Do I Sing? What Happened To Toska? New Bands & Elden Ring | Ask The Fro #19 | Q&A

[@billypunton8867]

I’m not gonna pretend to understand the logistics behind making this work, but if you guys could somehow release that last single you recorded as Toska it would be the perfect farewell to such a special project.

[@alfiebroom]

Would be fantastic!

[@johnoh9146]

I’ve wanted to hear that song for so long

[@AngryAndyToth]

This this this this this

[@thisisksero]

That's like what I was saying for the last year. Would be a great "end of book" . Totally agree!

[@frazerlaw6258]

Oh fuck yes.... There is a track sitting doing bugger all.. Get it out. !!! Go on, you know you want to............................

[@kebmel8668]

I will always cherish my two Toska albums, they are the most played of all my music, thanks Rabea and Toska for creating these masterpieces!

[@AdamTheKluga]

Putting this out there more as projection and hope than anything else, but as long as Toska is you, Ben and Dave then Toska is never really dead. For sure, life gets in the way and the intensity of the band/touring lifestyle can be too much (been there) but I really hope you'll find your way back to each other. Even if it's way down the track, collaborating remotely on another record or whatever... Fire by the Silos is one of the best records I've ever heard (said as a fellow Sound Awake obsessive). Thank you for creating it, and for your honesty with your answer. I think we're all just a little heartbroken. Like it ended a bit too soon! 💜

[@benirott9068]

Amen

[@belfastmafia]

man, i love Toska. perfect blends, no vocals, its bliss for me. i listen to it everyday with other instrumental tracks from the likes of Satriani, Malmsteen. so soothing

[@bojangles6444]

Malmstein is the greatest of all time no doubt he even said so himself. Rumor has it he hasn’t bought new clothes since the 80’s and this strengthens his shred mastery. He is buying every last pair of leather pants just in case he runs out. If he wore a flannel he would only remember bar chords and the spell would be broken- and he would be forced to play grunge. To this day he is afraid to travel to Seattle.

[@AscendedWalrus]

I'm glad Toska existed and maybe one day it will again. :)

[@64thBuck]

Man, heartbreaking hearing you talk about Toska. I loved the band, lucky enough to see you guys at ATG '19 and was sad when ye announced the breakup but it seems like it even hurt you to talk about here. Maybe we'll see Toska play again some day. Either way, stoked for the new band & new tunes!

[@michael.davides]

Hey it's Andy Buck! My fellow pink Washburn WP-80 owner from across the pond!

[@64thBuck]

@@michael.davides haha fancy meeting you here, bro!

[@thatguyreiji1045]

Question for next FAQ any plans on doing an Archetype Rabea?

[@robertdavies9957]

And when can you take our money?

[@anthonydevito1298]

Thanks Bea - I am a massive Toska fan and I really appreciate your candid answer. I've been really sad about the end of Toska and have struggled to listen... Fire by the Silos means so much to me. I've literally wept to those songs, and I doubt I'm alone. It is in my mind one of the finest albums ever made, and I really mean that. You talking about what happened has really helped me process the feelings, and as a fan it means a lot that you'd talk about something that is painful and personal to you. To me, FBTS will go down as one of the great "one-off" works. Can't wait to hear the new band and cheers man.

[@ernometsola]

You're not alone. It's hard to put in words even how important that album is for me.. It's weird.. It's almost like they know all my emotions and feelings and just present them to me. I feel that album deeper than any album ever.

[@aristipposk]

I 100% agree with you guys.. That album stood with me and gave me so much strength , especially during tough times. I could sleep to it, push through my days through it, chill to it, whatever. What a powerful, powerful album!! It's also so nice, to see that more people have felt the same as I have! Toska is gonna be so missed... Cheers guys!

[@janchlupacek]

Definitely not alone with the tears, man. It's saddens me that every time I tell someone about Toska, I also have to say they don't play anymore, instead of "yeah, their new album is gonna drop soon". People tend to not pay attention to bands that are not around anymore, because they cannot go and see them, you know what I mean? But anyway, I still spread the word.

[@maxsolis7910]

Toska was the reason why I’m a huge fan of progressive Rock now! Thank you so much for that!! Still everyone asking/waiting for archetype: Bea … will it happen ?

[@RubyRoks]

John is based editor It looks like that Toska question hit really hard, and understandably so. I get that "It's it's not everyone, it's not happening" thing. I've had a few youtube channels fall through before getting anywhere because my partners had other obligations or differences of opinion and such things.

