RB Exclusive Interview: TOKiMONSTA

LA-based DJ and producer TOKiMONSTA has always danced to her own unique beat. Her individualistic and optimistic outlook on life has allowed her to become one of today’s most inspiring and accomplished musicians. Like any great artist, TOKiMONSTA has consistently worked hard while adhering to her vision. Her all-encompassing eccentric mix of instrumental hip-hop, electro-pop, and futuristic house music has always reflected her powerful message of remaining true to oneself.

TOKiMONSTA is currently on her Booms and Blooms Tour where she’ll be headed to Sunbar in Tempe this next month! I had the chance to chat with TOKi ahead of her tour stop and discuss what fans can expect, what inspires her, and learn a little bit more about her life-changing story. Check it out below:

How has the beginning of your Booms and Blooms Tour been? 

It’s been amazing so far. It’s just the beginning though. There’s so many more incredible moments to be had.

What can fans expect from your show with us at Sunbar next month? 

My show is an exploration of music. We will be weaving through different genres and moods. I really want to present the audience with an experience that they can’t get at home. 

“Creating music for the sake of happiness” is one of my favorite quotes of yours. How has music kept you upbeat through difficult times? 

No matter what life throws at you, we have music to turn to.  Songs offer us these magical frequencies that can be our soundtrack, our healing, our therapist, our booster, all the things.  

In 2015, you battled a rare disease called Moyamoya. Through your recovery, there was a period where you lived in a world without music. When you started regaining your cognitive functions, was there a specific frequency or song that suddenly made sense? 

Music didn’t really come back to me like that. It was more that my brain was able to understand, and translate sound into music again, very gradually. There wasn’t an exact moment, but more little nuances that began to appear again.

What does your creative process look like when it comes to producing? Do you feel that it has changed over time? 

I think it’s always been the same, highly motivated by inspiration, mood and the exploration of sound. Technical approaches have definitely evolved, as I know more now than I did when I first started. 

You are one of the most inspiring and innovative producers in the industry, what or who inspires you most?

I’m inspired by so many different things. People inspire me, like Bjork or my mom. Moments inspire me, like playing an incredible festival like Coachella. Food inspires me, so does visual art, films, hanging out with friends, it’s really just living life. 

You’ve recently started sharing more of your digital art, how would you describe your artistic style when it comes to NFTs? 

I haven’t shared any of my visual art as NFT’s though I have collaborated with amazing visual artists to soundtrack their motion graphics. I have worked with music NFT’s which is a special way to reward people for supporting your music. 

We’ve really enjoyed your recent remix of David Bowie’s “Golden Years.” Can fans look forward to any more new music from you this summer? 

Nothing is announced officially, but yessss. 

TOKiMONSTA will be bringing her Booms and Blooms Tour to Sunbar in Tempe, AZ this July 14th! With support from BKLAVA, this show is sure to be electric. Get more info and grab your tickets here!

Connect with TOKiMONSTA: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud