My Story
The state of Maine is known for it’s cold winters, and picture perfect summers. It’s hard not to be inspired by the beauty of the changing seasons, and that’s what you’ll find in Toby’s music. Known primarily as the founding member of Sparks The Rescue, Toby has been playing music since he was old enough hold a guitar. He spent his 20’s touring the world in a 15 passenger van with his best friends. When Sparks started to slow down, he settled back in Maine with his family. In 2020, the pandemic brought on an unexpected source of inspiration, which led to the first solo EP for McAllister titled, Daydreamin. A few short months after it’s release, he was sharing the stage with big names and some of his idols.
In March of ’23, Toby released the follow up to Daydreamin with a CD titled Autumn Skies. While Daydreamin is a fun CD written during the pandemic, Autumn Skies is a more serious combination of life, love, and rock & roll. Backing him up on this recording is the rhythm section of Sparks which includes drummer Nathan Spencer and Ben Briggs on bass. This trio has been playing together for over 20 years, and have never stopped sharing their love for music, and a good song. Other talent on the CD includes Andrew Martelle from The Mallett Brothers Band, Hamilton Belk, a talented local steel guitarist and a featured guitar solo from Ken Bethea of Old 97’s. Autumn Skies was nominated for Album Of The Year by The New England Music Awards.
2024 brought on new inspiration from multiple life changing events including the death of Toby's father, and the birth of his second child. The Outsider EP was recorded on a scorching August week in the woods of Maine with producer, Jonathan Wyman. Officially released on October 30, it's the perfect batch of songs to be enjoyed on a cool Autumn day while the leaves fall. Notably, the opening track titled Millinocket Stars has been added into full radio rotation at Portland, Maine's rock station 98.9 WCLZ.
Outside of original music, Toby is a full time performing musician. His wedding band, The Jameson Four does upwards of 15 weddings per year. If you're looking to rock out your reception, please get in touch.
Toby McAllister & The Sierra Sounds have shared the stage with: Carly Pearce, Eli Young Band, Rhett Miller, Old 97's, Drake White, Kasey Tyndall, Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters, Eddie Montgomery, Dalton & The Sheriffs, The Mallett Brothers Band, 12/OC.
