By: Lisa Lombardo

"I think my mom had a lot to do with it," began Toby Lightman in regards to learning to play the violin at the age of six. "I was classically trained," she continued. As a matured musician, Lightman is now a singer, a songwriter and a self-taught guitar player. "I started playing the guitar when I was a freshman in college," she explained. The decision to play the guitar was provoked by her distinct desire to become what Lightman details as a "self-sufficient" musician.

She proceeded, "I don't think I realized until my junior year of college. I was deciding what I was going to do with my life." It was at this point when she realized that music was an avenue of interest to pursue as a career. "When I graduated, I started working with a couple different producers and tried to find people that understood what I was trying to do stylistically," Lightman detailed. It was not long before she met her manager, mastered her craft and signed a record deal with Lava Records.

Once the record deal was official, Lightman headed to the recording studio a few weeks after. "It [the most memorable time in the studio] was probably when we were fooling around," she joked. Her debut album is packed with heartfelt emotions, inner thoughts and soulful rock beats. When listening, it is difficult to decide upon one favorite track; even for Lightman. "I have a lot of favorite ones [tracks] for different reasons. I like listening to Everyday."

"I don't really have a ritual [when songwriting]," Lightman offered. On many of the tracks, Lightman collaborated with a co-writer. "I would write the music with the co-writer or myself, and then go off and write the vocal melodies and lyrics. I can't really write those with other people," she elaborated.

Aside from her music, Lightman also enjoys tennis and lacrosse. "I haven't really played those in a while. I like to watch tennis." If given the opportunity to interview a celebrity, she would question Mel Gibson about his latest movie endeavor, "The Passion of the Christ." Stevie Wonder has been a tremendous source of inspiration for Lightman and recording with him would be phenomenal because "he just rocks."

March 30th, 2004 marks the release of Toby Lightman's incredible album, "Little Things." For Lightman, life is about her music. "If people like the songs, that's fine and if they don't, that's okay. Unfortunately today, people aren't just about the music, they are about the person. I think it should switch. I'd rather it just be about that."

Fun Facts:

Pet Peeve: people eating on the telephone
Cannot Live Without: family and friends
Would Like to Thank: high school music teacher