Two peace signs, a wide grin and a pair of jeweled sunglasses: before "I Got That Glow" even starts, the cover tells you this isn't going to be a quiet song. Tony Thames is both the voice and the producer behind it.
From Finance Days to Basement Nights
Tony Thames is a Brooklyn-based artist whose love of music started on an unplanned trip to Texas, at a time when chopped and screwed was everywhere. He spent that trip in the garage studio of a family friend, where the keyboards and machines hooked him and he came up with his own production language of symbols and colors. In 2008 a Roland Fantom-X6 keyboard sealed the deal. Days working at JP Morgan and nights in a basement studio led to his first album, New York Is Trying To Kill Me, which he wrote, produced, mixed and mastered himself.
One Artist, Two Jobs
That do-it-yourself streak runs straight through "I Got That Glow." The credits list Tony Thames on vocals and as the studio producer, and the single is released under his own name. Clocking in just under three minutes, it's a compact pop record that gets to the point and leaves before it outstays its welcome. The title does a lot of the talking: it points to feeling good in your own skin, and the artwork backs that up with sparkle from top to bottom.
It also shows how wide his range is. Earlier this month we wrote about "Bad Photo", a very different side of his catalog, and his website also points to songs like "Thirsty" and "It's Alright".
A Personal Stamp
A lot of polished pop passes through many hands before it reaches you. "I Got That Glow" goes the other way: one artist in the vocal booth and behind the desk, which gives the single a personal stamp. Add a cover that radiates good mood, and the package feels all of a piece.
Final Thoughts
"I Got That Glow" is a short, self-made burst of confidence from a Brooklyn artist who has been building songs in basements since 2008. It's over before you know it: does that short runtime leave you wanting one more chorus, or is it exactly the right length? Tell us in the comments.
A Tip for Independent Artists
Tony Thames writes, sings and produces his own records, which means every release decision is his. If you work the same way, keep the distribution side just as simple. DistroKid (affiliate link) lets you upload once and reach Spotify, Apple Music, Deezer and YouTube Music, and this link cuts 7% off your membership.
