By: Staff
This song is a sign to dance and much more! The new release, “23” dropped by force to be reckoned with, Toby TomTom has a powerful message intertwined with an equally powerful beat that will get your feet moving. Not held to a genre standard this creative artist has a message about a daughter and the loss of her father and how she misses her father’s love and the way 23 mysteriously has meaning to his reaching out to her from beyond. It has a staggered beat that brings your thoughts immediately to the dancefloor and elevates the mood and thoughts. Toby TomTom’s vocals are superb and soaring. They make you want to clap and shake your body. The bassy break followed by the electric guitars makes this song a huge win for us! If you think that's hot then wait till the R&B break towards the end literally slaps you in the ass! A definite playlist add, Toby TomTom’s “23” will bring thoughts about life, and life to your party!
We had a chance to get this artist in the Cage with us and learn more about them, and we wanted to share it with you! Here’s what we learned:
When did you start making music? Can you tell the fans something they might not know about you that you feel is important to understanding why you create music?
I played trumpet in a high school marching band when I was in 4th grade! The horn was bigger than I was. I didn’t know it then, but it was crucial to my musical development and appreciation because even as the high schoolers laughed at me, they exposed me to all the dopest drum beats and taught me to appreciate rhythm. I was really good at drums, but there was always a shortage of brass players at my high school, so I was never allowed to switch instruments.
If you are a duo or a band, how did you form? Please tell us the band members' names, roles, and relevant instruments.
I formed with myself because I’m a pretty much one man band. Toby TomTom, trumpet, flugelhorn, piano, organ, bass, guitar, drums, percussion, vocals and sample management.
What first sparked the passion for you to create music?
Tower of Power sparked my passion because of the majesty of the horns. I loved the way I could overpower a band with my horn. A lot of girls are probably def because of me! I pitied the flute section.
Can you walk us through your songwriting process and where the inspiration comes from for this latest project?
When I first started writing, I’d try to write a lyric about everything I came across because I felt this pressure to write. But a lot of it was straight garbage. Now I let God and the universe speak through me. I don’t pressure the process because I learned to trust it. 23 came about through a chance convo with a woman who lost her father. Her father passed away on the 23rd day of September and he sent her signs in the most unique ways. She is a medium and said the number 23 appeared everywhere she went and this was him sending her love and protection. The story moved me deeply and I immediately went home and drafted the lyrics. As I started working on the melody, I realized it was a very different song for me. Kind of rockish on the verse. So I asked Google Gemini for the most popular pop chord progressions. I took these, embellished them, added my flavor and created 23.
Where do you create your music, i.e. in a home recording studio or with a producer? How do you finalize your finished work, ie self-mixed/mastered or another source?
I create in my home recording studio. I write, arrange, record, mix and produce my tracks. My brother def helps with polishing the production. I finalized 23 with Camilo Silva of Camilo F Mastering. Dude is amazing and he’ll be my guy going forward. One day, I want to record in a big 48 track studio.
What was the most challenging part of bringing this project to life, from the initial idea to the final recording?
The most challenging part of creating 23 was to do justice to the story lyrically. To capture the the emotional intensity of her journey. Singing 23 was also a challenge because I had to find a different vibe for the verses. I channeled some Bowie and Prince, did some octave double tracking and added some mysterious effects to capture the vibe of the song. I also wanted the song, even though it’s avant garde, to reflect rock sensibilities, so I added some organ like the old school 70’s rock bands. Finally, I wanted 23 the track to gain in intensity which is why I added the funky bridge and brought in Shake Dizzy to bring it home.
Is any part of your music's message or your personal purpose you feel fans should know more about? If so, what is that element, and why is it so important to you?
I think the message of 23 is that so many of us seek truth in our journey and it’s ok if that meaning comes from beyond. As a musical artist, I feel my responsibility is to tell stories and make the world a better place.
What has been the most motivating force in creating your music?
Love and truth. I hold myself accountable to create from my heart and to give love and creative truth to the world.
What part of the music-making process is the most stressful, ie the creation, the actual release date, etc?
Good question. My release date didn't go as planned. 23 was supposed to be released at 3pm and didn’t actually release until like 8pm. My lyric video still is not playing properly and this is stressful. But, a friend told me to let go and let God. It’s gonna’ “do what it do” as Ray Charles would say. I think the mixing was stressful because there is a lot going on in the song. I really wanted the change vocal to have a slightly different effect and wanted to do Shake Dizzy justice. Hope I did.
If there was one thing you could change about the music industry, what would it be?
Different is good. The music industry lives by categories and if you don’t neatly fit, the industry doesn’t quite know what to do with you. I can’t change creatively so eventually, as long as I am true to myself and my craft, I will find my tribe of fans.
Where do you see your sound and artistry heading in the future? Are there any exciting new directions you're exploring?
Another great question. I am actually a folk musician at heart and play a lot of acoustic guitar and vocal gigs. I also write on acoustic guitar, even if it’s a dance/funk tune. I plan to switch gears and release a beautiful folk like song. But, I also have a dope ass hardcore dance track in the hopper so maybe two at once if I can find the time!
What instruments do you play? Which is your favorite?
I play trumpet, flugelhorn, piano, organ, bass, guitar, drums, percussion, vocals…and sample management. Trumpet and acoustic guitar are my favorite instruments.
Tell us about the last time you performed. Where was the show, and what was your experience like?
I played the Rock for Love Porchfest in Sea Cliff, NY earlier this summer. It was me, a mic, my acoustic guitar, my brother on percussion and my friend Frank Ferrara on guitar. It was very casual and I loved it. Shouting it out to the world. The audience was very receptive to my originals and I was thankful.
Have you ever been on tour and can you tell us a little about the experience?
I have not, but maybe one day soon.
Was there ever a time when you emotionally felt, “I can’t do this anymore”? Can you tell us why this happened and how you found the strength to continue?
Oh yeah. I think if you do music long enough, no matter your level, you’ll reach that point. I’m addicted to creating, but at the same time it can be heartbreaking. My brother and I were writing and production partners back in the day. We came so close to achieving the success we dreamed of. Worked with undiscovered soon to be famous artists and amazing producers. We just couldn’t get over the hump. So we moved on and sold our studio. I got married, had a child, and began walking my infant son on the boardwalk in his stroller. I had a beat up acoustic guitar which I took with us. Eventually, the chord strumming became songs and I was back. I constructed my home studio and began this journey again. Now though, I appreciate it more and let it flow instead of fighting it.
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
Be in the moment. Savor the ride, not the destination.
What is your favorite song to cover?
Prob Azure Te by Louis Jordan or Sadie by the Spinners. Both on acoustic guitar.
What is your favorite quote?
Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are. This is by Teddy Roosevelt.
How do you feel about social media?
Get with it or get out. It’s another way to create and communicate your story.
If you could go on any late-night talk show, which would it be? And based on present life, what would be the topic of discussion?
Jimmy Kimmel because he’s a local dude. But the topic of discussion would be spirituality and growth in a humorous way.
When you reach the stage where you have the admiration and respect of other already well known artists, what band or artist would you love to call and say, “Let’s go on tour together”?
Post Malone, Dua Lipa, Lenny Kravitz
When you are earning a successful wage from music, what act of selflessness would you like to commit?
Give back to younger musicians by sharing knowledge and experiences. Donate instruments and lessons to underprivileged children.
What is the most motivating thing a fan or anyone has ever told you about your music?
That I am a creative artist with a unique sound.
Check out his latest release and listen to more of Toby TomTom on Spotify & YouTube.
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