At 22, most people are trying to figure out their goals and passions. For TommyHill, upcoming rapper and singer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this age marks the beginning of a fulfilling career, one that is fueled by his passion for stories and a drive to connect with people.
He tells it all in this interview, letting us into the inner workings of his melodious world and the motivation that drives his art.
Tell me about yourself
My name is TommyHill. I am a 22-year-old singer and songwriter from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I got into music about a year ago, and I released my debut single, First Ten, last month. Right now, it has gotten over 150,000 streams on Spotify.
I am driven by a deep need to have my voice heard, so I put my heart into every note of my music. I believe every song has a meaning and I am the storyteller.
When did you fall in love with music and how long have you been actively pursuing your dreams?
I like to say I did not fall in love with music. I struggle with a primal pain that chooses to express itself through music. The songs we listen to impact all of us in different ways. Sometimes we are not even aware of this. I make music that speaks directly to people at their lowest points, music that helps them understand what they are going through.
I have been pushing my craft for a year now and it has been a fulfilling ride. I plan to remain focused and continue to pursue my dreams.
What obstacles have you faced so far and how did you overcome these obstacles?
My biggest enemy is myself. For a long time, I have been lost in my own head, drowning in hurtful memories and pain that I would rather forget. Whenever I put all of myself into telling the story of the music, it all starts to come back to me.
When that happens, I remind myself that I am on the most important journey of my life. I am the bearer of a message that demands to be heard and I can’t stop until I achieve that.
What differentiates you from other artistes?
I always remain myself. That is the biggest point that sets me apart from any other rapper or artiste out there.
What I do is bigger than dropping a few hot bars and rhyming through the verses. I know in my heart that I have to make music for people who have been broken and are struggling through life. My audience is the source of my passion.
How do you keep off stress and avoid burnout?
When the outside world starts to get to me, I isolate myself. I find a lot of solace in my own company. Closing off for a while gives me time to reflect on what is going on around me and understand my own reactions.
What is your best advice for those looking to pursue their dreams?
It is now or never, buddy. You need to jump right now because if you don’t believe in yourself first, nobody else is going to believe in you. So start right now, keep grinding through everything, and one day you will shine from the top.
You can connect with TommyHill on Instagram @Tommyhill2x_, other platforms @Tommyhill