Artist Spotlight
Exclusive Interview with Thoma$, a Canadian Singer, Songwriter and Producer Who Is Making Wave Now In The Industry
If you are not familiar with Thoma$ read more.
Thoma$ is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer. He started the music software FL Studio in 2018 and quickly discovered his passion for music. And then he started producing his songs in 2019, and only decided to release them in 2021 with one of his friends at the time. Thoma$ was greatly inspired by the work of several great producers and mixing engineers such as Mike Dean, Metro Boomin, Southside, and many others.
In 2021, Thoma$ started teaching other producers how to mix and master their beats through in-person personal coaching and YouTube videos. His first studio album called ”All In Or Nothing” is released on Christmas, 25th of December 2021.
Hey, Thoma$ thanks for taking out time to respond to us. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
Thoma$ – I started listening to rap music when I was 8-years-old, and I always liked the energy of this specific genre. When I was a teenager, I remember telling myself that I could see myself making music that sounded as good as the artists I was listening to. In 2018, my sister showed a beat that one his friend made, and I told myself that I could easily make a beat that is better than that even if I had no prior experience in doing that. The day following that event, I downloaded FL Studio and I fell in love with the process of making a beat and this eventually led to me making and rapping on my beats.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
Thoma$ – The most interesting story that happened to me was when I chose to pursue a music career instead of finishing my bachelor’s degree in education. At this point, I was 3 years into my degree, and I was close with some people in my cohort, and they all supported my music. When I decided to drop out, the reaction of the people of my cohort was so positive and motivating; they all say that I had what it takes to make it, and they wished me the best of luck and were convinced that I would succeed.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting?
Thoma$ – Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that? The funniest thing that I used to do when I started making music is that I used to think the beats that I made were so hard and different from anything that was out there. Once I compared my beats to the beats of the biggest producers, I realized that I wasn’t there yet and that I had to work my *ss off to get there; I couldn’t mix properly and most of the time my 808s (the bass) was not even in key. This being said, I’m happy with the progress I made over time, but I’m still looking forward to progressing even more.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Thoma$ – I just finished recording my first solo album called ”All In Or Nothing” which will release on Christmas (25/12/2021) on all platforms. This 11 track project was made in 2 months and was entirely produced, mixed, and mastered by myself. Although this is my first solo album, this is not my first project since I previously was part of a group called Top Dogs with one of my friends at the time, and we released 2 albums. All In Or Nothing has a deep meaning to it and represents who I am as an artist more than anything I’ve previously released, I’m very excited to share this project!
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Thoma$ – Being a very deep thinker, the most interesting people I’ve ever spoken to would have to be my philosophy teachers in college (CEGEP). These people have a way of living their life that is simple yet very interesting, and they could incorporate some of the concepts we saw in their classes in their everyday lives (ex: weighing various decisions, understanding points of view, etc.) The most important life lesson that I gained from interacting with some of them is that the search for happiness never ends and once you understand that you can enjoy the little things in life a lot more, you usually tend to also the deeper meaning of things more easily.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Thoma$ – Establish a schedule and respect that schedule, I know that it can be tempting to put in more hours than the schedule allows, but this could lead to burnout for a lot of people; you have to know your limits and work according to your limits.
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
Thoma$ – Do not have any expectations, the worst thing that can happen is that you give up, not that you don’t succeed; believe in yourself, work on your craft and never quit.
Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help your body, mind, or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.
Thoma$ – The thing that has benefited my mental health and my physical health the most is working out very frequently. I started lifting weight 3x per week or more since when I was 15 years old, and I can say that nothing else has helped to develop my discipline more than that since to have a good workout you have to plan it, and you have to plan and calculate your rate of progression; this is crucial in any aspect of your life. Another routine that helps me significantly is to make a ”to-do list” every single day right when I wake up, this allows me to know exactly what I will do throughout the day. Other than that, I make sure I drink at least 3 liters of water per day and that I read for at least 30 minutes per day (news, books, etc.)
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
1- Be yourself
A lot of people are living fake lives and are not being themselves, you must get to know yourself to be your true self, you learn by trial and error, and you never stop learning about yourself.
2- Nothing worth doing comes easy
You need to be ready to put in an insane amount of hours before you reach your final goal, there are multiple steps along the way, start by deconstructing how you will progress.
