Interview
1. Cru cru, what first got you into music?
When I was in like 2nd grade, a good friend’s father, who was a music teacher, gave me a trumpet and started teaching me how to play. I am so thankful to Mr. Spurgeon Moore because he kicked off an amazing journey! Music has been my comfort, my best friend, my wife, my mistress and everythang else throughout my life.
2. What or who is your inspiration to create music?
My inspiration is internal. I honestly don’t know where it comes from. I will say my music is God inspired. I’m just driven, and I can’t help but create.
3. How do you feel the internet has impacted the music business?
That’s a loaded question. On one hand, we as artists aren’t at the mercy of a few label gatekeepers who determine your fate. On the flip side, getting your music out to the world to be heard is easier but takes as much effort as creating the song. There are still gatekeepers but your opportunity with licensing and all the other avenues at least makes us feel like we can drive the bus a little. Maybe it’s an illusion. Maybe it’s real. I do feel we as artists have to embrace technology and its potential.
4. Will you tell us something embarassing about you?
Man, I tore my quad running on wet grass while coaching my son’s flag football team! I thought I was an athlete till this happened! “Don’t worry about me fellas, I’ll just lay here. Go play.”
5. How is your perfect day?
Waking up, sun shining, raining or snowing…perfect because I’m breathing with new opportunities in front of me.Everyday with family and friends is perfect. God’s gift if we open our eyes.
6. What memorable responses have you had to your work so far?
I value the responses on my singing, because I really am a musician and producer first. I came to singing late so I continue to focus on my voice and pushing it up front. My next song, I Need a Yoko, will be acoustic to some degree. Me and my guitar. So this will be a great challenge.
But what really gets me off is when someone gets into my lyrics. I rewrite and rewrite until I get the messaging and phrasing right. I’ll read you what analyzemylyrics.com said about 23.
In general, “23” by TOBY TOMTOM is a beautifully-fashioned lyric narrative that investigates intersections between recollection, grief and belief. With vivid narration and recurrent themes, the song delivers an incredible message of hope and encouragement in times of total darkness.
This about says it all in a way I couldn’t imagine when I wrote 23. MC Shake Dizzy brought the song full circle with his rhyme. I remember when he started reciting his rhyme on the mic in my studio. I was like, does this really fit. But I let go and realized his perspective on bringing the story to present time was needed to complete the story. She’s all grown up now and is strong and confident from having the love of her father from the other side.
7. Do you see yourself as a music nerd?
Fuck yes. But not nerdy enough to stay in my college marching band with the real nerds. I quit to run cross-country not knowing that all the while, I still was a nerd! Hanging with the football players with ballet shoes around my neck because I read it would make me a better runner. Thought I was cool but nobody does that but a nerd!
8. What album do you replay the most?
Tower of Power Hipper Than Hip. The musicianship is insane.
9. What's your favorite movie?
I have two. The Wizard of Oz, Glory, Tropic Thunder, and The Sound of Music. Oops, that’s four!
10. Do you agree with the Pigeon?
Of course I agree with the Pigeon. Love my music or hate it, I learn. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me
Toby TomTom - 23
Discovered via http://musosoup.com
This coverage was created via Musosoup
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