Toby Lightman is on top of the world. Her song, the opening credit on Nascar, has been garnering raves and great reviews and has introduced new fans to her work. She's currently working on her third record and has just finished a play in New York. We talked to her about her very exciting success and what her next plans are.
How did the Nascar collaboration come about?
I’ve been touring for a while supporting the two records that I have and was coming home to work on another one…and figured it would be fun to sing on some commercials…and try and just keep singing while I’m in New York. And, one of the sessions that I got was for this song and it kind of just took on a life of its own really. I didn’t know what I was getting into when I went in. You know you just show up, and say, “Okay, like what do you want me to do?” And, I sang the song…it turned out it got picked up by FOX. Then FOX saw me, and decided to shoot a video…and now it runs every week!
Did you know that you always wanted to be a musician?
Not really…I was kind of a late bloomer in that regard. I didn’t start singing or let me say…didn’t know I could sing until high school, and then taught myself guitar in college. I had been classically trained on the violin when I was really little so that made it a lot easier for me to learn new instruments and things like that. I just started writing songs in college for fun. Then said I’ll move to New York to see what happens…and I got a record deal about a year later.
Who are your musical influences?
I would have to say mainly old soul and soulful singers…just kind of the idols that most people have because they’re idols for a reason like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Aretha Franklin, and people like that…I definitely have gotten more into country music lately which is kind of ironic that this is just happening because this is so big. But, I’m a huge fan of Bonnie Rait, and country-blues artists…Ray Charles…things like that.
Have you gotten to meet any of your idols?
I actually did have a chance to open up for Prince. It was probably the best night of my life. It was unbelievable...that kind of takes the cake. The late night shows like Letterman and Conan and things like that are always so fun because you get the real scene when you’re there. So that’s always cool. And, then opening for all those people… Rob Thomas turned into a friend…opening for Jewel and Train. I’ve definitely had my share of really cool experiences.
Did you watch Nascar or did you have any relatives who are Nascar fans?
I do have a few family friends who are huge Nascar fans. I have to say I just don’t watch that many regular sports just because I’m always traveling. But, now that I’ve gotten involved in it I find myself watching it. So you know they have a new fan in me now. We obviously, all my friends and family, all got a kick out of watching it…watching the video…and then we find ourselves watching the Daytona race. And, we’re like, “Wow it’s crazy what they’re doing.”
Have you noticed new fans coming from the Nascar collaboration?
I definitely have. That’s why all these things that I’m doing are just so great because hopefully they’ll just bring more people to my own music and the more the merrier really.
Are you a good driver?
I’d like to think so! Knock on wood, I haven’t had an issue. I definitely feel like I’m one of those drivers that enjoys going faster, which could be an issue at some point in my life.
What’s the fastest you’ve ever driven?
I’m sure in college at some point I decided to go 90 or 100 at one point…just to see if I could. But, I won’t be doing that now, I’ll say. If they get me out on a Nascar track, I’ll try it out. I’ll try and go fast.
What are the top songs on your iTunes on the subway?
It really depends on my mood. These days I like to just put it on shuffle and when Aretha Franklin comes on I’m like “great!” Then the Shins will come on…then Ryan Adams…it’s really just random random stuff….Johnny Cash.
