ASK TOBY

 

This is the place to ask those burning questions that you have been longing to ask!

Submit your question and get a personal response from Toby on this very page!


CLICK HERE TO ASK YOUR
QUESTION NOW!


30th August 2010:


Q:
Are the shows in December going to be acoustic or electric? I've always enjoyed your electric shows but never been to one of your acoustic gigs yet.
A: Hi there. This time it will be just acoustic; me and a guitar on my lonesome...I love it actually; its quite stark and can be very daunting!!!! But a great way of stripping the songs to there essence. Thanks, T



18th August 2010:


Q:
I've been a fan since "Young Gods", and 'Don't Pray For Me' is up there with my all time faves. What I'd like to know is how you think your voice has changed over the years and how (if at all) it's affected your style of singing? I Love the recent downloads, and noticed that your voice still has a powerful undertow - fantastic!
A: Thanks for that! I think age and experience play a massive part in the evolution of singers and I'm no exception. The biggest lesson to learn is to know your weaknesses and play to your strengths. In my case, I have a loud, big range. I can use 'full voice' most of the time and so have aimed my delivery straight at power and passion. What I lack in finesse, I make up with a knowledge of my grasp of delivery that is honest and direct. I have learnt to follow my instincts and believe in my ability to communicate an emotion and an idea through songs, words and singing. That's where experience play a huge role... T



31st July 2010:


Q:
I was having a look through my vinyl a few weeks back and found one by 6 Yard Box, with you on it singing 'Pictures of Matchstick Men', I think it was a collaboration with Lawnmower Deth members, I just wondered how did that collaboration happen? And what do you think now of the music that came out of it?
A: I know Pete Lee from Lawnmower Deth really well and we have a similar sense of humour, so when he asked me to do the vocal I was dead chuffed! I love Status Quo! There I said it! Unbridled love especially the early stuff so for me it was a no brainer...I thought the track was fun, and enjoyed singing it!!! Thanks.



19th July 2010:


Q:
Hey Toby, How are you? Always admired your voice and though it was really powerful and with such a large range! I am a guitarist / composer and wanted to know if you would like to listen to some of my stuff...would be awesome to have your input!! Can I send you a track? Good luck with all your new stuff. Andrew
A: Hey Andrew.  It would be a pleasure to listen to them. Attach any mp3's to an email and I'll let you know what I think. Thanks for the kind words and speak to you soon. Tobe


Q: Hey Tobe/Toby (Not sure which you prefer) I was wondering whether you could do me a favour? My mum has been a fan of Little Angels since your Young Gods release and has we've been to see you more recently - amazing i must say. Not only has she passed on soo many good bands including 'Angels to me she's taken me to tonnes of gigs. So as a thank you I was wondering whether you could sign her CDs? There are 5 in total (Young Gods, Jam, The Acoustic Sessions 1&2 and Young Gods single) if so where do I send them? Cheers Tobe,  Sail Away is a truly remarkable song! Benn
A: Hey Benn thanks for the great message. I'd be happy to sign anything you wish. I don't have a PO BOX anymore, so I suggest you try to get to a show on the SKIN tour and come along with your mum, that way I can thank you all for being great supporters and can sign it all...Hope that can happen. Kind regards, Tobe



14th July 2010:


Q:
Hi Tobe. Years ago, I sent my copy of Too Posh To Mosh to your mum for you to sign next time you were there. Not only did you do this, but you also sent me a signed copy of the 87 EP too - you star! Anyway, your mum was really really nice and friendly and I just wondered how she was?
A: Thanks for that and you're welcome. My mum always enjoyed that period and loved meeting fans and helping out where ever possible so it would have been her pleasure to make sure you got what you asked for.
She is still really interested in what I'm doing, although not quite as hands on Thanks for the memory! Tobe



12th July 2010:


Q:
Hi Toby, I know you live in Scarborough, & I often head up there myself - just wondering, do you still 'hang out' in Scarborough? and if so, what are the best rockin' places around there?
A: Hey there, I do still go out in Scarborough, not very often but when I do I won't eat anywhere else for lunch other than 'Mojo's' cafe, for pubs try 'the Merchant' on Newborough, Tap and Spiel on Falsgrave...'Vivaz' nightclub is the only place that puts on decent gigs and plays rock and alternative...Hope that helps. Cheers!


Q:
Hi Toby... Just wanted to say thanks for the vast collection of music over the last 20 years... My question is have you though of release a Storytellers/unplugged album and DVD? Also what is the latest on the DVD that was made? I've also been in touch with your agent about booking a gig in South Wales... so keep an eye out for that! Thanks again
A: Its always great to hear the music connected! Hopefully plenty more to come...
I will do something on DVD, but I don't feel the time is right at the moment. The release that was planned didn't come to fruition due to finance. Thanks x



8th July 2010:


Q:
I hear you have Matt drumming with you at the moment which is great news. Is this a permanent arrangement again???? Fingers crossed xx
A: yes and yes!


