Toby Sebastian: New Music in Oxford
One to Watch - Young Orange Unsigned Act Finalist Wows Oxford
Oct 26, 2008
It’s not often that a new support act fills a venue with the consummate swagger of a seasoned professional, but that’s exactly what happened at Toby Sebastian’s recent appearance at The Jericho Tavern in Oxford, supporting Welsh indie/folk kid Rod Thomas. Utterly at ease in a venue that has seen the likes of Radiohead and Supergrass launch their careers, Toby performed an infectious melodic acoustic / indie set that threatened to steal the show.
He quickly grabbed attention with tracks like ‘Baby Lou’, which calls to mind a combination of Jack Johnson, Damien Rice and Paolo Nuttini, yet blending the best elements of those with a pinch of something else.
Perhaps it’s the time Toby spent growing up in Andalucia, but he has something more fiery, red blooded, and all together braver than those well-established acoustic names. This spice is what fires up the standard 12 bar blues of ‘Gorgeous’ into something a little bit more special. Vocally, he can growl out a sexy staccato, but also has a gentler feathery tone which is perfect for the slower tracks.
New Songwriting Talent
But that’s not all. This kid seriously knows how to play guitar. Finger picking Spanish twangs, funky blues or hints of reggae, it’s all sickeningly effortless. His guitar sings, cries, makes you laugh, all this and Toby is just sixteen years old.
Even if it seems we can’t wake up these days without hearing news of another teen superstar whose vocal maturity belies their years, how often are they able to absolutely and unassumingly hold their own in songwriting terms? Toby’s independence and clear talent is abundantly present, and yet he nods to his age in the innocent honesty and gentle melodies of tracks like ‘Flipperty Flop’, and the raging hormones of ‘Crazy’.
Meanwhile ‘First Time You Met’ is lyrically unusual; its lazy but rushing chorus infects with a sense of gushing emotion reigned in by and mixed with a slower and needier refrain. His ability to align lyrics, music and pace with the emotion necessary to give power is, needless to say, rare.
Orange Unsigned Act
Toby’s future is bright, and it could also be Orange, for he has made it to the final 54 acts of the Orange Unsigned Act Competition, an impressive feat considering the 10,000 original entries. At least one TV appearance is ensured on Channel 4’s T4 during November.
Following further voting, the last 8 finalists will go on a nationwide tour where they will be whittled down by a judging panel to 4, and from there to the final lucky winner. The prize is a record deal with major label Universal, home to Amy Winehouse, The Kaiser Chiefs and Razorlight to name just a few.
Read More About Toby Sebastian
Read this exclusive interview with Toby: Toby Sebastian: Spanish Beginnings
Or, find out more about Toby's rival singer / songwriter Tommy Reilly
Or see all Suite 101's articles and exclusive backstage interviews from Orange Unsigned Act.
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