About Tobias Bader

Boundaries are reserved for countries and actions. Tobias Bader is a musician who loves to blur them all, especially given his talent in writing music. From the strings of acoustic, folk and funk to the electric euphoria of disco, rock and surf punk - you’ll find him all over the map. Specifically, though, he was born in Berlin and lives in Amsterdam-which almost takes the place back to a different time. Retrobias Bader is here to steal the spotlight, every time.

It can all start with his single from 2019 called Rise and Fall. What can be explained as the prelude, was followed by the EP by the same name, where his genre bending antics were on full display. Since then, he has released one more EP called Speed of Light earlier in 2023 and the album, Lost On A Star and he is currently releasing songs of his newest album Rise Above. If you peruse through these, there is a good chance you’ll be shocked that one artist made it all.

He loves collaboration, and has done so with pianist Brad Mehldau, Robin Berlijn (Fatal Flowers and Kane) and Diederik Nomden (Analogues, Johan). Dick Sinnige has been his long-time collaborator for the interesting, image rich lyrics he sings. Talent cannot be contained, so he constantly performs with either his band or with Ute Passionflower as a singer-songwriter. Tobias Bader is not someone who will just align with the grain, his music has a deep-rooted texture that transcends his experiences and life. There is a chance you will experience love at first listen, with the variety he has to offer.

Press coverage

Single ‘Rock My Planet’ 

‘Rock My Planet’ is what I would imagine blaring in my speakers as I hop into a 1960s Mustang, eating up highways at speeds the Autobahn wouldn’t scoff at… Two thumbs up, easily! sinusoidalmusic.com

Single ‘Rise Above’ (New Album 'Rise Above')

‘Tobias establishes himself as an artist in his own right, capable of reinventing the boundaries of the musical genre with breathtaking creativity. His mastery of sounds and his innovative approach allow him to create a captivating musical landscape and convey a powerful message. If you're looking for a new sound experience, this track is a must-listen.’ iggymagazine.com

'For a moment, just for a moment, we thought we heard David Bowie from Beatstad Radio when we played Rise Above...' Beatstad Radio

EP ‘Speed Of Light’

Tobias Bader demonstrates an impressive range in the EP, experimenting with various genres and musical styles. Each track on ‘Speed Of Light’ offers a unique experience, creating an exhilarating journey that escalates in strength with every new song. Music Is To Blame

EP 'Rise And Fall'

'That track makes Tobias Bader sound like Neil Young has come to the set of "Into The Wild" and has taken over from Eddie Vedder. His voice is also reminiscent of the young Bob Dylan, something that also becomes evident in the opening track "Fly". '  (White Room Reviews)

'His music breathes the sixties and seventies ... Right from the very strong up-tempo opener Fly, Bader captivates the listener .... The excellent repertoire on Rise and Fall hovers somewhere between folk, vintage pop and roots.'  (It's a Hell of a Heaven)

'Sometimes you hear from the very first notes of a song that it's just right ... this is a classical example of craftsmanship which Bader manages to deliver, founded on "embracing the beauty of natural imperfection" ... tasteful and colorful.' (Altcountryforum)

'With these six songs he immediately classifies himself amongst the big boys ... folk, pop and roots music ... apparently Tobias Bader masters it all!' (CD Review Blog)

'The debut EP of Tobias Bader contains 6 beautiful songs, it varies in style, but is mainly intimate and melancholy.' (M podia)

Tobias Bader is selected for 'best EP of 2019!' (In de ban van)