Watch: TÖME’s “Kickback”

by W. Andrew Powell

TÖME’s “Kickback” is the smoothest track of the summer. The single is one of the most chill songs I’ve heard in months, and it feels sun-drenched; like it was made for the most relaxed day of the year.

The track is from Canadian artist Michelle Oluwatomi Akanbi, AKA TÖME’s, new album TÖMESROOM, and it represents a lot of what the up-and-coming singer is passionate about.

“It’s important to me that fans know who they are as women and people,” she said. “That is very common for a woman… To truly find her self-worth because of past relationships or an extreme experience that changed their lives forever? It’s a beautiful thing to encounter and overcome. That mindset had to be included in my songwriting.”

TÖME style blends Afro, reggae, pop, hip hop and RnB for a sound that she wants to champion for Canada.

“Afro-RnB isn’t completely non-existent. It’s there, but no one has claimed it or pushed it as an established genre,” she said. “I want to change the game musically. Afro-RnB can help and change Canadian music.”

“There is an opportunity in the industry for this music, especially since it is a musical sound many diverse cultures can relate to. It’s unique with a very multidimensional sound so listeners get a sense of familiarity, but also a sense of curiosity.”

Speaking about her new EP, she said, “I am unapologetic in this project. That’s what I want to portray most in this album: the shamelessness of being a confident woman.”

“Writing these songs made me realize my self-worth and who I really am.”

“I am at a stage in my life where experiences with the people around me have shaped my mindset around relationships and myself. TÖMESROOM is a glimpse into the personal experiences and intimate realizations I’ve come across these past two years.”

“I am enough. I am TÖME.”

Watch TÖME’s video below for “Kickback”. For tour dates and more music, visit tomesroom.com, and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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