Toby Sussex
This interview was recorded on the 28th of September, 2024.
With his knack for blending genres and a foot in three different projects, Toby Sussex is keeping busy in Pōneke's vibrant music scene. Originally from Nelson, the 22-year-old musician is juggling multiple projects, from solo gigs to playing in two bands—My Cosmic Girl and Fine Wine Social Club. I caught up with Toby to chat about his journey, balancing different sounds, and what’s on the horizon.
From Nelson to Wellington
Toby’s love for music started early. “I think I was 10 or 11,” he recalls, “performing Happy by Pharrell Williams with a mate at a school talent show. I was too shy to sing, so I hummed into a kazoo while playing the ukulele,” he laughed.
Fast forward to today, Toby recently wrapped up a Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey University. So, why Massey? “I was set on studying music and was leaning towards Vic,” Toby explains, “but after hearing about Massey’s more modern approach from my cousin, I checked it out and was hooked. It’s contemporary, different, and exactly what I was after.”
Auditioning for the degree wasn’t as intimidating as it sounds, according to Toby. “It wasn’t too tough, to be honest. I did have to audition because I majored in Music Practice, but I think my audition went pretty well,” he says with a modest grin.
First Gigs and Going Solo
When it comes to performing, Toby remembers his first gig under his own name like it was yesterday. “It was [Smokefree] Rockquest in Nelson back in 2018. I played one of my original songs, and it was a bit of a disaster,” he laughs. “My loop pedal decided to malfunction mid-performance. It was stressful, but I got through it and knew I wanted more. That was my first taste of performing my own stuff.”
It’s that drive that’s pushed him to improve and explore his sound over the years, blending indie folk, pop, and singer-songwriter vibes into something uniquely his own.
The Juggle
Balancing his solo career with two bands is no small feat, but Toby thrives on the variety. “I can’t give anything up,” he admits. “There’s My Cosmic Girl, the band I formed with mates from uni, and we’ve got some exciting stuff on the way. Then there’s Fine Wine Social Club. They’re more of a funk-jazz fusion group, and I’m on bass for that one—normally I’m on guitar, but it’s been fun switching things up.”
Each project has its own flavour, keeping Toby on his toes musically. “It’s cool to hop between genres. My Cosmic Girl is more indie folk rock, while Fine Wine Social Club is all about that funk and jazz fusion. And then there’s my solo stuff, which is a bit more chill, singer-songwriter kind of thing.”
Influences and Inspiration
While Toby’s degree didn’t drastically change his approach to songwriting, it did help shape his creativity. “The biggest thing I took away from Massey was the importance of collaboration. Writing with others, sharing my stuff, and just bouncing ideas off people—that’s had a huge impact.”
Looking Ahead: New Music and Big Dreams
So, what’s next for Toby? “Right now, I’m working at a café to pay the bills while balancing three music projects. It’s a bit much, to be honest, but I can’t let any of it go,” he admits. “The dream is to spend more time on music and maybe even make it my full-time thing.”
As for what’s on the horizon, there’s plenty to look forward to. My Cosmic Girl’s latest single, Exclusively Lonely, dropped in December, and they’re now deep into recording their debut album. “Recording is going really well,” Toby says. “We’re creating some stuff we’re absolutely stoked about.”
Meanwhile, Fine Wine Social Club has been working on their next release. “We’re recording it along with another single in April, so I get to be part of that, which I’m stoked about. It’ll definitely be out this year.” And beyond that, there’s even more to come — “We’ve also got a really exciting collaborative video series coming up in May.”
Keep an ear out for Toby Sussex—whether it’s solo or with his bands, there’s no doubt his music is only just getting started.
You can find Toby Sussex on Instagram @tobysussexmusic and at @mycosmicgirl_ @finewinesocialclub
