Earlier this month Vancouver artist NamedTobias. released a brand new single titled “Tru-Connect.”
NamedTobias. wanted this song to serve as a hopeful motivator for those feeling hopeless. We’re living in an era where artists are relying on these pipe dreams of meeting the “right person” or getting in with the “right crowd” or getting booked by the “right promoter” or signing with the “right record label.” But ultimately that’s all a big industry lie. Faith and self-reliance will take you much further than any sort of plug or connect. And that’s exactly what NamedTobias. wanted to share on this record.
“I believed at one point it was necessary to have all of these networks and connections in order to get ahead. But I just came to the understanding that God opens doors that no man can close.” – NamedTobias.
The track started off with a beat that NamedTobias. made a while ago, but recently revisited with the hope of redoing the beat’s bass line. He enlisted the help of longtime collaborator Matt Storm, who essentially freestyled the new bass line on to the beat.
Take a listen to “Tru-Connect,” and check out our interview with NamedTobias below. It’s been a minute since I’ve had a proper catch up with NamedTobias. But it’s always such a pleasure to hear his thoughts, and discuss his outlook.
Q&A: NamedTobias.
HipHopCanada: Start off by telling me what this track means to you on a personal level.
NamedTobias.: This is a track I imagined to be motivation and clarity for that individual who feels hopeless, as [the] majority of my music is based on that. I try my best to always be transparent with every record just because we are in an era of complete Oscar Award winning actors and nobody wants to be honest about what they believe… or feel they need to have a certain persona in order to be received. I too once felt that way, but realized how much more genuine it is when people can see you being who you are to the fullest. So overall recognizing that if you have a true connection with God it’s ALL possible.
HipHopCanada: I really love the message behind this song. Because I feel like we’re in an era where everyone talks on about how they have a “plug” for this, or a “plug” for that. And you’re saying the only plug you need is your higher power.
NamedTobias.: I believed at one point it was necessary to have all of these networks and connections in order to get ahead. But I just came to the understanding that God opens doors that no man can close. So if it’s for me, the door will be open and remain open, honestly. For example… the first time you (Sarah) heard my music years ago, you connected with it. We have done other things and have even loss touch somewhat. But the door was opened and remained open and now I’m being interviewed about a new song I just released by you. You’re appreciated and God bless you, Queen.
HipHopCanada: I appreciate that so much! Much love! I think this track also brings up a commentary on how everyone seems to think you need a connect or some ridiculously big networking circle in order to make moves. People are out here waiting on this instantaneous success… which isn’t realistic at all.
NamedTobias.: Exactly! At the end of the day you could have the biggest network in the world and still not get ahead. It’s all work ethic and putting in work and like I said… if it’s in God’s plan to be, it will be. No questions asked. It’s a hard but simple concept to grasp. And it took years of ups and downs to understand this. It’s all in God’s hands to me.
HipHopCanada: Walk me through your production process for this with Matt Storm. How did the two of you cook this beat up?
NamedTobias.: This is a beat I created a while ago and it sat in the beat folder for a little while. And when I revisited it I felt like it needed a dope bass line and Matt came to mind. I have collaborated with Matt in the past, so I made a bass line up and worked with it until I connected with Matt Storm again. Homeboy has so much soul in him. I don’t even think he realizes how soulful he is. I showed him my idea and he got his own idea sparked. And I muted my bass line and I just let him freestyle a bass line and he just had fun with it. It was something like a jam session that turned into something official. All I literally did was chop up the bass line and arrange it how I felt it worked… and there you have “Tru-Connect”.
HipHopCanada: Was there a particular moment or series of events that inspired you to write this track?
NamedTobias.: I get a lot of my inspiration from real life experiences and I have just always come across different individuals who state they have the plug for this and the plug for that. So I just decided to flip it and make it work for my direction in which I was taking it.
HipHopCanada: I liked your nod to k-os with the “Heaven Only Knows” line. That was a dope, subtle homage. I appreciated that.
NamedTobias.: See this is why I rock with you and appreciate you. I don’t think anyone has picked that up. k-os has been a super inspiration growing up in the city. And I remember seeing him one day when I was younger with my pops and he acknowledged me and gave me the salute. Plus that is one of my favorite songs from him so I just tried to show love in some way. I’m glad you were able to connect those dots.
Interview conducted by Sarah Jay for HipHopCanada
