On Thursdays Del Osei-Owusu sits down with an artist on the Fresh On The Net radar, and shares tea and biscuits. This week, it’s Tomás Doncker, who is a proud endorser of McVities dark chocolate digestives.
Congratulations on making the fresh faves how does it feel?
It’s wonderful for the music to be recognized and supported by Fresh On The Net. It’s most definitely gone a long way in terms of streams, as well as spreading the word, and getting folks to come out to shows. I’m very grateful!
What’s the story behind “Change”?
My dear friend Amp Fiddler heard the original version of the song (which Is on my “Wherever You Go” album), and asked if he could remix it. At the time we were doing a lot of work together (he also contributed to my “Endangered” album, as well as my re-imagination of the Patti Smith classic “People Have The Power”), and that led to us deciding to do an “Amp/Tomás” duo project. The AMPlified Soul Remixes. We’ll be releasing the complete project on all streaming platforms on September 6th.
What was the easiest and most challenging part of recording it?
WELL…
Nothing about the creative process is easy…
There’s always a certain amount of blood, sweat, and tears invested-as well it should be. I will say this though-It should always be a joyful experience.
I consider my friendship and collaborations with Amp among some of the greatest experiences (personal & professional),
of my life.
As an artist, musician and producer from New York City, What did you listen to starting out?
I’ve always listened to everything! Aside from my childhood 45RPM collection (everything from vintage “Mustache/Super Heavy Funk” era James Brown, to Al Green, to Brit-Funk legends such as The Olympic Runners, and Cymande), the first 2 full length albums I owned were The Jackson 5’s “Get It Together”, and The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart’s Club Band”.
That pretty much sums up my taste, and interest in music. Legendary Philly Soul writer/producers Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff said it all in the lyrics from their anthem “I Love Music”:
“Music is the healing force of the world”…I believe that to this day.
Your bio reads like a who’s who, from working with Meshell Ndegeocello and Bonnie Raitt to Bootsy Collins and Keith Shocklee (of Public Enemy),what’s one big lesson you’ve learned?
It might sound easy, but more often than not, it’s the simplest things that are the most difficult do. One must always be true to “The sound in your head”. You must never sacrifice the essence of what it is you’re trying to share/communicate. That’s the core principle of any meaningful artistic endeavor.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve always enjoyed Meshell Ndegeocello’s work. She’s always at the forefront of such groundbreaking musical frontiers, and ideas-She inspires me to no end. Corinne Bailey Rae is a global treasure, a true goddess of song.
Little Simz is a current fave! Shabaka Hutchings latest work is a transcendent and meditative feast.
And of course Ms. Lola Young. I absolutely adore her!!
What are you looking forward to next?
The next song…
The next show…
Tomorrow…
Join Us!
Ah great to read this Del. Tojmas, as we both know, is a true force of nature and a real talent. 🙂
Incredible to read and learn about such a phenomenal artist!