What does it actually mean to be a “music creative”?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Toby to unpack the unconventional, multi-layered path of building a career in music — without fitting into one box.

From performing and writing his own music to running a studio, directing visuals, programming festival stages, and founding Sounds Queer to platform emerging queer artists, Toby shares how music has been the thread running through everything he does.

In this episode, we cover:

• Wanting to be a performer from childhood
• Studying Media & Cultural Studies
• Why grad schemes didn’t feel right
• Working retail while building music
• The moment that changed everything
• Taking the leap into freelance life
• Building State Is Flow studio
• Starting Sounds Queer
• Programming stages at Mighty Hoopla
• Performing at Glastonbury
• Creating safe spaces for emerging queer artists
• Why community matters more than contacts

We also talk about:

• The myth of “overnight success”
• Pivoting when something stops working
• Building resilience in creative careers
• Imposter syndrome in music
• Following gut instinct
• Making space for joy in your work

If you’re dreaming of working in music, as an artist, programmer, producer, curator, or creative, this episode is an honest look at how nonlinear, messy and beautiful that journey can be.

@tobycortonmusic

@soundsqueerhq

@stateisflow

🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨

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