TOTAL TOMMY: “I LOVE THE TILTED NATURE OF IT”
INTERVIEW | TOTAL TOMMY by Morgan Hermiston
Ahead of the release of her second album Trapezoid, I got to ask upcoming Australian act total tommy a few questions. The album is set for release on 23rd October via Play It Again Sam [Geese, The Cribs, Gurriers]. We had a chat about things like the album itself as well as inspiration from the 90s, highlights so far. Read on to find out more!
Your second album Trapezoid is out on 23rd October. There’s three singles already released, but are there any other tracks or moments in particular that you’re excited for everyone to hear?
The closing track of the record, ‘Tailgate’ is my fave and I’m SO excited for people to hear it. It kinda goes nuts at the end and it felt like the right mood to end the album on. There’s also a song called ‘Bloodshot’ which is a really special and a more vulnerable moment that I just love.
What were some of the main similarities and/or differences between writing this record, and your debut bruises?
I guess the main difference was time. Bruises was written over three years and I really got to take as long as I wanted because no one knew it was coming, I hadn’t even launched total tommy yet. But for Trapezoid, it all had to come together a lot quicker because I guess once you start releasing music you gotta keep the momentum up or whatnot. Bruises was also mostly written by myself at home, and for Trapezoid I flew to London and recorded it all over a three week period with my friend Tom. It was so so fun to do it this way and with a collaborator.
This new release sees an incorporation of 90s-film inspiration. Are there any specific movies or other media that you really drew from?
My whole life I’ve never been able to sit still long enough to watch a movie, but because I was travelling so much the last couple of years, I started to watch movies on the plane. It was a really intimidating world to get into at first because I didn’t know where to start – but after asking some friends for recs, a common thread was Winona Ryder films. So I started there and fell in love with films like Girl, Interrupted, Reality Bites, Heathers etc. The stories of these characters really inspired a lot of the themes on the record.
What is it about that period, and the media you consumed, that sparked or changed the music making process this time around?
I think I really got into the characters’ stories, rather than just looking at my own world every time for inspiration. It was super inspiring to find those connections in other people, and also learn about the way narrative in film works, and how that can apply to songwriting and the arc of a song.
The record’s title “Trapezoid” is really interesting with the “no parallel” aspect, and it gives a great insight into what everyone can expect to hear. Where did the name/concept come from?
It came from the song I was writing, which became the title track of the record. Phonetically I love the way the word feels, and meaning wise it opened up a whole world which connected all of the current songs I had, and the ones I came to write. The trapezoid is the smallest bone in the hand, and without it we wouldn’t have grip or dexterity. And I love the tilted nature of it as a shape. The wonkiness is a through line throughout the whole record.
Other than nearly having two records released to the world, what are some highlights in your music career so far? What are you looking forward to?
Honestly the highlights are always the live shows! Our UK/EU tour last year was an absolute dream, getting to play to new crowds who already knew some of the songs. I’m really excited to tour this album and meet some new people!
Being from Sydney, Australia, are there any other Australian bands and/or artists that you think we should be listening to? Alternatively, who do you feel is underrated right now?
We are so spoilt with amazing musicians over here! Definitely check out Lucky, Swapmeet, Wishlist, and Armlock. And an underrated artist – Maia Toakley. She is INCREDIBLE and I’m so excited to see where next year takes her.
Lastly, if you could create your own festival anywhere in the world, who would your headliner(s) be? – You can obviously choose to add yourself to the lineup too!
Oh OK I love this!? I feel like I have about five different directions in my head right now of where I could take this – but I’m gonna go with Wolf Alice for headliner ‘cos damn I love them.
You should definitely go listen to the artists total tommy has recommended, I know I will! You can also find all three currently released singles from the upcoming record here.
