For Tony Toste, the path to music began with poetry. He had always been drawn to writing, but discovering that poetry could be transformed into a song opened up an entirely new world. Suddenly, words could carry more than meaning. They could carry melody, energy, and emotion. That realization gave Toste a new purpose: to turn his own experiences and perspective on life into music that others could feel and connect with.
One artist helped define that vision early on. Jim Morrison became an important influence because he represented the collision of poetry and rock and roll that Toste found so compelling. Morrison’s ability to bring literary ideas into a raw, unpredictable rock setting showed him that songwriting did not have to fit neatly into one category. For Toste, music became a place where poetry could be loud, personal, and alive.
His sound draws from alternative rock while incorporating the energy of punk and elements inspired by ska. The foundation comes from decades of rock music that shaped his approach to songwriting and performance. He cites The Rolling Stones for their longevity and consistency, Queen for their musical evolution, and artists such as AC/DC, Sublime, and Nirvana for their impact on his style. Rather than chasing a particular trend, Toste pulls from those influences to build music around the same thing that first drew him to songwriting: honest expression.
Like many independent artists, building that vision has not come without challenges. Finances and promotion have been major obstacles, requiring him to navigate the business side of music while continuing to create. Still, Toste has kept moving forward. Alongside his music, he has also built a career in entertainment and counts becoming an elected official within the Screen Actors Guild among his proudest accomplishments. Those experiences have given him a broader perspective on the industry while reinforcing his determination to develop his music on his own terms.
Connection remains an important part of the journey. Whether through social media, conversations with listeners, meet and greets, or festival appearances, Toste values the opportunity to share his work directly with people. The lesson he would give his younger self comes from experience: if something matters to you, do not wait for the perfect moment to pursue it. Passion only becomes real when you are willing to act on it.
Now, Toste is focused on his second album and an upcoming song titled “American Girl,” which he believes has the potential to introduce his music to a wider audience. With plans to take his work on the road, he is looking ahead to the next stage of his career. The poetry came first, but Tony Toste is proving that sometimes the strongest words are the ones that refuse to stay on the page.
