In the sometimes superficial music industry full of lip-synching and insincerity, Toby Lightman says people are looking for something real.

The singer/songwriter puts a lot of effort into adding reality to the music industry with her new album.

“I hope that when people look at the overall picture they will see the effort that went into the album,” Lightman says. “I hope people will realize that it’s real. I sing my own songs and I write my own lyrics. Whether you like it or not, it’s real. In this industry there are a lot of people that are fake.”

Lightman says the reality of songwriting is a very complicated process one can’t just turn on and off. She says the best thing is not to think about it.

“I just sit down and write,” Lightman says.

“I don’t think much about it. You have to step away from the situation and let it happen. It’s kind of like doing a jigsaw puzzle. If you’re not in the mood for a jigsaw puzzle, it’s not going to happen.”

Lightman, who is taking a break from her album so she can tour the country for a week and a half, says she is exited about the performance, which she says is unique.

“It’s an interesting position,” Lightman says. “Sometimes you’re in front of a batch of strangers bearing your soul, and sometimes you’re in a controlled situation. It’s difficult finding the balance, trying to win them over. If you’re not confident, it shows. It’s like you’re being graded. If you get an A, it shows. If you get an F, it shows.”

To Lightman, the experience of performing in front of people can be very frightening. She says she gets nervous every time she performs.

“After the first song I’m OK,” Lightman says. “You’ve just got to deal with it. I’ve built up a confidence that once I’ve started, I’ll be fine. You’ve just got to push yourself on stage, sometimes for an audience that isn’t necessarily there to see you. You still want to impress them, but it can be difficult.”

Lightman says she best prepares for the shows alone. She doesn’t like to be around other people and says she can’t leave the venue, otherwise she gets anxious to get back. She just likes to hang around and relax before performances.

All of the hard work Lightman has put into her performances and albums is starting to pay off – many people have featured her as a breakthrough artist in the entertainment business. Lightman says if she were to make it big, fame wouldn’t change her.

“It’s so superficial,” Lightman says. “If you have values set down and good people around you, it won’t matter. No, I won’t change.”