James Tobias

James Tobias is an Austin-area bassist, songwriter and founding member of Audic Empire, the Texas psychedelic reggae-rock band known for blending heavy grooves, rock muscle and jam-band freedom. Originally from the Dallas area, Tobias moved to Central Texas at 18 and became part of the region’s independent music circuit before taking the band’s sound well beyond Austin.

His bass style is deep, melodic and highly active, pulling from reggae, funk, rock and improvisational music without getting locked into one lane. In Audic Empire, Tobias does more than hold down the low end. He contributes to the songwriting, arrangements and overall creative direction, giving the band much of its rhythmic identity.

Years of touring have also shaped him into the kind of musician who understands the entire grind behind an independent band: booking, promotion, recording, travel and the constant work required to keep a project moving. Audic Empire has earned a loyal following through energetic live shows and a genre-blurring sound that fits comfortably alongside modern reggae-rock while still carrying a distinctly Texas edge.