[@diegodoesmusic]

I sure am gonna miss Toska. “Fire by the Silos” came out just a few months after I graduated High School and it became pretty important to me. As cheesy as it might seem, it kinda gave me something to hold on to. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to be in life, wasn’t sure what to do with being an adult and the music gave me something. Thanks to you 3 for being a part of my confused life. Always looking forward to what the future holds

[@lmcf_gtr]

God tier intro!

[@basswolf86]

It was such a shame with Toska going seperate ways - but totally get it about people going different ways with life. Can't have been easy. Fire by the Silos is quite honestly one of the best records I've ever heard and something that inspires me daily. For a Pedal Company collab - You + a Chase Bliss Audio... I would love to hear what you would come up with using some of their pedals. Might help with your ambient dream EP! Keep well bud - enjoy 'Murica!

[@JordanJamesAW]

Big love to Dave and Ben. They seemed like good guys and I can't pretend I wont miss their sounds. Ben's drum sound on Fire by the Silos has made me determined to record at Middle Farm at some point, it's SO hench. Happiness and health come first so I hope they're doing good.

[@willspriggs6951]

Elite intro 🤣

[@Steeldragon886]

I would love a Rabea "Suspended Animation" - like album! You have a great ability of taking people on a sonic journey.

[@subodhthackray]

I still remember the first half 2016 listening to Toksa's Ode to the Author. Honestly, I clicked for the album art and some guitar dude that played at Andertons. The ambience of the album was an instant trip. OttA is a game changer in music!! Very underrated and still ahead of it's time. GG Rabea!

[@ellleigh1216]

A genuine question, that would really interest me is, what does a day in the life look like for Rabea? What keeps you busy? What’s keeps the pennies rolling in? How do you fit the general life of adulting around what you do? How’s the pup? How much down time do you have to yourself? Probably all a bit too personal and invasive! So maybe just a vlog of what happens in a standard day for a content creator/musician in this modern world. Would be cool to get some perspective and see what is achievable. You always come across with a really great attitude towards life, so would be great to have a further insight on how to achieve that ourselves ☺️

[@gibek2600]

It's a pity toska is no longer a thing... But there's one thing - i've heard parts of some unreleased toska demo's - i think many people (me included) would like to listen to them even if they aren't as refined as finished songs. If it is possible to share them with us somewhere we would be very thankful. Cheers!

[@KnapfordMaster98]

Your singing on the backups of Aeromancy sounded incredible, way higher than I expected. Would love to hear more.

[@richardturner5463]

Bloody love Ask The Fro, missed it! That intro was brilliant!! 🤣😂🤣

[@thisisksero]

Good talk Rabea. I may speak for others but I have strong beliefs that the community you created here is supporting all of the projects that you are working on and really looking forward to them. Honestly, it's sad that Toska ended. For me personally it was and it is a huge inspiration for personal projects/playing/sound whatever it may be. I'm glad I had a chance to listen to this music and through me to a path of sonic discoveries. p.s My apologies, I know it's frustrating, but release that last song. C'mon, it's a pity to leave it on the shelf and dust it. We'll be so glad to have that last farewell.

[@ApeShift]

I just want to say, I discovered you, and your playing, with the Riff Wars episode you were on. It inspired me to pick up a guitar again after about a 10 year hiatus, and it has been a blessing. Literally almost every time I hear you play, it motivates me to pick up a guitar and practice. For that, thank you, and keep doing what you do.

[@chevalking]

Thanks Rabea for your honesty about Toska - it can't have been easy. Fire by the Silos will be my 2020-21 lockdown album forever - I can't count the number of times I've listened to the album working at home. Looking forward to your new projects!

[@claytongouin5605]

Haha, well worth the laugh at during the intro there. Thanks for the giggle John The Editor. I actually appreciated that more than I want to admit!

[@Michaeltucker999]

amazing to see all the comments regarding Toska. i am in the same position that i LOVE toska, the sound and amazing live feel. IF we can hear the unreleased Demos, that would be so good!

[@PepinoMichoacan]

Man, Toska was such an important part of my life at a moment I needed it the most, and I can't thank you and the guys enough for that !

[@AlbusBand]

Assuming it was John…🙌👏👏👏🙌 my friend!!!

[@zacm4743]

Fire by the Silos is one of the best album ever released, no doubt. Probably listen to it at least once a week front to back. Bands like that never really die because of how impactful the music is. Every band I've been in has been with has had the goal solely to create some cool stuff and influence sound, music, and hearts. Y'all did that. Congrats on the greatest achievement one could have in music. Now, go keep doing it, yeah?