3- Bring something else to the table
In the music industry, especially in hip-hop, the vast majority of artists sound the same. Be unique
4- Remember why you are doing it
You are the only one that can give meaning to your life, remember that when you feel discouraged
5- Never give up
The moment you fail is the moment you give up.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Thoma$ – “People should pursue what they’re passionate about. That will make them happier than pretty much anything else.” – Elon Musk
This is so significant to me because I noticed so many people are not doing their dream job or are not chasing their dream and that is why they lack motivation and tend to be depressed. When you are doing something very important to you, you will feel motivated to wake up every single day to do that thing whatever it is.
None of us can achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Thoma$ – My mom is the person that helped me the most in my life, she’s always been extremely supportive and always believed in my potential. I could openly talk about any problem with my mom, and she always tried to help fix that problem. For example, I always had a hard time fitting in when I was younger and my mom would bring me to therapy, she would give me tips on how to make friends, and she would congratulate me on my progress toward that and various other aspects of my life.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
Thoma$ – That’s a very good question, I think about it every day. I am someone who cares about the environment, and seeing what society did in terms of damage to our planet is quite depressing. This said I believe that the source of the issue is the big industries that heavily pollute, the oil industry that controls the market, and the society that makes us inclined to consume a lot. To solve the problem, I would start a movement where people are invited to boycott the big industries that make our lives worse. To do that, many awareness campaigns would be necessary to make the population realize that this is more serious than what they think. I believe in collective goodwill.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
Thoma$ – Elon Musk, since he’s the smartest person on earth, in my opinion. I would like to ask him about the future of humanity and various other topics. I pay attention to everything he does.
How can our readers follow you online?
Thoma$ – You can follow me on Instagram :
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Sunset Salore unleashes the brilliance of love as the inner demon slayer with her debut EP, “Love Kills The Monsters”
Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Sunset Salore steps into the spotlight as a noteworthy talent with the release of her highly anticipated debut EP, “Love Kills The Monsters.” This profoundly introspective seven-track odyssey brims with eclectic narratives centered around heartbreak, healing, and self-discovery, all cohesively interwoven through dynamic basslines, sultry rhythms, and an unmistakable Alternative Pop charm. From the initial note, Salore engages her audience in an intimate auditory adventure, peeling back the layers of personal demons and reflecting upon the trials of recent years with unfiltered authenticity.
The EP commences with its title track, “Love Kills The Monsters,” a euphoric exploration of love’s duality, encompassing its joyous aspects and darker nuances. Salore’s lyrics evoke an emotional tug-of-war, articulating the moments when love not only heals but manifests as a haunting force igniting them. It encapsulates the central thesis of the EP’s overarching notion that perhaps love has the potential to triumph over our deepest internal monsters. Her keen eye for life’s intricacies is evident, painting vivid portraits that resonate on multiple dimensions.
Subsequently, the second track, “Hope,” shifts gear in tone to provide an uplifting perspective, presenting a soul-filled anthem that wraps listeners in a sense of warmth and validation. This piece highlights Salore’s versatility while serving as a poignant reminder of the presence of light amid adversity. Tracks like “Call It“ deliver a compelling assertion of self-worth, capturing that defining moment when you recognize the necessity to exit a toxic relationship. With lyrics like “You just don’t seem to communicate” and “You shouldn’t have left me here,” Salore effectively conveys a potent dose of an alluring vibe on relatable themes grounded in authenticity, empowerment, and resilience.
The fourth track, “Feel,” continues to explore the therapeutic nature of music. Salore’s vocals harmonize beautifully with the rhythmic piano and a timeless fiery guitar, each note resonating sincerely.
“Mystery and Magic“ introduces another dimension to the EP with its upbeat approach to romance, reveling in the excitement of discovering someone new. Conversely, “Potential“ echoes a more confidential vibe, emphasizing inherent potentials unintentionally unleashed in tumultuous circumstances. The concluding seventh track, “Don’t Owe You Pretty,” acts as a powerful assertion of self-respect, highlighting Salore’s unwavering confidence while rejecting toxicity and reveling in resilience, thereby culminating the EP with an empowering sonic finish.
Produced by Spud Thompson and composed by Louise Acheson, “Love Kills The Monsters” is an exceptional debut that showcases Salore’s raw emotional honesty and talent for turning vulnerability into sonic strength as introspective as liberating. It reminds listeners that love, despite its complexities, may assist in confronting, slaying, and conquering their inner “monsters.” Sunset Salore’s masterful storytelling and musical artistry establish her as a vital new voice in pop, making this EP an essential listen for those seeking profoundly personal and universally relatable alternative pop music with substantial revelation.
