What is your names?
My name is Don Tocabajo. There are no other members, I work alone.
What is your genre of music?
I call it instrumental crossover soundtrack. The basis is groovy rock, mixed with various styles such as metal, funk, Latin, oriental and electro.
Give us a little bio about you.
Highway to Hell by AC/DC inspired me to start playing the guitar. But after a while I felt that the bass guitar was my instrument. Playing pressure with low, rhythmic tones, being the link between melody and rhythm, fascinated me. As an autodidact, I taught myself to play various styles. I played many concerts and festivals with various bands and projects and gained experience in studios and the business. For some years now I have been working on my own as a composer, arranger, producer and sound engineer (mixing, mastering). I create soundtracks for the film and video industry and produce or help unknown artists.
What made you go into music?
I was given the talent to play instruments and create new songs. As well as the fun of making music together with other people. My ability to create new, mixed pieces of music from start to finish. I would also like to mention that I have never played in a cover band. You can learn from that, but I got bored of playing songs by other artists that I’d heard so many times before. The many prizes I have already won are also motivating. That’s always an exciting experience 😉
Who are your influences?
My influences can increasingly be found in the 90s. I found this period incredibly creative musically, with all the new bands and styles that became known. Bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Living Color, Faith No More, Stevie Salas and Mothers Finest are in my musical DNA. As well as their producers and sound engineers, who brought impressive sounds/mixes along the way. I was also very open to Latin, Oriental and classical music. The great music and musicians there are sometimes underestimated.
Are you a signed?
I am not contractually bound. I distribute my music classically via a few renowned platforms such as Bandcamp, Reverbnation and Music Supervisor. I haven’t had any good experiences with managements, distributors etc. in the past. That’s why everything stays under my control. Sometimes it’s more work, but at least I know what’s going on.
You released your new latest EP ‘Resistance’, tell us more about the EP and the meaning behind the EP.
“Resistance” is another one of my many ideas that I wanted to realize. But it’s also a protest album. A lot of things have upset me recently, especially here in Germany. For some time now, some groups have been increasingly defaming those who think differently. Hardly any factual discussions with arguments are not possible anymore, only emotionally charged manslaughter arguments. It already has fascist overtones. The political clans are incapable or too corrupt to make sensible decisions. That’s why you have to fight back, and I do this with Resistance.
Describe each track in two words.
Restart: New beginning discussion & diplomacy
Supervised Thinking : Boycott of suggested opinions
Powerfull Evil: Fighting the rise of global evil
Not my conflict: All wars are unacceptable
Resistance: Against autocracy & the collapse of democracy
Political Bubble: Stop political arrogance & intolerance
What was the writing and recording process like?
As is so often the case with me, the ideas come like a waterfall. I start with a draft and then everything follows automatically. Then I let it flow and the compositions take shape. I sometimes play the instruments or program them. My works are very extensive and unfortunately I don’t have the resources to book so many musicians and different instruments. The song titles reflect the current themes that occupy me. I also do the other processes such as arrangements, production, mixing and mastering myself. Although I have familiarized myself quite deeply with these matters, it is clear that they are not yet perfect.
Who did you work with on the album?
Just God and me. I let my family and a few close friends listen in to get other opinions. The AI had to stay outside.
Link here to Listen: https://dontocabajo.bandcamp.com/album/resistance
Are we expected to see any music videos from any of the tracks off the EP and if so can you tell us more about what can we expect from the creative process?
I will not be producing any videos myself. Since my music for films & videos is published for use, however, I assume that a video or film with my music will be released in the future.
Do you have any live shows coming up?
I make soundtracks for the film industry, the cost of live concerts would be too high. I would need countless musicians and instruments for that. Maybe an interesting band project will come up and then I’ll get going again.
What else can we expect in late 2024?
Well, in May I was invited to the official ceremonies at the Akademia Music Awards in Los Angeles, I was inducted into the AMA “Hall of Fame”. A great event 🙂 Maybe I will be nominated with my songs or album at some awards again this year, that would be fantastic. Otherwise, I’ll continue to pursue other projects.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Oh, I hope I’ll be playing in the Champions League of film composers by then 🙂 Otherwise I’ll be working hard to get into the next international league 🙂
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
There is no shame in not knowing, but there is shame in not wanting to learn (Plato)
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Bass guitar, guitar cable (in case the wireless system fails), sound check, eat a snack, go to the toilet beforehand.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Only my website, Reverbnation and Bandcamp for fans. I deleted all the others because of data protection, unqualified comments and the effort, since I am DIY. But these options should be enough to contact me. All links here
*Thank you for the interview. I wish everyone every success and good health
