Tobias James has been influenced by primarily classical musicians including, but certainly not limited to: Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Copland, Beethoven, and others. Beyond this his influences stem from such artists as Moby, Coldplay, The Crystal Method, Celldweller, Teitur, Trentemoller, and many others.
Born and raised in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Tobias James began playing the piano at age seven (7). Quickly discovering a love of classical music Tobias continued to study piano for the next fifteen (15) years.
Having written and performed his first solo piano piece at age eight (8) he continued to write music for the piano. At age sixteen he realized his writings required more then just a piano to truly express the depth of emotions stemming from his life and began seeking other artists to collaborate with. Many of these emotions were from his work in New York at a camp for inner-city foster children. After leaving New York to continue his studies and live with his parents in Lititz, PA, Tobias became involved in community theatre with the WML Players as well as working at Sight and Sound Theatres, Inc. in Strasburg, PA.
During his work in theatre Tobias began realizing being away from writing music was emotionally as well as psychologically detrimental. Believing that being in Pennsylvania was also physically unsuitable considering his health, Tobias left everything and moved to Orlando, Florida. Tobias arrived in Florida and applied to Full Sail University. He was accepted in to the Recording Arts / Music Business degree.
While at Full Sail, Tobias met Jeff Petersen and began working with him on several projects in a variety of genres. Jeff introduced him to the sincere side of HipHop music and began integrating Tobias' classical writings in to his projects. Jeff presented Tobias with a project called Urban Counterpoint and they began writing the largest concept project of their lives.
Knowing that what is in front of him is never the end of the road, Tobias continues to seek out new opportunities for expanding his knowledge and musical diversity.
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