Here at The Lowdown, we love introducing our readers to new, up and coming talent that we highly recommend checking out. We now introduce you to Australian breakout talent Tom Santa. His music has been unbelievably well received, racking up countless millions of streams. His current single 'Bad For Me' has an upbeat dance vibe throughout and showcases his phenomenal skills as an acclaimed artist on the dance music scene.
We had the opportunity to speak with Tom Santa about how he first got into music, his biggest achievement to date, his plans for this year and more. Keep reading to check out what he had to say!
You have had an incredible response to your first few releases. How does it feel to know that your music has been so well received?
"It's crazy! To think my debut release 'Rainfall' is coming up on nearly sixty-five million streams is honestly so weird, but amazing to see. I'm beyond grateful. 'We Don't Ever Stop' is closing in on a million streams as well, which is insane! It gets me excited for what's next to come!"
For anyone who hasn't heard your music before, can you sum it up in a couple of words?
"Experimental, euphoric and simple."
What was it like filming the visualiser for the music video for your single 'Rainfall'?
"It was a compilation of my childhood (mostly high school) with clips of the boys and I doing dumb stuff on a constant basis. I thought it would be cool to show the world where I've come from and what I've done in my past when I was a kid just mucking around."
Who would you say are your musical influences?
"I've always looked up to Skrillex, but as time has gone on, they have varied. I listen to a wide range of stuff, going from more underground to mainstream. At the moment, I'm loving Kettama, Jxck, Skeptic, Soul Mass Transit System, Interplanterary Criminal, DJ BORING and many more!"
Going back to your roots, how did you first get into music? Has it always been something that you have wanted to pursue?
"I've always had an interest in music. I started playing the drums when I was eleven for four years and then saw videos of people making these insane tracks on YouTube and got influenced to buy it, so did that and then worked hard to learn the basics. When I got the hang of it, I could only dream of actually making it big, but kept on that grind and got addicted to making all sorts of tracks. Now I'm very grateful for where I've gone in only a proper year of releasing music!"
What would you say has been your biggest achievement to date? Is there anything in particular that you would most like to achieve?
"I'd say either hitting sixty million streams on my first ever song I've probably put out with Polydor or playing my first ever international gig in Amsterdam with eight of my best mates on a massive boys trip was the biggest achievement. I'd love to release my own EP, showing the world what my style of music varies from. Also, headlining a festival would be pretty nuts one day too!"
Thinking ahead to 2023, what does this year have in store for you?
"More shows, more music and more energy!"
Is there any message that you would like to be conveyed through your music?
"Not really - it's mostly up to the listener what message they get out of it."
Finally, do you have a message for everyone who supports you?
"It's calm now, but wait for the storm..."
Tom Santa's current single 'Bad For Me' is out now and is available to purchase and stream through all major music purchasing and streaming outlets.
The Lowdown is an online blog and print entertainment platform for music discovery featuring the very best in both established and upcoming talent. Find the latest news, reviews and interviews with your favourite artists and grab tickets to upcoming gigs and tours.
Words & interview: By Rachel Dempster