BIOGRAPHY
Toby Shaer is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer from Essex, UK. Over the past decade, he has established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians in the UK folk and roots music scene. Renowned for his virtuosity across a wide range of instruments, Toby is equally respected for his versatility, creativity, and deep understanding of music, enabling him to move seamlessly between genres and collaborate with artists from around the world.
His touring career has taken him throughout the UK, Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia, performing in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center, the Royal Albert Hall, the Grand Opera House, and the Minack Theatre.
Born in 1994, Toby’s musical journey began at an early age under the guidance of his blues-loving, guitar-playing father, whose passion for music filled the family home with an eclectic collection of instruments, amplifiers, and records. Growing up, Toby immersed himself in a wide variety of musical experiences, from orchestral performances, brass bands, and choral concerts to musical theatre pit orchestras, recording sessions, film projects, and performances alongside local and international artists spanning an equally diverse range of styles.
His passion for folk, traditional, and roots music was ignited after discovering the music of acclaimed Yorkshire singer-songwriter Kate Rusby. Her Live from Leeds DVD became a constant source of inspiration, introducing Toby to an exceptional band featuring Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Andy Cutting, Ewen Vernal, and Ian Carr. The musicality, artistry, and technical brilliance of that performance continue to influence his playing today.
Like many musicians, Toby’s first instrument was the descant recorder at the age of five. He soon progressed to the silver flute before discovering wooden flutes and low whistles through his growing love of folk music. The fiddle followed, then acoustic guitar, and over the years he has developed professional-level proficiency on an extensive range of instruments, including cittern, bouzouki, mandolin, viola, double bass, piano, and harmonium, among others.
Toby’s professional career gathered momentum in 2015 when he joined The John McCusker Band, touring extensively throughout the UK and Europe as part of the celebrations marking John’s twenty-five years as a professional musician. The following year he became a member of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, whose BBC Radio 2 Horizon Award win cemented them as one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary folk acts.
In 2017, Toby was invited to join the live band of acclaimed singer Cara Dillon, becoming a central figure in her touring and recording projects ever since. He has since collaborated with an array of leading artists including Heidi Talbot, Ainsley Hamill, Honey and the Bear, Jack Warnock and Archie Churchill-Moss, further establishing his reputation as one of the most versatile and in-demand musicians on the contemporary folk scene.
Alongside his work as a performer, Toby continues to develop his voice as a composer, arranger, and producer. His debut solo album, Amalgam, marks the culmination of more than fifteen years of writing and collecting original melodies. Entirely instrumental, the album showcases his abilities as both composer and arranger while exploring the meeting points between folk traditions and musical influences from around the world. Performing more than fifteen instruments across the record, Amalgam reflects Toby’s lifelong curiosity, technical mastery, and distinctive musical identity.