Toby TomTom Reveals The Organic Story Behind “Sun Is Going Down” & More

Intro:

Toby TomTom is an artist from Long Island, NY, with an exciting track we’re covering in today’s article. He just released his new Hip-Hop/EDM style single this year titled “Sun Is Going Down.” The track also features some great spoken work from renowned actor Daniel Danielson as well! We asked Toby some questions about the inspiration & creative process behind this release. Before reading our brief conversation, make sure you check out this new single below.

Me: How would you describe your creative process while making “Sun Is Going Down”?

Toby: The creative process was complicated for me. I had 5 songs that were already written and was choosing which one to complete and release. But, though they were good, they didn't feel right. So I started experimenting with samples because I felt in my subconscious I needed to say something about what's going on in our world politically.

Experimenting in my studio, I put two samples on top of each other that should not have worked. But they did with some tweaking! Once I got that bounce, “Sun Is Going Down” came to life. I wanted it to reflect what I feel emotionally, my confusion, defiance, and anger. And most importantly reflect my fight and hope that we can wake up and make this shit better.

Did you draw inspiration from any other specific genres or artists?

I think for Sun is Going Down, my inspiration was Hip-Hop for sure. No artists in particular, but just the vibe. Then it transitions to House/EDM/Trap. That's straight-up release and dance.

Nice! And, how would you describe your current style of music in your own words?

Because I've had so much exposure as a musician, my style is never locked in one genre. If I'm on my acoustic, it's alt folk, like my song, I Need a Yoko. Or it could be a little Reggaeton like Tomorrow Yesterday if on organ. Or more Hip-Hop/EDM like Sun is Going Down with samples. Guess it comes down to which instrument I choose to create. My heroes are folks like Prince, Marvin, and Miles Davis. They didn't stay in a genre because art is evolving. And this spirit is what shapes my art.

Are there any specific themes or messages you hope listeners take away from this one? This song definitely felt very intentional.

That we are in a hell of a mess. Our reality is fucked up and if we don't do something now, reality could be changed beyond recognition. As an artist, my responsibility, our responsibility, is to institute thought and change through our music.

Outside of what you mentioned earlier about having some trouble at first while making this song, what was the most challenging part overall, in your opinion?

Making the transition sound natural from Hip-Hop to EDM/Dance in the second verse. It just happened as I was creating, so I had to get the flow right with the melody without diverting too much from the first verse.

I also had to really think hard on how to creatively incorporate the spoken word part featuring renowned actor, Daniel Danielson. His voice is awesome, and I did a lot of experimenting to find the right vocal setting to bring it into “Sun Is Going Down” while keeping his baritone vibe.

How did you come up with your current stage name? It’s very unique.

Good question. TomTom comes from when I wanted to be a drummer in high school. But, because I was dominant as a trumpeter and there were way too many drummers in my school, my dream of being the funky drummer went out the window! Toby is French for my given name, Todd. When we watched the movie Roots in school, my classmates found this out and began calling me Toby.

That’s awesome! Besides “Sun Is Going Down,” are there any upcoming releases or plans that you're comfortable sharing with the readers?

Right now, promoting the heck out of Sun is Going Down! Exploring movie and TV placements. Feel me?

And finally, in your own words, why should a new listener check out this song today?

Listen to Sun is Going Down if you like to bounce, like to dance, and at the same time, when you dig a little deeper after a few listens, know that just by listening, you are raising your conscious level to help change the world. Back in the day, we had PFunk, Earth, Wind & Fire, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder. So many artists to motivate thought for lifting us spiritually through dance and reflection. That's what Sun is Going Down does. It's gonna' groove you and change our world at the same time.