[@garrettboomerbender]

I dig the new graphics and aesthetic to the channel

[@jacobsaldana9661]

Bare knuckle start question and the look after is fun to see after the triptych release

[@TheMerc1950]

best intro ever

[@richterduplessis4201]

Rabea you created magic with the Bare Knuckle pickups. Best decision I made was upgrading my guitar with the Silo pickups. They've made my guitar come alive!

[@thedutchdjentleman]

Toska’s scratched a musical itch that I didn’t know I had the first time I heard Congress. You guys have been such a massive inspiration to me and it’s really sad to hear you talk about, but I understand where it’s coming from completely. But, my question for the next q and a is: who are your biggest inspirations when it comes to drummers?

[@riccardominuto]

For the pedal Frollaboration, also Beetronics could be an epic on! Maybe on their first proper distosion pedal, with something of their crazy lovely ideas thrown here and there!

[@Nestorglass]

It's funny, I have Toska songs on the playlist I put on when playing Bloodborne. I really like how you represented concepts of soulsborne areas on the finishes of your sig guitars too. Those games really leave an impression on a lot of people, it eventually leaks into other forms of art and it's great.

[@ryanmeder7989]

Really love your solo albums and the idea of an ambient record sounds great! "Asylum" is a fantastic track and I would love to hear more in that vein.

[@richardharrold9736]

First Kontakt was another great ambient track from him.

[@BudderChicken101]

I was fortunate enough to meet you and Dave at a clinic. One of my dreams was to see Toska perform live so it is bittersweet to hear that you have all gone your separate ways but I’m happy to hear you all doing what you would like and are well. One of my heroes, keep up the good work! Love you guys!

[@michaelspurk2051]

I'm Surprised, no one has mentioned Oceansize.....they were Awesome....some of the Best music i have heard!

[@yosephmcjoe9575]

Toska was my favourite band through highschool and uni, it was always so exciting yet grounding for me it was a band I could listen to any time. I'll always treasure what you guys accomplished in Toska and what that band means to me. I hope everyone involved is happier and healthier, and who knows one day toska may come back even for something small. Super eager for your project with Liam, Black Peaks was another band I was heartbroken to hear disbanded.

[@squishy949]

I had tickets to one of the Toska shows in 2020 that got. Gutted I never got to see you guys but you've all gotta go in the directions that are best for you. You gave us an amazing couple of albums. Gonna be a mission to see you live in the future in whatever incarnation that takes!

[@JohnDoe-kq8dx]

Bea talking about Toska makes me reflect on how much really has to go right for great bands to be able to tough it out long enough to put out great material. I remember Kim Thayil from Soundgarden talking about when the band first broke up at the end of the 90's, saying that "12 years is a very long time for a group of guys to be together". Just happy it happened.

[@dennycrane2817]

Prayermonger won't leave the playlist anyhow! 🤘 Keep writing and playing awesome tunes!

[@claytongouin5605]

Like many others, it was in my mind why Toska broke up. Been there, done that. Different people sometimes want different things from life, and I totally get that. Best of luck with all future musical endeavours. I'm looking forward to what you put out! Keep it up, man.

[@p4fizzle]

Yeh Rabea! You deserve a "proper thing" can't wait to jam to your upcoming album!

[@natan8175]

Since I discovered your playing I literally don't go 2 days without listening to at least one of your songs. Loving the ambient stuff so can't wait for that! More guitar tutorials for the ambient stuff would be amazing? Love your work, all of it. 🤘🏽

[@PackinForSuperbowl]

Man, I feel bad for Ben...it hits home because I was in a similar situation right at that point that the public health crisis was clearly not going to end. Maybe I'm projecting a bit but it's depressing as hell.

[@grindstone25]

As a really big fan of the music that you made in Toska, I'm really glad to know what happened. I'm also really glad to hear that everyone seems to be on good terms. Maybe sometime in the future you guys could get back together for studio work? I know it wouldn't be out and about for touring but I just can't get enough of the three of you as a group and I can say that your guitar work has personally influenced me massively and made me a better player! All of this is just wishful thinking on my part though.

[@BubbleWrapPerson]

Oh man! You got here just after the snowstorm! I’m just a few hours north. I wish I needed some gear so I could drive down!

[@aweakling]

Your ambient music is my favorite thing. On the Anderton's video where you show your signature guitars, at the 20:00 minute mark your "wall of sound" is THE best thing I've heard. Gives me goosebumps every time. Do you think the Simplifier DLX and a few pedals going into a pair of headrush PA's would sound decent as a stereo rig? I'm looking for cheap and simple all on a pedalboard. Thanks!

