Breathing Sound Into Story

By Logan Baker

As April continues to spring us forward, we have more time to enjoy longer days meant to create a spectrum of memories. Let’s pivot our VUE  towards the blooming realm of creativity and anime through Naruto: The Symphonic Experience, a live event that brings the beloved anime series “Naruto” to life through a fusion of music and visuals vocally led by a blooming trailblazer conquering the gaming culture through content creation and expansive ranges of vocalism. Lauryn Alexandria, popularly known as ToastyMarshmellow is a true vocalist in anime and video game music (VGM). Miss Toasty warmed the city of Atlanta with her captivating performance during Women’s History Month. Her deep love for anime, combined with her fluency in Japanese and a background in musical theater made her a flawless fit for this immersive experience.

Lauryn’s immediate response to describing what it was like to perform with the symphony was “a dream come true”. Like many true anime lovers, Naruto was the first anime Lauryn engaged in. To have emerged into a real-life experience of the hit TV show that inspired how she approached life hereafter is more than a form of healing and nurturing the inner child inside, it’s a calling. That calling unintentionally led to what was only supposed to be a spam account that refined itself into what we see today, ToastyMarshmellow. ToasyMarshmellow was birthed during the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020, producing a cover of an Inuyasha song while consistently releasing anime and videogame covers that spread like wildfire throughout social media. A window into the Videogame Music (VGM) scene was primarily opened through the Music and Gaming Festival (MAGFest) where Lauryn performed. The reputation of ToastyMarshmellow led to a divine intervention with a friend who without a doubt recommended Lauryn for the opportunity to perform as the lead female vocalist with Naruto: The Symphonic Experience.

We caught up with Lauryn to explore deeper into her journey as a vocalist, her connection to Naruto, and how she navigates the intersection of anime, music, and content creation.

What Has Been Your Most Memorable Moment As A Content Creator?

This moment right here—Naruto: The Symphonic Experience! It feels like a culmination of everything I’ve worked for. My #1 viral video, which got 25 million views on TikTok, was just me singing Blue Bird from Naruto Shippuden. So this feels like a full-circle moment, and I’m having an amazing time.

What Was The Experience Like Performing In Front Of A Live Audience?

I was nervous during the first few shows, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes second nature. I’ve been performing in theater for so long that it’s just something I’m used to. But I think it’s good to be nervous—it means you care about the performance. And that energy, it keeps you on your toes.

What Sparked The Inspiration Behind ToastyGPS?

Travel has always been a passion of mine, but when I was younger, I didn’t have the funds to travel. As an adult, I realized how important it was for me to see the world, and I wanted to encourage others in the nerdy community to travel too. Many of us don’t get out as much, and my ToastyGPS page is all about highlighting nerdy travel experiences. For example, I went to Guatemala to visit Hobbit Land, a recreation of The Lord of the Rings world. I want to inspire people to see nerdy places in real life, like arcades and anime-related spots across the globe. I’m dying to go to Germany to visit the real-life town that Attack on Titan was based on.

Whose Character Have You Resonated With On Naruto?

Honestly, Naruto. I resonate with him because I was kind of a weird kid too. I wore a cat tail and was the emo kid with the bangs. I felt shunned by my peers at one point. So I really connect with Naruto’s journey—he was an outsider trying to find his place.

Lauryn Alexandria, otherwise known as ToastyMarshmellow (@toastymarshmellow_), continues to make waves in the anime and video game music scene. She has solidified herself as a talented and passionate force within the community and we can’t wait to see where her journey will take her next.  From her viral TikTok videos to her powerful performances, the momentum continues to build.

Indulge in audible therapy as Naruto: The Symphonic Experience lights up stages across the U.S. throughout April and May.