For more information about Sunset Salore, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sunset Salore’s EP “Love Kills The Monsters“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Sunset Salore | Instagram | Facebook |
Artist Spotlight
San Sebastian shares his creative inspiration and aspiration for the new single “Again and Again” – [Exclusive Interview]
Swedish artist San Sebastian has released his second single, “Again and Again.” Known for his danceable pop sound infused with a nod to club music, San Sebastian presents a sonic vibe that resonates deeply with his audience. Drawing inspiration from notable artists like Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan, he creates a distinctive blend of vulnerability and optimism. His latest single exemplifies a personal journey, exploring the intricacies of navigating complex emotions within a fractured relationship. Here, San Sebastian takes us behind the scenes, providing insights into the creation of “Again and Again,” detailing the production choices that shape its emotional core and outlining his future aspirations.
Questionnaire
1. Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?
San Sebastian: I’m a solo artist, though I often perform with professional dancers Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. My musical inspiration is drawn from renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan.
2. Where was the single recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.
San Sebastian: “Again and Again” was originally written by the well-known Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and songwriters Pär Westerlund along with Petter Tarland. I worked on re-creating the track with senior producer Johan Kronlund, who also produced my debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Both singles were released under the auspices of my record label, Metronica.
3. Regarding production, what aspects of “Again and Again” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?
San Sebastian: I collaborated with the producer, Johan Kronlund, for nearly 2 years, so we have developed a good understanding and shared vision for the desired sound we aim for in my music. The goal was to turn my flaws into something optimistic, capturing a sense of future possibility by blending a melancholy message with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.
4. What inspired you to write “Again and Again”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single? Were there any collaborations on writing the lyrics?
San Sebastian: The song “Again and Again” was initially composed by the famous Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and his co-writers. I immediately liked the idea of the song’s core concept; its melodies and lyrics spoke to me. The producer and I reimagined the sound to make the song reflect entirely my unique artistic identity.
5. How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?
San Sebastian: I want my lyrics to be honest and resonate with many people’s feelings. I try to transform my flaws into something optimistic, showing that everything has a future. I hope that people, by listening to “Again and Again,” will find pieces of their own experiences within the song’s lyrics while still perceiving this growing hope through the positive upbeat and alongside the danceable energy inherent in the production.
6. Please briefly describe the song, the E.P./Album, and the thinking behind the Project. What does “Again and Again” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?
San Sebastian: The song tells the story of a broken relationship, where one person is left behind, feeling shattered and powerless. Unable and unwilling to let go, they cling to the memories of a love that once felt real and the hope that they might reunite. Despite knowing they will get hurt again, the chance to feel happiness, even briefly, makes the pain seem worthwhile. By combining vulnerable lyrics, expressive melodies, and a more positive and hopeful production, the song illustrates those who put on a positive front and hide the absolute truth.
“Again and Again” represents my second single in collaboration with Metronica. I describe my musical style as danceable pop inspired by club music. Both my debut single, “Hear Me Out,” and my recent release, “Again and Again,” follow this musical direction. My active involvement in a DJ duo also keeps my heart closely connected to the club vibe, which naturally influences my music.
7. Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?
San Sebastian: My previous song and debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was recognized across various blogs internationally. The fact that it was so well received is heartwarming and makes me very happy. However, if I have to highlight one thing, it would be all the positive comments regarding my vocal abilities, specifically its range and how I deliver the songs.
8. Did “Again and Again” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?
San Sebastian: A memorable highlight was our spontaneous release party, which drew almost 500 attendees. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see how all these people adjusted their schedules and re-booked engagements, altered travel plans, and other meetings to join. I will be eternally grateful for this display of support and gift of love.
9. How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that San Sebastian’s fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?
San Sebastian: I have actually had the opportunity to perform “Again and Again” live on stage several times with two of my professional dancers, Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. I hope to present “Again and Again” on more stages in the future, incorporating additional live band support from professional musicians and dancers to create an immersive experience for audiences.
10. Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an E.P.?
San Sebastian: I’m not planning to create a full music video for “Again and Again.” However, I have already created teaser videos, which I use in the release marketing and the ongoing song promotion. I have no concrete plans to release an EP that includes “Again and Again.” Instead, I am focusing on my next single, which I plan to release in early 2025.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM San Sebastian’s “Again and Again“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH San Sebastian | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |
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