Toby Lightman is poised and ready to kick off Thursday night's concert featuring Rob Thomas and Jewel.
The charismatic New York-based singer and songwriter is touring for her new album, "Bird on a Wire" on Lava/Atlantic Records. Having toured with Howie Day, Gavin DeGraw, Mark Broussard, James Blunt and Prince, Lightman is no stranger to opening for the industry's top talent. After all, taking risks is what got Lightman to where she is today.
After college, Lightman headed to New York, where she was linked with producer Peter Zizzo, who has worked with Avril Lavigne and Vanessa Carlton.
Thursday at Orlando's T.D. Waterhouse Centre, Lightman will open for Jewel, followed by Rob Thomas in a revised arena seating arrangement that allows closer viewing for fans.
"Rob Thomas, Jewel and Toby Lightman's singular styles are ideal for this intimate theatre-style setting," said Allen Johnson, executive director for the Orlando Centroplex. "So intimate, that there isn't a seat in the house further than 100 feet from the stage."
I spoke to Lightman about recent tour stops and her latest CD.
NUNEZ: How would you describe your style of music?
LIGHTMAN: I would say it's a
little rock-soul. A lot of my musical influences were actually way before my time, so you might be surprised by some of the music that inspired me.
Nunez: Who are some of those musical influences?
Lightman: A lot of the old school soul classics like Donnie Hathaway, Bill Withers and Aretha Franklin are what I grew up on and what really made me want to do music. Currently, I am really into great singer/songwriters like Ryan Adams. There really is a lot of great stuff out there that I am getting into.
Nunez: What is in your CD player right now?
Lightman: A Death Cab for Cutie CD, but I honestly can't remember which one I have in there.
Nunez: What has it been like touring with James Blunt?
Lightman: Great. James has a really good thing going, and his shows are amazing. His song ("You're Beautiful") is all over the radio right now, so everywhere we go the crowds are just amazing and so into what he is doing.
Nunez: You've toured with Gavin DeGraw and Prince, and now you're touring with Rob Thomas and Jewel. Is that intimidating for a young artist like you to open for two musical icons?
Lightman: It's more challenging than it is intimidating. It's cool to get up in front of their crowds and influence them in some way through my music. Prince was hard to open for, because he has such dedicated fans that just want to see him. I enjoy the challenge, though, and I haven't really had any bad experiences that tainted my opinion.
Nunez: Tell me a little about your upcoming record?
Lightman: The record ("Bird on a Wire") really encapsulates what I am all about at the moment. After about a year and a half of touring, it was good to get in the studio and work with the producers we had on this record. The record is really timeless for me.
Nunez: Which do you enjoy more, the recording process or the experience of playing live?
Lightman: They are both really different, and I enjoy them both in different ways. I mean, when you're touring it's strange to not have any type of normal schedule, but when you have a good show it makes it all worth it. Recording a record is special because it's yours; it's a good feeling to have the songs come to life in the studio as well.
Nunez: When you are not touring or recording, what do you do for fun?
Lightman: I stay in touch with friends and I really enjoy reading.
Nunez: What are you reading now?
Lightman: "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown. It's really good. The book grabbed me in the first 20 pages and I haven't been able to put it down yet.
Nunez: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Lightman: Just to get out there and play and meet people. You really have to stay true to who you are and to what you're comfortable with.
Nunez: If you hadn't made it as a performer, what would you be doing for a living today?
Lightman: Like most college-aged kids, I have no idea. I would find some creative job, but I couldn't work a desk job.
