Getting To Know... Toast

After breaking through over the last few years with a string of terrific hip-hop-inspired stompers, US rapper Toast has now returned to deliver his highly-anticipated new LP 'Toast TV'.

Channelling a mixture of classic and contemporary influences, 'Toast TV' makes for a diverse and vibrant listen. Jam-packed with smooth production, killer hooks, and his own distinct flow leading the way, his new collection marks an important step in his fast-rising career.

So with the new record available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The first instrument I fell in love with was the saxophone. I started playing when I was in the fifth grade because I was in love with the richness of the sound. I played until I was about 14 and I was actually pretty good, but I gave it up for sports. At one point in time, I was second chair saxophone in my school’s jazz band.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I used to love everything. Every time I was in the car with my family, I can remember asking my parents to play music or put on the radio because music always made me feel full. My dad loves the Beach Boys, and my mom was really into the 80’s dance scene so I have a large selection of music I listen to, it really helps when I’m digging for samples with producers. As I grew older, I grew into obsessing over rap music, but I still listen to oldies, electronic, and classical music.

What was the first album you remember owning?

Growing up as a kid in the 2000’s, we really lost the passion for owning physicals, but I remember when I was about 10, I bought all of Eminem’s discography on iTunes. I got super into vinyl’s when I was 12 or 13 and the first one I bought was Channel Orange by Frank Ocean, still one of my all-time favorite albums today.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

2009 by Mac Miller. The song is not only perfect in production, lyricism, and performance, but I can really relate to the lyrics and feeling of the song.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Writing for me is really following the urge to make music. By this I mean, I just get the urge to create and express myself and music is always the best way for me to do that. I like to write in random places or on a walk or on my way to work/school, so sometimes my thoughts can get cut short leaving me jotting bars or rhymes in my phone. I always like to get the beat I’m writing stuck in my head, so I don’t need to hear it to write which helps a lot with the spontaneous nature of my song writing. I used to always write in my notebooks, but since the pandemic I’ve been keeping it all in my phone.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

My favorite artists right now are Mavi, Pink Siifu, Fly Anakin, Earl Sweatshirt, ALLBLACK, and Ankhlejohn. I’ve been listening to a lot of rap recently.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

I always wanted to open for Mac Miller but since he passed, I’ve been thinking of other artists. Earl Sweatshirt, Mavi or even Felly would all be artists I’d love to open for.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

The most rewarding part about being a musician is the influence and ability we have to connect with people. Connecting with artists I loved through their music is what grew my love for music and all I can hope is to do the same for my fans. I hope my music can teach lessons, help people feel as if they aren’t alone, and provide a place where the truth prevails.

And what is the most frustrating part?

The most frustrating part would either be the amount of fake people within the music industry or the difficulty breaking into the industry and actually getting your music heard.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

1. Don’t believe everything you see.
2. Someone else’s first step could be your last or vice versa (everyone’s journey is different).
3. Authenticity goes a long way.

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Toast's new album 'Toast TV' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.