Tonty Interview & her new single "Who?"

Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.

Thank you for having me! My name is Tonty. My artist name comes from the name my nieces and nephews call me. They used to call me Titi but they also called my older sister Titi so to avoid confusion I had to find a new name. Tonty is a play on the German name for aunt. I guess by making it my artist name I am referencing how my supporters and fans are my family too.

What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

According to my family, I’ve been singing for as long as anyone can remember. I used to sing in choir in high school and at church. For me, I knew music was the path for me when I sang my first solo. It was saving all my love for you by Whitney Houston. it was one of the best moments of my life and I haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?

My song “Who?” is a recent single. I wrote it on the way back home from a trip to New York. It’s a little bit different from the music that’s on my EP – Romeo’s Dream. Who is a musical thought bubble. These are things that I was thinking to myself or speaking out loud in reference to someone who isn’t there to hear what I’m saying but it’s coming from the heart. I want to be on this person’s mind like they’re on my mind. The song is definitely about a crush but it’s also about surrender and acceptance.

What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?

My music and my voice are very honest and sometimes simple. I’m not afraid to say I want you or I don’t want to know the truth. I approach my music wanting to be loved but also being clear that I will be fine without that love and acceptance.

Who are your biggest music influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I have so many musical influences – I was classically trained and I grew up on soul, gospel R&B, etc. I’d say Whitney Houston is one of the biggest because of her emotional tone and Beyonce for her work ethic. I’d be honored to collaborate with any of the many talented artists in the game but one of the first artists on my list are Chloe x Halle because I think our styles would merge so well!

Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

Right now I’m so proud to have released an EP this year! It was a lot of work!! But I also got to perform for close family friends recently and that always means so much to me.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?

It’s very hard! But I try to remind myself that music is what I want to do for the rest of my life so that has to be prioritized. My family and friends are very supportive and I’m so grateful for that because they also help me prioritize music. Work is another situation entirely ha ha because you have to put food on the table

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Put yourself first and music second, and put yourself out there as much as possible. Be yourself and sing like you – don’t try to be anybody else to get where someone else is. it’s gonna be really hard but you just have to keep searching for opportunities and create some for yourself if you have to.

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. I love you so much and I promise you’ll always have a safe space with me.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?

I have an album planned in the beginning of next year. I’m always working on new music!! And hopefully more performances, music videos, etc.

Stream on Spotify

Follow Tonty