The Songs Behind: Toby Sebastian

Earlier this month Toby Sebastian released his sensational sophomore album 'Eyes Light Up', a nostalgic piece of musical excellence that modernises several sonic aspects of late 60s/early 70s music. The new LP comes some 12 years after the release of Toby's debut album, and whilst a handful of brilliant singles have been released in the time since, there can be no doubt that this is Toby's best work to date. 

The album is an emotional journey consisting of 11 truly excellent songs spanning a wide range of influences and genre-approaches, including the singles 'Eyes Light Up' and 'Heaven Is The Backseat Of A Rental Car', both of which recently appeared in my Songs of the Week campaign. Toby not only flexes his songwriting and vocal abilities on this record, but also his producing abilities, co-producing a number of the album's tracks alongside highly regarded producer Matty Benbrook.

Alongside his stellar musical repertoire, Toby is an actor, spending much of the time between his two albums starring in TV and films, including appearances in Game of Thrones and the Andrea Bocelli biopic 'The Music of Silence'. These acting performances were also intertwined with the aforementioned single releases, and a number of sold-out live shows. This further highlights the artistic excellence that flows through Toby Sebastian's veins, putting on true masterful performances whether on screen, on record, or on stage.

To celebrate the new album's release, I am joined by Toby Sebastian to discover more about the record, before discovering the songs that shaped him through my 'Songs Behind' feature.

It has been 12 years since your debut studio album was released, how do you feel you have grown and changed as an artist since then?

"Creating this new album 'Eyes Light Up' has been an incredibly freeing experience. I've grown a lot as an artist, and on this album I was able to take what sounds I was imagining and put them down in the studio. I had a lot more confidence and freedom creatively too."

In the gap between the albums you have not only released a string of sensational singles, but also taken on a number of acting roles, including  playing Andrea Bocelli in the biopic 'The Music Of Silence'. Did immersing yourself deeper in the world of Bocelli have any effects on your own musical journey?

"Taking on the role Bocelli didn't change my music, however spending time with him and learning about his journey as a singer certainly inspired me hugely."

The new record is a perfect amalgamation of multiple genres, being influenced by several eras of music, most notably rock and soul from the late 60's/early 70's. I know you have spoke before on the influence your parents had on you discovering this music, but what was it that captivated you to use its influence in your own music?

"I suppose it´s what I have listened to the most. It´s deeply ingrained in me and so I wanted to capture elements of the music I grew listening to and combine it with comtemporary writing."