by madden levin
photo by ian wallman
Toby Sebastian, a musician and actor hailing from the UK, chats with us about the exciting roles he’s gotten the chance to play and the tunes he has put out to fans across the world. The love for both music and acting has always flowed through Toby, as he shares with us in this exclusive interview. As he continues his endeavors, we wanted to share with you the incredible content that this talented man has to offer. With a new single coming out in August and preparing for the next big role, Toby makes sure his fans are never waiting for new content. Check out the exclusive interview below and stay up-to-date with all of Toby’s exciting news!
Hi Toby! Can you tell our readers a little bit about who you are and the work you create?
Toby: “My name is Toby Sebastian and I’m a musician and actor from the UK. Coming from a musical family, I’ve been writing songs and performing since I was a kid. I’m a daydreamer so I guess a path in the creative industry fits well for me!”
You started your career off as an actor, taking on empowering roles in Game of Thrones, The Music of Silence, and most recent, Coffee Wars. At what time did you realize that acting was something you wanted to pursue and that these roles were something that spoke to you?
Toby: “I’ve always loved acting. I started acting at school in plays and always thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with people of all ages. It was such a fantastic escape from being in class. I’ve always gravitated towards the roles that are further away from who is am. I find it easier for some reason. A real chance to play dress up and make believe.”
Growing up in an Italian family, your role in The Music of Silence is extremely commendable as Andrea Bocelli is definitely a rockstar. How was it getting to take in this role and appreciate his work to a greater level?
Toby: “I had the privilege of meeting Andrea prior to filming and got to hang out with him for a couple weeks. I remember him singing the songs I had to learn for the film… I was just blown away. His talent is extraordinary and it was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Turning to music, did you plan to pursue both acting and music or did one of the two become a goal along the way?
photo by mike palmer
Toby: “Well, I always loved the two of them and I always knew that I would pursue them both. Somehow. Originally the plan was to go to drama school, whilst keep creating music at the same time. However, I was offered an opportunity with music before leaving school that I couldn’t refuse. A couple of years down the line I started auditioning for acting roles and they’ve kind of woven in and out of each other. It’s been fantastic to have been able to do both… I feel very lucky.”
From your debut album, Into the Light, to your newest single, “Real Kicks,” in what way do you think your sound and inspiration had adapted the most over the years?
Toby: “Well, I think musically, that first album I was really learning about the industry as much as I was learning what my sound was. It’s half me and half not me at the same time. It was a weird and wonderful time... two years actually between Nashville, London, and LA, but I was pretty young and new to it all. The music I am releasing now is I guess closer to the music I listen to and always have done. It’s all melody driven and I’m definitely paying less attention to the rule book if you like. If it sounds great and emotes something in me, then we’re putting it down and it’s staying. It feels completely free and in the moment.”
Say you have a few new fans checking you out for the first time here… do you recommend them to listen to “Real Kicks” first or take a stab at an older tune?
Toby: “For all the new fans out there I’d definitely say give ‘Real Kicks’ a listen first. Then I’d go, ‘Midnight,’ ‘Hamliar,’ ‘Train To Mexico,’ and ‘Don’t Lay Your Head Down.’ Those are my top few anyway!”
Can you share with us any exciting news about upcoming events, content, or anything in between?
Toby: “Well, I have a new single coming out in August which I’m super excited about. It’s an idea I’ve had for years and years and it’s a summer party vibe. I’ll then soon be starting to plan recording an album… there’ll be a few great shows in and around that too! At the same time as all the music, I’m currently looking for my next acting role which is super exciting as there’s just so much brilliant material around at the moment.”