, backup call-and-response harmonies, clever bass lines, a couple synth stabs for good measure. Once you’re past the lush choruses, falsetto flourishes, cool-as-hell guitar solo and rousing trumpet riffs, you’ll feel lovey dovey for days to come. All in all? It’s an outstanding first entry into Tobias Lund’s discography, and we frankly can NOT wait for more of this Dane’s dashing and jazzy soul-pop dalliances.