Q:
Hi Toby, we came to see you in Kendal when you were with Gun and The Virgin Marys, if you remember we had the guitarist from the Preston band Stormcorporation with us. They are a very good live band, and I would be really grateful if you could check them out, and let me know what you think of them!! Thanks, Paul
A: Hey Paul, I love hearing new bands and will take a listen...look forward to it Thanks, Tobe



6th July 2010:


Q:
Are you from Filey or Scarborough originally? I'm from Hull and would love to see you live again after last seeing you going on 17 years ago at the city hall, are you planning on doing anything up this end of the country in the near future?
A: I'm actually originally from Lincoln, but grew up in and around the Scarborough area, most specifically in Hunmanby. Lots planned for later in the year and next year so hopefully see you soon...


Q:
Hearing you back in the studio working on new material is great cant wait to hear it. What's the news on the touring front will you be out doing shows later in the year? Be great to hear it live and hopefully some where in the south of the country.
A: Thanks mate, yes plans to tour the final EP but not certain when. Likely to be early next year I'd say at a guess but may be out touring acoustically later in the year.


5th July 2010:


Q:
Toby, do you prefer playing music or acting? Are you going to do more acting in the future?
A: Hi there. I much prefer playing music, its what I have always done and will probably die on a stage somewhere! I was never really an actor; it was a stop gap that was fun and I met some cool people and had some great times working on some killer movies but I was a very small cog in a huge machine...Thanks T


Q:
This is kinda 2 questions in one.
1. Are there any Little Angels bootlegs (that you've kept over the years) that would ever go on sale to the fans? either online here or at shows. I'd love a copy of some from your times at Rock City.
2. If you were to do another solo tour, supporting or headlining, would you consider getting requests from fans for your setlist? (compromising of  either 'Angels songs or covers that you've never before played) Cheers, Benn
A: Hi Benn. I don't have any at all. I'm aware that there are a lot of bootlegs out there, many from the past and some from my Toby solo shows from a few years back. I suggest you put a shout out through my facebook site and here and I'm sure those that have them will get in touch. There is a massive amount of bootleg collectors out there...happy hunting.


Q:
What do you think is the best song you have ever written and do you miss writing songs with the other "angels"?
A: It's a hard thing to answer, but in terms of me being satisfied with a song enough to not want to change anything, I'd say:
Don't prey for me
Womankind
Happy ever after...
Take your pick.
I do miss working with the other angels, but its a bit rose tinted, it was not easy for sure and there was a fair bit of rivalry, but that's a good thing when you are trying to write tunes....Of course I miss it...


Q: Hey Toby, you mentioned at the acoustic gig at the Victoria in Scarborough that there was a possibility of you and Dan Reed doing  something regarding a tour. Any updates on this??? Also as Fastway are playing Sonisphere does that mean you will be there as their singer? If so look forward to seeing you there.
A: With regard to the Dan Reed acoustic shows, its looking likely for next year, just no firm dates. The Fastway gigs will feature me as singer...Ill keep you posted on both! Thanks.


4th July 2010:


Q:
After seeing you in Gun ( brilliant ), and seeing support Skin, I was wondering if you were maybe thinking of trying to get The Little Angels together again, seeing as you played all their stuff on the Skin tour? Sorry if your sick of being asked this, just was wondering. Whatever you get up to, the best of luck with it.
A: As this gets asked such a lot (not surprisingly) I'm gonna say this once and for all; I'd love to do it. I have made my feelings known to all concerned. I think it would be great to thank the fans for such long time commitment. It would be good karma for the band and as long as it was entered into with the spirit of fun and with respect to the past, I think it would be great. The ball is in others court...That, for now is all I will say. Thanks.


Q:
Hi Tobe, Loving the new site.......Did you enjoy the gig tonight?? Did Ketyn managed to get there in the end? Love Di xx
A: Very much so, the band performed with such passion and a unique blend of rock all of their own...just a matter of time before they explode! We both got there fine thanx.


Q:
Hey Toby, is there any chance of a Little Angels reunion anytime soon?
A: Mmmmm...never say never....


Q: Hey Toby, Having recently left Gun I'm just wondering what you have planned for the future? If it involves putting together a band I'd love to have an opportunity to audition/try out/get involved. I've played drums for 19 years, have been an endorsee of Roland V Drums for the last 4 years and have recorded for some minor recording artists. I have years of gigging and teaching experience and have been a huge fan of your material for years. I'm sure you get lots of Kranks writing to you but I can assure you I'm genuine. Please, if there is an opportunity keep me in mind I can point you in the direction of some of my stuff online if you wish to check me out any further. Best Wishes Craig
A: Thanks for reaching out and having the guts to ask! I'm not certain what I will do at the moment, but please point me in the direction of material by all means...you never know...All the best, T


Q:
Hi Toby, I've had the good fortune of taking live photos of you twice in the past - I was wondering if I sent you a couple of photos in a SAE you'd sign them for me? Mart
A: Hi Mart, Best bet is to mail to Townsend Records (address on their web site) And ill do just that! Cheers, Tobe x