Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Tommie Sox
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Earliest memory of music was when i was a child and my mother used to put headphones on me. Only thing that would get me to stop crying she said. Classical music and I remember strings like violins.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
It started my playing instruments like clarinet, guitar, bass guitar and then eventually the drums. This then progressed to producing music.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The story behind this current release is I traveled to Ghana back in April and was further exposed to AfroHouse, AMAPiano and African Rap. I also saw Tyla perform in New York in Central Park for the Global Citizen Concert and wanted to make something that would resonate with that type of a vibe.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I usually travel to different countries and work with local artists so my sound will be dependant on the artist I am working with because I really try to capture their essence and vibe. I jump between different genres from time to time but overall that it my approach.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Really spending some time with the artists and getting to know them or following their journey for a while before attempting to make something with them in mind. It usually comes out better that way.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Live instruments, percussion, protools, abelton, fruity loops, MPC LIVE II, Meditation music, & traveling to places outside the comfort zone.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Well on the Ghana Trip I heard the “Shake It To The Max” song with Moliy & Shenseea as well as Shallipopi “Laho” and those became the re-occuring theme songs for the trip as I heard it multiple times during the trip, and it was a different type of sound from what they are playing here in New York. I appreciate when artists do something different and both of those songs have a good vibe and energy to it.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Personal experiences and travel are a big part of my process and creative vision. When you see and listen to the artists I have worked with you will get it.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Overall message is hope, good vibes, and leaving your comfort zone.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Even through setbacks music is always something you can channel your energy into and it makes an impact on people. It inspires people.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I’d love to travel to Kenya, South Africa, & Morocco and DJ and work with some artists out there in the future. In terms of a venue or festival I would say MSG in New York and Festival would be a festival in Africa.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Well an artist from the Past would be a toss up between DMX and Bob Marley. Dmx because he is the reason I started listening to Hip Hop and Bob Marley just because I’ve always been a fan of reggae music.
Present artists there are a few. Sean Paul & Shenseea because I’ve always loved dancehall music ever since I heard it at age 16.
Tyla would also be another present day artist because I think AMAPiano is the most unique and refreshing genre of music that I’ve heard in the past 10-15 years.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xLjzqgFNvUMm8pnutD5Jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommiesox/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TommieSox
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Continue working with artists as I travel and DJ.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
Hopefully they will see the progression in the music as I traveled through 50 countries and notice the impact and changes in my sound as it progressed.
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