[@youKnowWho3311]

Toska, like other music, captured a small chunk of my life due to listening time. Thank you for that Bea.

[@andrewbailey7999]

Damn, Toska remains one of my favourite bands to listen to, especially when I want to motivate myself to do something! It's a real shame that it's come to an end, but obviously it's completely understandable! Glad I managed to see a gig while I could, in Sheffield during the Silos tour (even if I came down with a stomach bug right before the gig and had to sit at the back for most of it haha)

[@_RLP]

Glad to see these are back. Love the channel and everything you do, man. Especially with the totemist, so I'm eager to see what the new project will look like... As for pedal colabs, definitely Origin Effects or Redbeard Effects. Cheers Edit: would also love to hear a new cover from you, Hannah and the rest of the band.

[@tingkagol]

Make Yourself is the soundtrack of my college days. Very singable.

[@ryanjacko1]

Wow, that neural preset is so useful for learning to improvise over different changes, but also allowing you to improvise the changes at the same time 🤯 great ear training tool

[@musiconyourowntermspodcast6128]

Really glad I got to see Toska live in Brighton!

[@michelarnet8535]

"Sound Awake" by Carnivool is a PROG MASTERPIECE, I completely agree with that.

[@realgoodmind]

Haven't had a Fro sighting on youtube in forever. Glad to see you and if you have been back the algorithm hasn't had you listed lately.

[@bneum]

Well I appreciate all that you did with Toska. Fire by the Silos is such a golden album, "beautifully brutal." Looking forward to other new music that you have to release!

[@wakjob961]

You have become one of my favorite players. Along with Andy Wood, Pete Thorn, Tom Bukovac, ect.... You get some of the greatest tones and your playing is so well rounded and solid.

[@DustinMatos]

I love that you keep pumping Sound Awake. It is truly the best rock/metal/prog album of the last two decades. Can't wait to see KARN IV OOL's next thing, but counter to Han Solo; I got a good feeling about this...

[@C0nnie]

OOOOO Elden ring soon cannot wait

[@GERMAUG]

the most successful musicians move to new studios you are one of them, you deserve to have the best

[@TuckerCustomShop]

Ft Wayne! Thats Left Lane Cruiser territory over there. Almost my back yard. Dang it. Gotta work. Rabea has been as influencial in my music world as David Gilmour ever was. Blown me away! Wish I could have went and met Rabea. That would have been cool. Keep up the good work Bro! Always waiting for the the new stuff to come out. I’m sure it will be great like always. Say Hi for me to Ben, Dave , Rob, and Hannah. Been following you guys for along time now. Later Dude.

[@kahecebeats.6728]

In my opinion, you are an incredible compositor ! I love your way of creating music, atmosphere and feelings. Keep on playing whith your heart bro. I will follow you for ever never mind the band. Love you bro.

[@chrisdaviesguitar]

Fucking nailed me with that ambience again. More ambience tutorials pretty please.

[@ronrprouty]

Fire by the Silos will always be one of my Top 3 album picks! I'll be waiting in line for your ambient style music releases as well!

[@DrejcD]

Ambient EP - yes man! ✊🤘👏

[@phreekedelic]

Rabea Massaad signature Gigrig G4 😂 More seriously I think the first thing that came to mind would be a reverb with a really cool effected 'verb- maybe an option to drive the wet signal more?

[@richardharrold9736]

Maybe Rabea and Mick could work with Dan on a line of GigRig pedals?

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

It's nice to see someone take the time to give a shoutout to one of the trolls. Well done, John The Editor, well done! 👍

[@jasperdunn]

Thanks for the freeze pad trick! Genius!

[@chrissangster3040]

bring your self to Chicago, we love you here

[@janchlupacek]

Oh, maaan, more ambient riffage, that's gonna be a mental year. Also sending you good vibes with the new band. Wonder how the singing gonna be, stylisticaly. Over the past year or two, I have found myself listening more to instrumental music (of all styles) rather than with lyrics, but you know, voice is an instrument in the end, so that's okay. Voice is an instrument that can create and explain meaning directly in way that with other instruments it's much harder to do, not impossible, just way harder.

[@VintageParkingTV]

Rabea, you are such a stud. Looking great. Excited for this year for you pal. Bring it on!

[@ThePuffGD]

Thank you so much for answering the Toska question. I feel a lot more content now. Q: Is the ml1 Bea relic out of service? It's my favorite guitar on the planet and I'm actually building something similar, so just curious why it's been a while since we've seen it.

