We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Toni Clare. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Toni below.
Toni , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where Bluegrass and Country music were a constant part of my world. I was homeschooled until high school, and during my time at home, my parents really encouraged me to dive into music—getting me into music lessons such as violin, piano, and guitar. Music was always in my home, whether it was records playing or my parents humming around the house. Every summer, they’d take me and my two sisters to CMA Fest in Nashville, which was always a highlight of the year! That was probably the turning point that made me realize I had a passion for the arts.
When I was about 12, after one of those Nashville trips, I decided I wanted to try singing—something my guitar teacher had been pushing me to do. So, I joined my church choir and started performing in local talent shows, singing covers by artists I loved like Linda Ronstadt, Jo Dee Messina, and Alison Krauss.
In middle and high school, I was the lead singer and rhythm guitar player in a couple of string bands. That’s when I developed a love for performing — it initially terrified me since I was quite the introvert, but I loved the adrenaline rush– how the music created a sense of energy in the room and brought people together. I started imagining a career in music and couldn’t wait to move to Nashville after graduation.
By then, I was writing my own songs, first for the band and later as a solo artist. I played a lot with my band and saved up some income from those gigs that helped with music projects. At 15, I recorded my first EP and started performing in Nashville, learning from some incredible songwriters along the way.
When I was 17, I made a leap of faith and dove into the Nashville music scene. I didn’t know exactly what would happen, but I knew I had to go for it—because music was all I ever wanted to do.
Toni , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a singer-songwriter based in Nashville, and my journey in music started with a mix of learning and networking. I attended Middle Tennessee State University for music business and pre-law– I wanted to make sure I had a well-rounded perspective on the industry. To succeed, I knew I needed to understand not just the creative side but the business side too, so I could navigate it with purpose.
These days, I’m writing songs every week for all kinds of projects—whether it’s for pitching, collaborations with other artists, or for my own music. I’ve got stuff out on streaming platforms and am working on an upcoming EP. Plus, I’m building a new website that’ll give fans all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and details on upcoming shows. In Nashville, I mainly perform in writer’s rounds and ticketed shows, but I also travel to play private events like weddings, retreats, and parties!
One of my big goals right now is to tour with my original music. But no matter what gig I’m playing—whether it’s a bar gig with covers or a bigger stage with my own songs—I’m happy if the crowd leaves feeling better than when they came. For me, it’s all about creating an atmosphere where people can really connect with the music, even if just for a couple of hours.
I’m proud of how much I’ve grown over the past five years living in Nashville and figuring out my sound and style. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, and I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned along the way. To my followers and readers, there’s a lot more coming, and I’m excited to share it all with you!
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Looking back on my creative journey, there are definitely a few things I wish I’d known earlier. I’ve been lucky in a lot of ways—growing up in an environment where I had the chance to perform, learning from talented musicians, and making some great connections; but I also faced a lot of pressure, especially as a young girl trying to break into the industry. Growing up, I had the privilege of meeting and working with people who found success in the music industry as managers and artist developers, but many of them told me that the only way to make it in music was to fit a certain mold, or to be on big shows like The Voice or American Idol. I was even told that if I didn’t “make it” by 16, my chances of being successful as an artist were pretty slim.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that there are so many different paths to success in music, and it doesn’t always have to look like the “traditional” route people expect. Now I’ve recognized how crucial it is to take time to focus on honing my craft/finding my voice and be strategic about exactly what it is that I want to do. That’s what’s going to help me stand out and make an impact with my music, rather than solely replicating what other Artist/Writers are doing.
Creative work is so different from other careers. You can’t just go to school, get a degree, and move up the ladder. In music, it’s about understanding what you do best, building a supportive community, and networking until you find a team of people you trust. There’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint; your path can—and probably will—look different from others’.
Another thing I wish I’d known is that learning never stops. College was just one chapter, but growth and development continues every single day. When I’m not performing or writing, I’m attending shows around town, chatting with mentors, and writing with people who push me to be better. It’s a never-ending process of learning, and I’ve really come to embrace that.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
When I first moved to Nashville, I was excited to go for it and chase my dreams. In my head, I had this idea that I’d play at the Bluebird Cafe, and then some talent scout in the crowd would spot me and turn me into the next Taylor Swift or something. (By the way, I have played at the Bluebird, but that whole “discovered and made famous” thing… hasn’t quite happened yet, unfortunately.) While some people do have that kind of luck, I definitely needed a lot more development before I was ready. I’ve had a lot of fun and great opportunities in the past 5 years that I wouldn’t trade!
Anyway, 17-year-old me couldn’t wait to “finally” get started in music city. But as I spent more time in Nashville, I started to feel overwhelmed by the hundreds of talented singer-songwriters in the area. It even got to a point where I started questioning whether it was worth it to stay in a city where so many people seemed to be chasing the same dream. I began doubting myself—wondering if I could ever really stand out and make my mark.
A big lesson I had to unlearn was that I’m unsuccessful or unworthy until I land a publishing deal. While that is something I am working toward, I spent so much time comparing myself to others that, for a little bit, I lost the joy I had through music and the understanding of how impactful my music was to others. I eventually made a conscious decision to just “stay in my lane” and focus on my own craft, instead of trying to squeeze myself into a mold that didn’t feel right.
Once I stopped worrying about measuring up to others, things started to change. People began to take notice of my performances as my voice and style developed. I started getting booked for more gigs, and at my shows, people would compliment me on my unique vibe. When I released my music, I was blown away by the support I got from fans who came out to my shows and made me feel more confident in my journey. It really taught me that when you embrace who you are and trust the process, success comes in its own time and in its own way.
In the end, I realized that what keeps me going is my love for music and understanding that it does make an impact on my listeners. It’s not about competing with anyone else or trying to follow someone else’s path—it’s about being true to myself and letting the music connect with people in a way that feels real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toniclaremusic.com
- Instagram: @toniclaremusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toniclareofficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@toniclaremusic3727
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IIKzKD6Wnvqp09QrDbtZG
Image Credits
Photographers include: Chelsea Erica Smith, Marisa Taylor, Madison Smith, and Mary Grevas.