Tobie Milford – Composer

The music of Tobie Milford has been described as an “ethereal symphony of sound”, using loop pedals to layer multiple violin parts and combine them his own vocals. This culminates in a nuanced and unique sound: ambient, minimalist string textures, quartet-style harmonies, sophisticated plucking patterns, and dynamic vocal melodies. His songwriting has led him to become one of Phoenix’s most widely-lauded solo acts, and his diverse fan base has invited him to play everywhere from bars and music venues to museums, art galleries, and a broad array of festivals, including Cincinatti’s Midpoint Music Festival in 2010.

His music has been played on PBS programming, US Airways flights, and internet radio stations, reaching listeners from South Africa to New Zealand.  Milford has opened for cello looper extraordinaire Zoe Keating, ambient folk/postrock pioneers Sleep Whale, and singer-songwriters Tony Lucca and Joe Firstman is an indicator of his appeal to a diverse body of musical supporters.

His new material takes advantage of his newfound musical relationship with Phoenix’s fantastic Tetra String Quartet, who are poised to expand his sound considerably, as they combine looping with string arrangements and percussion for a truly unique live experience.

Milford has contributed to the latest recordings of many Phoenix bands/songwriters including What Laura Says Thinks and Feels, Kinch, Peachcake, Ryan Taverna, the Constellation Branch, Andrew Jackson Jihad, Michelle Blades, Courtney Marie Andrews, Justin Olsen, Porches, and Cardiac Party. He was also commissioned by Snake Snake Snakes! to compose and perform string accompaniments for their live show when they opened for Jimmy Eat World at Phoenix’s Marquee Theater in October 2010.

Musical influences include Radiohead, Max Richter, Arvo Part, Rachels, Sigur Ros, Sufjan Stevens, and Andrew Bird.

Milford is also a member of Phoenix-based band the Whisperlights.