Small Sins Lose Todor Kobakov to Big Solo Career

Toronto synth-pop group Small Sins are probably best identified by frontman Thomas D'Arcy and hand-smacking multi-instrumentalist Kevin "The Clapper" Hilliard. But lately keyboardist Todor Kobakov has stepped into the spotlight with a series of high-profile collaborations.

The classically trained musician has appeared on records and stages with the likes of Stars, Jason Collett and Sarah Slean and last fall released his debut solo album, 'Pop Music,' featuring TV on the Radio's Tunde Adebimpe and Metric's Emily Haines. He also did the string arrangements for Metric's 'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' movie theme 'All Yours' and has scored several commercials and documentaries.

The increasingly busy schedule that comes with a solo career has forced Kobakov to resign from his post in Small Sins, an event D'Arcy has seen coming for a long time. "Todor is the busiest guy ever," D'Arcy tells Spinner. "From the very beginning it was like, 'Yeah, I'd love to be in your band until I get busy with my own priorities.' And I can't believe he's lasted this long."

Kobakov broke the news to D'Arcy a couple months back over drinks while discussing the promo schedule for Small Sins' new record, 'Pot Calls Kettle Black.' "We'll still work together," he says. "It's not like there was any kind of falling out. I can't even believe I was graced with the Todor presence for such a long time. The parts he plays in my band are so beneath him."



As a tribute to his friend, D'Arcy recently remixed 'North Train,' from Kobakov's ''Pop Music,' and posted it on Small Sins' website. In the accompanying post chronicling his long friendship with Kobakov, D'Arcy announced that Jaan Kittask would be taking over for the pianist.

D'Arcy concludes the entry saying "Todor and I have become such good friends, I sort of can't remember who I drank with before I knew him. Thank you for everything. It couldn't have happened without you, we will miss you on the road, but I'll see you at the bar in an hour."