Getting To Know... thom.ko

After delighting us with a wealth of bright and shimmering offerings throughout last year, LA-based artist thom.ko returns in 2023 with his captivating new gem 'Take A Seat'.

Channelling the same rich and diverse aesthetic as easy life and Glass Animals, 'Take A Seat' makes for a wonderfully inventive listen. With his warm and easygoing vocals layered across a glittering production from start to finish, he is continuing his rise as one of the more captivating names doing the rounds right now.

So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The first instrument I remember falling in love with was the violin, out of admiration. I remember seeing my grandma playing it and being amazed but I never possessed the patience for it. I settled for the piano when I was younger and it helped me develop my ear and now I find myself falling in love with sound design. Being able to build synth sounds from scratch is a rewarding learning experience.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I was the youngest of three so while I was really young it was a combination of my parents music and my two older siblings music. So some classical music when my mom would chip in, Bruce Springsteen when my dad would, and a lot of late 2000’s Seattle indie rock when my siblings would. It gave me a broad sense of music, but also left me room to explore what it is that I really would connect with, which I would start doing a little later.

What was the first album you remember owning?

I think I remember my sister giving me Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix on CD when I was pretty young. It might not have been the first, but it was one I have a lot of memories about. Or maybe an Arcade Fire record.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

I wish I could’ve written “Forgotten Eyes” by Big Thief. Adrienne Lenker writes a song that simultaneously reminds us that we all come from, and eventually return, to the Earth, and because of this questions whether she is being fair to those less fortunate than her. Every line is potent and the song still manages to be an earworm. I love it.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

My rituals are constantly changing, which might not be great now that I think of it, but I find myself wanting to continue to shift how I create to encourage finding new sounds and narratives. Also I find myself inspired sporadically.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I recently listened to Sudan Archives for the first time and have really enjoyed revisiting her album. Also I’ve loved following Cities Aviv as well. Both create these worlds that are so immersive.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

I would love to open a show for Toro y Moi. I love his music, and always plays at really fun venues. Plus his fanbase seems really receptive to new music which I would be grateful for.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

What’s beginning to become the most rewarding part of being a musician for me is the creative process. Engaging with yourself and others when songs are being made and really taking time to step back and ask questions. Having discussions with the people you trust around you and being more deliberate has helped me become more proud of the eventual final product.

And what is the most frustrating part?

The most frustrating part might be the down time, and holding yourself accountable. Sometimes I can make it overly difficult which makes it frustrating. Being independent allows for freedom, but at times it can feel like when things are out of your control, there is no one else to blame but yourself. I will keep improving on this.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

To never fear rejection of your art. All you can do is trust your instincts, and what follows is out of your control.

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thom.ko's new single 'Take A Seat' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.