On the road
TOBY MAY is heading back out on the road!
After a few years focussed on recording in his Unagi Sound studio in Geneva, he's preparing to do what he spent most of his twenties doing: gigs, more gigs and seeing the world.
To begin, he's playing shows in his home town of Geneva and Europe and then, in very exciting news, he's embarking on a Australian-Asian Tour.
A true new millennium troubadour, Toby will be presenting his broad catalogue to a totally new audience, with the direct simplicity of a voice and a guitar, and with his signature mastery of the looper.
Toby is a "poptimist".
While his music has an introspective depth with the occasional hint of emotive melancholy, he always brings it back into the sunshine with explorations of resilience, hope, and community connection.
With more than 30 years of international experience in the music industry, he is a lyricist, composer, arranger of numerous projects and over time he has become a key multi-instrumentalist-producer on the Swiss pop-folk-rock scene. As the creator of Unagi Sound studios and label, Toby May unites his network around songs for the benefit of meaningful and unifying art.
🇨🇭 Switzerland:
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February 28th - Eglise de Bernex, Genève Antigel Festival (supporting Joseph Arthur)
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March 26th - Rubigen, BE, Muhle Hunziken (supporting The Amy Winehouse Band)
🇦🇺 Australia:
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April 3rd - Bendigo, VIC The Golden Vine, with Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold (and Simon Marks)
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April 4th - Violet Town, VIC Blackarts, with Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold (and Simon Marks)
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April 5th - Echuca, VIC Cape Horn Vineyard - Matinee - (with Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold (and Simon Marks)
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April 6th - Fitzroy North, VIC The Pinnacle - Matinee - (supporting l'Australien Ye Ye feat. Greg Arnold and Hannie Day)
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April 10th - Fingal, VIC Peninsula Hot Springs (with Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold)
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April 11th - Westerport Yacht Club, VIC, Peninsula SongRiders Club (with Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold)
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April 13th - Northcote, VIC Wesley Anne - Matinee - (supporting Lucid)
🇸🇬 Singapore:
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April 15th - 9 Craig Rd, Singapore 089669, Coucou Restaurant (invited by the SWISS Embassy)
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April 16th - 5 Teck Lim Rd, Singapore 088383, Chez Suzette, Level 2
🇯🇵 Japan:
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July 15th - 高円寺北２－１７－７JKビル１階, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Yajikita N° 2 (supporting fuyurico)
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July 26th - 〒892-0843 鹿児島県鹿児島市千日町９−４ 天文館Kビル 4F, Kagoshima, Lileth Jazz Spot, (supporting "Lileth Family")
START TO STOP
A compelling new single that dives deep into the emotional turmoil of breaking cycles and embracing change. With raw honesty May captures the moment of realisation—when one steps into the unknown, leaving behind familiar but harmful patterns.
“I’m starting to stop, can’t stop if I start.”
These opening lines set the tone for a track that resonates with anyone who has ever faced the challenge of transformation. In a society where we are constantly pushed to chase instant and often superficial rewards, Start to Stop highlights the often deceptive nature of these so-called incentives. More often than not, they are simply tricks of the mind, temporary comforts masking deeper issues.
The song, written, recorded, and produced at Toby’s Unagi Sound’s studio in Geneva, is a sonic rollercoaster—its backbone a hypnotic loop that mirrors the relentless cycle of habits. Yet, the dynamic choruses disrupt this pattern, much like a life-altering decision. The arrangement is minimalistic yet impactful, allowing the message to take center stage.
Adding to the track’s depth, Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold lends his signature backing vocals, weaving the harmonies that have been such a presence on May's recent recordings . Meanwhile, the skilful guitars and bass, performed by the talented Sebastien Heintz, bring a richness and warmth, reinforcing the song’s emotional weight.
And when Toby says "Your first steps into the sun", he really goes there!
Accompanying the song is a clip documenting his 2025 tour to Australia, where he sings beneath the vast skies and the powerful sunshine of that amazing country, the journey itself a powerful leap of poptimistic faith.
For ultimately, at its core, Start to Stop is a song about courage. It’s about stepping outside the comfort zone, facing the fear of the unknown, and making a decision for the better. Toby May delivers not just a melody but a message—one that lingers long after the last note fades.
We all know it's hard to Start to Stop, but we also all know that we probably should Start to Stop anyway.
MELTING OUT NOW
"It’s ok it’s me I’m melting, go about your day you're freezing"
It's time to dive into the new single Melting - the latest single from Swiss/UK singer-songwriter Toby May.
A heartfelt love song, dedicated to Mother Earth, the track combines poptimistic energy with simple acoustic charm.
Delivered in Toby's classic stomp and strum style, the incredible Irish fiddle stylings of David Duffy, add a layer of seriousness to the message. Things of Stone and Wood's Greg Arnold signature backing vocals work their magic again, creating a harmony that's as inviting as it is reflective. Despite its weighty subject matter, Melting invites you to sing and stomp along, delivering its message with hope and humanity.
Released in celebration of Toby's nephew, Sami's birthday, this track is close to his heart ... and Sami's favorite part? The sailor-style “ohohoh’s” choir—a playful yet powerful echo of 2022’s Hold Fast Stay True from the NEVER FALL album. Like a call from the crew of a ship, be they pirates, or navy seals, the song is a sonic reminder to have poptimistic fortitude when one could so easily fall into despair.
Join the celebration, let’s sing for the Earth, and make Melting your next favorite tune! 🌍🎤❤️