About
Photo by Will Johnstone
Toby Alexander is a Brisbane-based composer and music producer working across screen, contemporary music and live performance. Drawing on classical tradition and contemporary production, he combines orchestral writing with modern tools to build evocative sound worlds from unique instruments and custom samples.
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In 2021, Toby arranged strings for Holy Holy’s fourth studio album Hello My Beautiful World, nominated for Best Rock Album (ARIA Awards) and J Award Australian Album of the Year (Triple J). The album debuted at #4 on the ARIA Albums Chart and #1 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart. Two tracks from the album “How You Been” and “The Aftergone” featured in the 2021 Triple J Hottest 100. Hello My Beautiful World features sampled strings performed and sequenced by Toby as well as live studio performances of his arrangements by The Letter String Trio. Toby’s string arrangements also feature on Holy Holy’s 2025 release Sweet Bitter Sweet.
In 2022, Toby composed and arranged music for Brisbane alternative rock band Selfish Sons, including an orchestral arrangement performed live at QPAC’s Playhouse Theatre as part of the inaugural Ballet International Gala. The performance featured principal dancers from The Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Astana Opera, and Queensland Ballet, alongside excerpts from Romeo and Juliet, Spartacus, and Swan Lake. The program closed with Selfish Sons performing "Heroine" backed by Toby’s orchestral arrangement. ​​Other stage credits include music and sound design for the premiere production of Hilary Bell’s The Bloody Bride (2008; dir. Julian Louis) and NORPA and The Street Theatre’s production of Hoods (2009; dir. Bridget Balodis).
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Across the stage, screen and studio, Toby’s work is anchored by strong melodic writing, clear emotional intent, and a production sensibility shaped by years in recording and mixing. Alongside composing and producing, he performs as a keyboardist and has played with a range of Brisbane-based acts including Fresco Kyoto, Jake Whittaker and Jordan Merrick. He also develops sampled instruments through Chromatic Instruments for the Kontakt platform, alongside ongoing work as a composer/arranger and mixing engineer.
Photo by Louis Devereaux