[@jimi272]

if you mean Rita relic, the green strat, i think he sold it a while ago...

[@ThePuffGD]

@@jimi272 not Rita relic. I'm talking about the ml1 Bea proto that he reliced himself years ago

[@valendis]

I kinda agree with the comment at the beginning tbh. Really excited about the new band man! Couldn't agree more on "Sound awake"! I have to try the SIlos on my BEA standard! Love the stk-4 in neck position, I'm actually waiting for a Fortitude in the bridge atm

[@TheGetawayMan]

Just wanted to say thanks, Bea. Listened to Sound Awake for the first time the other day and it's AWESOME

[@krisbramleydrums2261]

That freeze + pitch shift thing was fucking magic!

[@johnwoods6539]

Hope you and any Band your playing in Comes to The USA, and play a show in California LA.. you Are an Awesome Guitarist...

[@veli86]

Bea... invaders made me yeet my DS3 disc. DS3 was my first Souls game. My friend and i were stuck in the same area for 2 hours because of invaders and i just couldn't take it anymore. I gave up and never finished the game. I was slightly upset about Toska not bringing out new stuff but now i'm just happy the break up wasn't about no longer getting along with the others.

[@mrclarksix]

Definitely excited for your upcoming musical endeavors. A little nervous about the addition of vocals, because that can often make or break a musical experience for me, I know it's fickle... But knowing that Sound Awake is a constant top level inspiration for you, can we expect something similar from this vocals included project? Am I wrong to expect a primarily melody based vocal approach? Quality/DEX build ftw!

[@digpotts]

6:34 Morning View & Make Yourself by incubus! Totally agree with you! :)

[@silverpairaducks]

I may drive to Sweetwater. Cheers from Indiana.

[@jules153]

Definitely release an ambient album !!!! 😎😎😎

[@slsalkin]

Maybe Catalinbread? Probably sounds random but they have a way of reaching out to very specific pockets of audio creative space.

[@collincaruthers9796]

Now I have to know about the strat project with Bare knuckles!

[@natenobrakes6292]

Rabea, I started watching your channel for the gear reviews (got a Keeley DDR thanks to your video), but love hearing about your music and other projects. I hope you have a stellar 2022.

[@ileutur6863]

Its a shame so many amazing bands have to end it when life gets in the way. No offense to any of your other projects, but Toska was truly unique. I listen to so much instrumental music and nothing has quite the same vibe as you guys

[@geordievapeman]

Chalk Teeth changed my life. ❤️

[@banditsbikeco3439]

Would love to see you work with Josh at JHS on a pedal project…I feel like both your minds on one type of sound would be wild

[@starick1981]

Rabea, are you going to continue "sounds like" series at Andertons? Current stuff which is more about how to be similar on the budget is a rubbish... it may be helpful, but it's not near that fun we had before!

[@austinmidwest7062]

looking forward to the new projects

[@sb632]

Any hope that you and Matt will start doing Sound Like Videos with Andertons again? One of the best video series ever!

[@robertdonosobuchner3129]

I think, a cooperation with KMA Audio Machines could be cool. I like some of the pedals...

[@jibboom86]

How about Thorpy FX, maybe a fuzz specifically tailored to stacking with high gain tones? Or Gamechanger Audio for the same thing... but with added weirdness.

[@michaelbeattie6953]

You are looking swell homie. Love ya work.

[@MilkoOfficialChannel]

I think you can take a couple of Toska tracks and work like three full albums out of them. Jesus, what a masterclass.

[@thanhhuynh2044]

My concert buddies and me went often to ASIWYFA. One of the guys said we should see Toska. We saw and toska show was insane, but never listened to it at home. Later my bandmate introduce me to Chapmans guitars. Thru there I listened to Dorje. Then I saw chapman vids, then to Rabea YT.. From there discovered Bea is in Toska. What a circle 🤩 was always looking for a specific tone in my guitar sound. Got myself the wild fro, victory kraken and silos. And it sounds how I wanted my guitars and amp sound. Also the playing style: ambient combined with heavy riffs, using different measures, and writing “non-standard” songs. Improving my skills immensely by learning Toska songs (and periphery). Toska is my #1 band on my spotify. Perhaps kids songs for my will surpass toska 😂 thanks for the inspiration and looking forward to new music

[@Grahfx]

Ode to the Author is a master piece.

[@-EndlessNameless-]

I never knew bea was a gamer, and a Dark Souls player....I love him even more now!