Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Tomssonic
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
– We can all agree our first memories related to music came through a family member. Either by playing their favourite songs or by activly playing an instrument like the guitar, they made their impact regarding our musical taste, affection and passion.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
– The first formation of Tomssonic was created by a musical teacher for the 40th anniversary of the musical school, that we were all part of. That‘s where we discovered how much we liked making music and playing as a band. As time went on, we changed our singer and the current formation was taking shape.
– As time passed, we knew that our goal was to be able to play more self written songs instead of covers, really letting our listeners get to know us and our music more. And so, we started getting creative, letting our feelings and emotions take the lead.
What is the story behind your current music project?
– We wanted to produce three somewhat different songs, yet also be able to find our own style.
– “Dance With Me” is a fresh and modern summer pop song. We wanted our listeners to be able to dance and to sing as loud as they wanted. This song was also one of the funnest to produce.
– “Never Cared” on the other hand lets people, who have just been through a rupture or ghosting really feel the lyrics, letting all their emotions out and seeing that they are not alone and that it is okay to feel angry and sad. We think that that was our biggest goal.
– “Reach For It” is a dreamy and motivational song. Showing our listeners that even in difficult times they must believe in themselves, let go and follow their dreams.
– All in all, we wanted to create a feeling of relatability for each song. Showing our fans that we know how they feel, and that it is okay to have bad as well as good times.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
– It’s pop, a bit melancholic, but also fun. We think each song is so different, so there is a beauty in not being able to put them all in one box. It’s young, it’s fresh and it is Tomssonic. We think our sound grows with us as a band.
What is one thing you have learned that completely changed the way you make music?
– This is a very difficult question, just because it is so different for each one of us.
– We think that sometimes less is more. Not every song has to have an incredible guitar solo or runs like those Mariah Carey does. Sometimes the only thing a song needs, is to be is honest. Not really letting others tell you how to do music, but by making your own rules. And, when writing lyrics, it is essential talking about things that you know about. This makes songwriting so much easier. You are able to really sell what you feel.
– Talking about the instrumental part, it took us a long time before we knew how to controll the dynamic of all the instruments. For them all to have their moment, yet sound in harmony when needed.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
– As soon as we have a new song idea, we record a short demo on our phones. Just to be able to get back to it and still know what we wanted it to sound like. If we showed the world our voice memos applications, some would think we are crazy.
– Later on we use the programm “Logic Pro” to start forming our ideas and arrange the instrumental how we picture it.
– After that, it is time to try and play the “live” version of the new song. Adjusting some minor parts, for us to be able to play our songs live.
– The Instruments we play in our band are: Bass, Guitar (Electric and Acoustic), Drums, Electric Piano, and Vocals.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Till (Drums): The Strokes (Album e.g. The new abnormal)
Natalia (Singer): Right now I listen to a lot of Edgehill. They are incredible!!! It is really difficult to say. I listen to so much music and change my favorite song each and every day.
Michael (Bass): I don’t really listen to Indie artist just because I like Rock much more. But I have grown fond of some, through playing it in the band.
Fabian (Guitar): Since their reunion, I listen to Oasis a lot. Mostly there biggest hits but I also like some oft the acoustic versions of their songs.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
– It depends very much on our songs. If it is a summer song, we want people to dance and sing, yet if it is a more sentimental song, we want them to not feel alone and be able to find themselves in our lyrics even if it is a little part of them.
What’s the most important lesson music has thaught you so far?
– A good vibe/dynamic in the band is the most important to have fun making music and keep going. Making music is a way to decompress and a very important part of who we are. It is also a way in which all kind of people can connect. Music is a universal language.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
– We live in Switzerland. So playing in our biggest hall the “Hallenstadion” would be our goal. But I think also being a main act in a festival would be totally awesome.
– If we are speaking realistically though, we would love to play in a smaller venue, surrounded by people who enjoy and feel our music. Just to see how much people we can move with our sound.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
– Till (Drums): Dire Straits, just beacuse I love how the guitar comes out in their songs. Besides, I would like to create somthing by mixing different styles, even maybe having a rapper in our songs (tupac, biggie).
– Micheal (Bass): Green day, just because I think our styles could match. – Natalia (Vocals): I would love to collaborate with someone like sombr. I think his style is quite refreshing and a collab would actually be so cool!! Also Raye is a muscial genius, each and every song is so thought through and I just think that is outstanding. But past I would love to have collaborated with Amy Whinehouse, just because she is such an inspiration to me.
– Fabian (Guitar): A Collab with Coldplay, my favourite Band, would me amazing. They‘re a huge inspiration regarding sound, variety of songs and how they transmit their music into the world.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Website: www.tomssonic.com
Spotify: Spotify_Link_Tomssonic
Instagram: @tomssonic
Tiktok: @tomssonic
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
– To be able to play concerts and see an active fanbase, who is there specially for us and supports us.
– To grow our own songs, be able to play more own songs than covers, as well as having enough budget to produce more songs cause it was such an amazing and fun experience.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
– The Sound that makes us the Band that we are. And that they should listen to more independants artist. Support your local, small groups!
