Name: Toby Freeman
Qualifications & Place of Study: I graduated from Leeds Conservatoire with a BA (Hons) in Film, TV and Games Music in 2023, and have since then completed an Audio-Post course at 344 Audio.
Favourite show played: I think it would have to be playing a flashmob set alongside a group of dancers at Leeds Trinity Centre (as part of the Dinosaur Trail).
Desert Island Disc: Stop Making Sense – Talking Heads
What you love about music: It is such a great way to meet and connect with people, it can cross language and culture barriers! It also gives you a great sense of purpose and can be a well needed escape from life’s struggles.
Motto: Always be the worst musician in the room, otherwise you’ll never get better!
Bio: Toby began playing guitar at the age of six, achieving Grade 8 by thirteen and earning a Level 4 diploma two years later. In 2018 he was awarded a scholarship to attend a summer course at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied with several world-class guitarists, including Tomo Fujita (renowned for his work with John Mayer).
While studying at Leeds Conservatoire, Toby picked up the bass and became involved in the city’s jazz scene. Through these connections he joined numerous projects, most notably performing with artists Eve Buckley and August Charles.
Since graduating, he has gone on to co-run two bands—Manchild and Nylon Nyeshi—performing at venues such as the Brudenell Social Club and Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds, as well as across Nottingham and London. Manchild released their self-titled debut EP in October 2025, and Nylon Nyeshi released two singles earlier this year.