The Girl With The Dreads

It's hard to tie this musical gypsy down but earlier this year the raw and energetic Toby Beard returned from her hectic international tour schedule to record her fresh live album, aptly named Coming Home. Over two shows in WA, Beard and her band filled the room with infectious multi-genre tunes then immortalised them on disc. And now she's back to launch the album in ten shows across the state.

“I wanted Coming Home to represent my band, my sound, and our more intimate songs,” explains Beard from far away in Canada. “It still gets rocky in parts, but it really shows off the songs and my local Perth bandmates. I had so many requests for a live, acoustic sounding, stripped-back CD, so here it is – no drums!

“Canada is incredible, this is my 11th trip here in six years,” impresses Beard on her new found 'second home' and her recent stint there. “But coming home to Perth for me is always so exciting. I do miss it and I do miss my home fans and home venues. I think the Perth fans will like Coming Home; it was recorded over two nights at The Ellington Jazz Club and The Fly Trap in Freo, and you can really feel this on the actual CD.”

If you have ever caught Toby live or picked up one of her CDs, you can't help but notice the array of genres she tackles, including influences from roots to blues, reggae, soul and rock. “When I get into my blues stuff, I feel like that's my favourite, but then I love the gypsy-Euro sound as well. It all depends on what mood I am in and what I feel the audience wants. I get bored easily.”

The last 12 months have been busy for Beard, performing 145 shows across three continents, but she is never less than vibrant on stage. Her secret source of energy? “Coffee, coffee and more coffee… Not really! It's a natural type of high; I can be so very exhausted and feeling sick, but the minute I step on stage I feel a responsibility to give it my all. I feel every audience member deserves this,” says Beard. “I love being on stage, it gives me a peace and a happiness and a sense of fire in my belly.”

However, such a demanding touring schedule makes for an unusual lifestyle. “It's definitely not normal when I compare it to all my mates,” she says. “I am away more than I am home, which gets really hard at times – especially because I am so family orientated.” One of the most special people in Beard's life is her sister Pippa, who was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder called MELAS around 15 years ago. “The doctors said she wouldn't last long and here she is! She's a living miracle, but has had to fight so hard for her life at times. She is the most incredibly positive, strong, wonderful woman – a total hero for me.”

Ever the optimist, Beard believes her career has changed her… in a good way. “I have learned to not stress over the small things and I have learned to stop and appreciate the moment – this took time. I literally have to force myself to stop and look around but then I realise how lucky I am. I get to travel to amazing places, tour with incredible people and I get see the world… I am lucky. But I also work my ass off for this to happen and you are not always rewarded or noticed for this, but I just keep on going.”