Toby Lightman

Toby Lightman took up violin during her childhood in New Jersey, yet only after enrolling in higher education did she begin treating music as a viable profession. At the University of Wisconsin she majored in radio and television while teaching herself guitar and performing with local cover bands in her free hours. Once her studies ended, she relocated to New York, where an unexpected encounter with Wyclef Jean resulted in his producing her early recordings. Those recordings drew the interest of Peter Zizzo, who guided Lightman toward a bright, commercial sound built on understated drum programming, abundant acoustic guitar, and her own distinctive voice. Showcase performances for labels in 2003 secured her a contract with Lava/Atlantic, and by the close of that year the single “Devils and Angels” was gaining traction at Hot AC stations. In the first months of 2004 she toured extensively, visiting radio outlets and intimate venues—including support dates for Howie Day—while readying the March arrival of Little Things. Twelve months afterward she issued the singles Connect Set and Real Love. Bird on a Wire appeared in 2006, revealing a noticeably more seasoned artist than the 2004 debut. Let Go, colored by gospel and jazz influences, followed in 2008, succeeded by the entirely acoustic Know Where I’m From in 2010 and the Holding a Heart EP in 2013.