In this exclusive Q&A, TÖME shares insights into her musical journey and the inspiration behind her latest single, "Fine Pass," setting the tone for her upcoming project, 'Prelude.' From her instinctive blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop to the influence of multicultural experiences, TÖME opens up about her growth, creative process, and the unexpected twists that define her evolving sound.

1. Fine Pass is such a vibe! Can you spill the tea on what inspired the song and how it's setting the mood for your upcoming project, 'Prelude'?

Thank you! And the beat did all the work… it has such great progressions I just followed how my heart was calling to it 

This songs sets the mood for prelude in terms of its ethereal sonics for sure.

2. Your music has this chill blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop. How do you go about mixing these vibes to create your own signature sound?

It comes out pretty instinctively because I love all those genres and find comfortability and also challenge, in expressing that in my music but creates magic and I love that. 

3. You've hung out with the big names like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Mr Eazi, and collaborated with some cool artists. How do those experiences shape the way you make music?

Well being able to perform alongside them allowed me to see what music for the masses can really do on stage. Bringing energy and feel good dancing music is such a great feeling on stage to perform but also to experience as an audience member. I always keep that in the back of my mind “how will this resonate on stage”. And most importantly being so honest and real with yourself will always make the greatest music 

4. "Fine Pass" is all about that pure love stuff. What's the story behind the song? Any personal deets you can share?

To be very honest I had no one on my mind when I wrote this like 2 years ago but the gag is…my boo is pretty damn fine so imma say I manifested what I wanted! Lol 

5. You've been dropping tunes for over five years now, from your first acoustic EP to 'Prelude.' How has your sound evolved, and what can we expect from this new chapter?

Man. I’m grateful for improvement and progress. I believe that my sound is ever - evolving and as I continue to discover more about the world and myself, it will leave my next chapter as open as my mind is to experiencing the “new”. So expect the unexpected ;) 

6. Winning a JUNO, rocking festivals, and collabing internationally – you've done it all! How do those achievements influence your goals as an artist?

They are a testament to where I’m headed. They definitely make me feel like I’m on the right path and keep me focus to keep achieving more so I can give more to all those around me and after me. 

7. 'Prelude' is taking a different turn from your usual groove, embracing an ethereal vibe. What sparked that change, and how does it show your growth?

I personally have always had this urge to work more on my “Alte” ethereal music and I really felt like releasing that and allowing people to see a different dimension of me. It shows my growth in terms of my vulnerability to share more of me. 

8. Your multicultural background is not just in your music but also in your global performances. How does being from different places influence the stories you tell in your songs?

Well it’s who I am. I’m multicultural and thankfully it allows me to have multiple stories to tell and relate to. So it influences everything around me. Down to my morals and discipline as well 

9. "Fine Pass" is following hits like "Nobody Else" and "Champagne." How do you deal with the pressure to keep dropping bangers, and what keeps your creative process fun?

I let go of the needing to “keep dropping bangers”. Most of the time you never really know what people will resonate best with and what will become a “Banger” in the industry. I just aim to make great music. 

And I keep the creative process fun by having good energy around me and just have fun and be goofy, I feel like when I’m at my weirdest is when I explore the most creatively and it works most of the time 

10. You've done everything from self-recorded EPs to full-on albums. How do you keep things real and fresh while trying out different sounds?

I just love to try different things, explore different sounds and blend them somehow. It keeps things fun, light and fresh. Also being able to tell stories that are relatable by just expressing myself authentically helps as well. 

11. Closing out 2023 with 'Prelude' – what vibe or emotion do you want us to catch from this project?

Honesty. 

12. Your journey has been a wild ride. Any sneak peeks or surprises for fans in the fall and beyond?

Expect that unexpected ;)