Exclusive Interview with Tommy DDVO

The evolution of an artist is at the very essence of fulfillment when peers and fans alike acknowledge and appreciate the commitment to mastering the craft.

Upcoming100 Staff

Upcoming100 Staff

Article Manager

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How long have you been in the music industry and has music always been a part of your life?

I just got in the music industry from a professional standpoint in 2016. But music has been a part of my life for the past 15 years.

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “music is what I want to do”?

Yes! I knew in 2003 that I wanted to do music for the rest of my life, but I was faced with a very difficult decision to make. Do I abandon my wife and son for the illusion of fame and fortune? Or do I be a real man and take care of my family? At 37, I look back in hindsight and know that I made the right decision.

What inspires you (or your music)?

The substance of life inspires me and my music to be a catalyst for change.

Who’s on your iTunes playlist?

Actually, I don’t have an iTunes playlist. I stream via Amazon Prime, The songs I listen to most are considered Epic music, the kind you would here in movie soundtracks without the words.

The project you are currently promoting, how did the idea for it come about?

Simple! The Idea for Catalyst for Momentum came about for two reasons, 1) At 37 it’s now or never

2) I literally used this EP as the catalyst to launch my career, and most are in disbelief that it’s actually working. The silhouette of the man jumping of a mountain on the cover art is an accurate representation of me resigning from a good job and literally jumping off a cliff to pursue my dreams.

There are thousands of artists trying to do what you are doing, what do you think gives you an advantage to break into mainstream America?

Vision: knowing who I want to be, do and have through self-education. Prior to launching my project, I created a visionboard and made some investments to fill in the gaps of my own knowledge about how the business works and how it’s changed. Clarity makes all the difference in the world.

My advantage is in the versatility of being a very passionate and meticulous writer. Therefore, I don’t do what most rappers do, which is, try to out rap another artist. I see that as a waste of my time and talent. So I out song people, which creates a more meaningful and interesting challenge.

I’ve heard your latest music and it’s amazing! I can definitely tell your sound has evolved over the past few years from previous songs we’ve heard from you online. What are your thoughts on the evolution of an artist and the evolution of music today?

The evolution of an artist is at the very essence of fulfillment when peers and fans alike acknowledge and appreciate the commitment to mastering the craft.

The evolution of music today gives me mixed feelings. On one hand, (depending on artist & genre) today’s music inspires and motivates. On the other hand, it’s a sad state of affairs when the majority of mainstream songs promote a death culture.

Do you have other passions in life? Do you believe passion is an essential part of success?

Yes! I’m passionate about speaking as well as mentoring! Yes! Passion is an essential part of success. Without passion, most could not endure the setbacks that are a part of every journey that leads to success.

With your current success and working with a renowned PR firm such as Starlight PR, What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career who doesn't even have a studio to record but would love to do what you are doing now?

The best advice I could offer is A) start small, buy a great songwriting book, actually read it and learn how to become a good writer. B) Once you become a good writer, go with what you got. Never wait till you get all your ducks in a row to get started, cause you’ll never get all those ducks in a row…