We are an acoustic folk/pop/rock duo formed in Los Angeles, CA in 2010. The band is comprised of Toby Madigan (songwriter/vocals) and Rob Ray (songwriter/guitar/vocals). Take a look around, listen to some tunes, and buy the self-titled "Naked Peasants" album here if you like simple, heartfelt, pop/folk music. To buy the Naked Peasants album, click here.
Rob Ray subscribes to a simple philosophy: Fill your life with joy. This probably comes from the fact that he was a whoops baby and so he takes the perspective that maybe he wasn't supposed to be here, but managed to find a spot anyway.
Rob first began writing poetry at age 14 at his Mother's behest and wrote his first songs with a band called "15 Pieces of Flair", formed in 2001. Rob picked up the guitar and continued songwriting with former members of Flair, but he began performing solo when he moved to Germany, where people really love themselves some John Denver.
From 2005-7, Rob became an official son of Buehl, Germany and recorded a demo while living as a professional athlete. Fast-forward two more years and Rob has a Graduate Degree and a unique opportunity to collaborate with his extremely talented band-mate, Toby!
Rob loves being outside (perhaps because he can't sit still) and likes to be reminded to slow down and appreciate beauty. He loves to travel, appreciates good art, and aspires to live with compassion.
Toby MadiganToby was not born, but arose spontaneously from a frothy wave in Lake Huron in northern Michigan, from whence he swam vigorously through the lakes, rivers, seas, and Panama Canal until finally making it to Hollywood, California.
There he began his career as a singer/songwriter in a pop group called "Branded" and within a few years was writing and performing his own music to a small, but loyal following in LA and New York.
Toby is thrilled be a part of the band Naked Peasants and enjoys the opportunity to make raw, intimate, and exciting acoustic pop/folk/rock music with fellow songwriter Rob Ray.
Toby enjoys travel, history, nature, and spiritual studies and is also an outspoken advocate for the right of same-sex couples to get married in America.
He is always looking for people to swim naked with, watch countless hours of historical documentaries, and enjoy locally grown organic meals.
Rob Ray subscribes to a simple philosophy: Fill your life with joy. This probably comes from the fact that he was a whoops baby and so he takes the perspective that maybe he wasn't supposed to be here, but managed to find a spot anyway.
Toby MadiganToby was not born, but arose spontaneously from a frothy wave in Lake Huron in northern Michigan, from whence he swam vigorously through the lakes, rivers, seas, and Panama Canal until finally making it to Hollywood, California.
