We recently connected with Tommi Tsunami and have shared our conversation below.

Tommi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

One of the most unexpected problems I’ve faced in my creative journey was experiencing how often the actual art that has been created becomes a secondary, tertiary (….dare I say quaternary) factor when it comes to the resources, access and platforms provided to you as an artist. Much of the DMV has a real fixation on stereotypical messaging and imagery, and an obsession with latching on to the corner of what already is… as opposed to pouring water on and nurturing the growth of what could be. The amount of original and raw talent that exists in this area is astronomical but it won’t get recognized unless you have an individual of a certain status cosigning you. That status often derives from familial connections, social media clout, the approval of outsiders…. the list goes on. More often than not you can get a notable amount of exposure with the latter, sans the presence of any real talent at all. That being said the industry is a game and the journey is not linear. I learn from the politics, even though I pursued music to get away from politics. Above all it just makes me incredibly grateful for every bit of support, inclusion and exposure I receive because I earned it off of my own back, meaning the people are rocking with me for ME and nothing else.

Tommi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was always interested in music. Growing up I was a bit of a latchkey kid and my mother would record music videos on VHS for me to watch at home by myself. I was in band since elementary school, playing drums for my church from high school until I graduated college. In college I met some pretty interesting individuals who brought local artists to our campus, they wrote recorded and performed their own music and even though we all graduated we all still kept in touch as they carried their interests into real life pursuits. During the pandemic I actually was trying to learn how to DJ but I had linked with a friend from college who asked me to do a verse on a project for him. I told him I never rapped on the mic or made a song before but I tried it. A week later I came back to him having found a beat and written my own song. I showed him my attempt and he was basically just like, “yeah, you got this easy. Now keep going.” Since I began writing music I’m just so much happier, I get to be honest with myself and watch that honesty resonate with others. It’s like therapy to be able to take things that hurt me and turn them into something that puts me on the map. I feel like what makes me stand out is that my music is reflection of what is and not a complete fantasy or façade. I speak on relationships between people, not just romantic, I speak on having character and navigating conflicting emotions. I’m here to teach, uplift, express, but most importantly, have fun and bring color to the picture.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I had to unlearn this idea that as an artist trying to gain exposure that I had to participate in every open mic, or do every feature. It’s always good to connect and be present but many people will recognize your value and potential before and instead of affirming you they will try to use you and take advantage of your hunger as a fresh face. You have to set your own standard, don’t be afraid to ask for all the information you need to help you decide if an ‘ opportunity’ is worthwhile. Don’t let the fear of people being upset with your ‘no’, stop you from saying it. They will respect you for it in the end because you have enough confidence in your destination to be able to walk away from things that don’t honor you. Keep your name clean, respect everyone and move like you supposed to be in the room always.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I first started to make music I was enthusiastic about gaining the support and approval of some of my peers that had their hands in different aspects of the creative industry. I was relying on them for guidance and investment, especially after all the initial interest they showed when I first stepped into the thought of really being an artist. After feeling ignored and not nurtured I began taking more risks on my own to advance my art and my visibility. My thought was that if you can’t put in the energy to help improve or reach new audiences (something they had much greater access to than I did at the time), you can at least support me. When I started getting recognition and putting out tracks that was getting buzz, an killing these performances they went ghost, almost radio silent. I had to pivot from the idea that people I supported and clapped for would do the same for me when it was my time. Really they just hate, threatened and intimidated that you can make it without them, just when they thought you would be controlled under their wing. I had to pivot from feeling like I needed a team behind me, Just keep working, the right people will see you and want to build with you. #Game6

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/tommitsunami.wav
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Tommi_Tsunami
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tommitsunami

Image Credits
Eugene Maddy Rimazz Yousiff Toye A