Toby Sebastian Talks New Single, 2024 UK Tour And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Ian Wallman
Actor, singer-songwriter and musician Toby Sebastian has released his latest single ‘Down The Westside’ and is touring the UK and Europe in 2024. He chatted to us about his new music and busy year:
Your new single ‘Down The Westside’ is out now. What is the story/inspiration behind the track?
It all started with jamming and exchanging ideas in the studio. When we found the riff, the song started flowing instantly. It was one of those songs that poured out in only a few hours… collaboration at its finest.
Where did you record the song and who produced it?
We recorded the single in Bethnal Green at Matty Benbrook’s (producer) studio. I first worked with him there when I was 17!
What is your earliest musical memory?
I was 5. I had a best friend at the time, whose dad was a musician and he had a big studio at the end of the garden. My friend and I had written some lyrics and his dad got us in the studio and basically recorded us and produced a song. At the end of the day, he gave us each a cassette… we felt like rockstars! When I got home my parents were having a dinner party and my dad played it out loud to everyone. That was the moment I decided I wanted to keep making music.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones?
I have a flamenco guitar that I have played for 22 years and comes with me wherever I go. When I was 7 I moved to Spain with my family for 4 years and the only guitar lessons I could get at that time were flamenco guitar lessons. Although I don’t play flamenco, starting on the Spanish guitar has had a huge impact on my playing style.
Do you have any live plans for 2024 in the UK and Europe?
Yes I actually head out on a tour next week across the UK as well as a few dates in Europe. I then have a few festivals over summer… and a few more to be confirmed in the next few weeks.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I grew up in South of Spain.
Free. Andalucian. Spontaneous. Seaside. Adventures.
Do you have any further music releases planned such as more singles, EP or an album?
I have another single that’ll be out pre-summer and then an album coming later this year. It’s been a real adventure playing with sounds in the studio and I’m incredibly excited for people to hear what we’ve made.
What music do you enjoy listening to? Do you have any recommendations?
Well the last few days I’ve been listening to Leif Vollebekk, Dope Lemon and Fleet Foxes to name a few.
However I grew up with Marc Bolan, Bowie, The Beatles, Crowded House, Al Green and Lou Reed blasting through the house.
How do you look after your voice?
It’s certainly something I´m still learning about. But generally, making sure I warm up properly before a gig makes a huge difference and prevents me from straining my voice. My sister Bella is a voice coach so she’s been a huge help when it’s come to playing live. I’ve also got back into swimming… found it amazing for breath/lung capacity.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
I want everyone to leave with a smile on their face and a song in their head! Other than that, not tripping over my leads or falling off the stage would be ideal.
What makes Toby Sebastian happy and what makes you unhappy?
Well, incredibly lucky to have wonderful people around me… my family and close friends keep me calm and happy and outside of that… travel, food and sunshine and sea.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Ian Wallman
Toby Sebasitian’s latest single ‘Down The Westside’ is out now.
Stream/Download here: https://ditto.fm/down-the-westside
In addition, Toby Sebastian will tour the UK in March/April 2024 at the following venues:
March
27th – Manchester, YES (Pink Room)
28th – Newcastle, The Cluny
29th – Glasgow, The Hug & Pint
April
5th – Cambridge, The Portland Arms
6th – Norwich, Voodoo Daddy’s
11th – London, Bush Hall
Tickets are onsale now here: https://tobysebastian.co.uk/pages/tour
