Interview: Timomatic

I was lucky enough to have a great chat to Timomatic on Friday and chat about his album and everything that has been happening!

He hit the ground running here in NZ, highlights included playing acoustically at the radio stations and his dance off with Flynny from ZM.

Do you get nervous playing acoustically?

I used to, but as long as I prepare I feel good, I mean we are all human and it is live, so if you muck up, you just keep going you know.

What is your favourite track on the album?

Track 13, because it is a biography of my career, my past, where I am now and where I want to go.

I love the cover

Thank you – everyone else is doing more of a dress in black kind of look, I wanted something different, especially for my first album.

Do you have much say in all the decisions that are made?

Most definitely, I have passion and drive and have proved myself from the release of my first single.

You work really hard!

I like to compare it to a duck. On the surface the water is calm and smooth but underneath the legs are working so hard. That’s how it should be. People just see the glitz and the glamour of the surface, not the hard work.

What would your advice be to upcoming artists or people looking at pursuing music as a career?

Definitely honing your craft, but also knowing who you are, and knowing where you want to aim to. Be specific. Know who you are trying to reach.

What are your big goals at the moment?

Personally, winning or being nominated for an ARIA award!

What drives you?

I am driven internally. Wanting to achieve for me.

How do you separate constructive criticism from just criticism?

You have to keep an ear to the street, just one ear though. Keep moving forward. Especially with pop music, which is always changing, if a track doesn’t work, bring out another one. You just have to keep moving forward!

Tell me about the tone of the album!

This album is a lot more upbeat than I had thought it would be. It has a mix of tracks. MJ said when he was creating Thriller he said why can every track be a hit, and that’s what I wanted for my album.

What is the most validating experience?

People singing your songs back to you. I live for that connection. No matter how many times you have sung a song, it’s always an amazing moment, hands up and eyes closed singing your songs, it’s the best.

Who do you look at and take ideas from?

Usher and Neyo – it’s always good to watch them and see what they are doing and learn and take things on board.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

Hunger and humility – you should always stay hungry to learn more and be more and stay humble, you can never put a foot wrong. “Wear it around your neck like two chains”.

Also – take time to smell the roses, being a perfectionist you can suck the joy out of things. It’s important to take time to switch off.

How do you relax and take care of yourself?

I think to learn how to be “on” you also have to learn how to switch “off” so you master power naps. Be placid at times so you can turn “on” when you need to.