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> [A post shared by Tommy Newport (@tommy.newport)](https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzv1-impOBb/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading) on Jul 10, 2019 at 12:13pm PDT
[Tommy Newport’s](https://www.instagram.com/tommy.newport/) new single “Holy Water” showcases a tune he’s been itching to sing. The song fuses elements of gritty funk, retro psychedelia, and is layered with Newport’s yearning yet seasoned voice. Newport follows his past single “Movie Screen” which soared through the charts after appearing on Youtube Series [COLORS](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dz-2y40ffRU&feature=youtu.be). He recently announced his forthcoming EP, _Tommy Gun_, which will be released October 2nd.
In “Holy Water” Newport’s tranquil vocals glide over lush, groovy guitar riffs. At times, he whispers in our ear; others, he commands questions, “Baby will you take me for a fool? I hope you don’t.” Newport does not rely too heavily on a sticky beat, as the lyrics hold up on their own. The lyrics croon with a piercing wistfulness, rattling in Newport’s throat. “Holy Water” is riveting jam, streaked with nostalgia and the purity of any blessed water.
Check out the Q&A below, where Newport talks what inspired _Tommy Gun_, how “Holy Water” illustrates his growth as an artist, dream collaborations, and more!
**Anyone who listens to your music witnesses your dedication to classic rock, but also the modern beats you embed to make it your own. How do you preserve these roots, while adding your own dreamy pop to it, without sacrificing integrity?**
Being inspired by my roots plays a major role in the way I write my music. Without influences I wouldn’t have anything to be inspired by to make my own music. Growing up learning all of my favorites on guitar those licks and chord progressions come through in my own writing. It’s like learning mannerisms and morals from your parents, you aren’t exactly like them but you resemble them. Being in a new era with merging genres, new production techniques and having big studio abilities on a laptop allowed me to take something simple on a guitar and add everything my heart desires. With and endless catalog of sounds and software I am able to combine my influences and create something new and make it different. It’s like biting two different colored gummy bears in half and sticking them together.
**You write, produce, and record all your own music. Which part of the process is most difficult for you? Which comes the most naturally?**
I think none of it is easy but at the same time none of it is hard. It all depends on the song you’re working on and the environment you’re in. Some songs from the minute you begin just fall together perfectly and the creativity just flows. Some times a song will stump you and show you that there is room to improve and learn new things and I welcome both. To complete a song fully takes a long time sometimes and I’m grateful to have 4th Pyramid take my ideas to the next level. He's able to enhance the fidelity of my tracks and master them exactly how I would if I had the experience he has. Writing and producing is one thing but mixing and mastering can put a song on the back burner if you can’t get it to sound right. Some songs have a more lackadaisical approach and others have a really clear cut process, it all depends on the day.
**Is there an element of your new single “Holy Water” that illustrates how you’ve grown as an artist? In what way?**
Definitely, I believe this is the beginning of the type of music I have been trying to make all my career. I didn’t know it in the moment but once it’s all ready to go I realized it was something extremely refreshing and something I am super proud of. It opened a door to a sound that I am heavily diving into while working on my next project. It’s new for me, it’s funky, groovy and I can’t wait to play it live. That’s all I really look for in my music. I had the pleasure of working with Adrian Bellaire, a great producer on this record, and also 4th Pyramid on the record, who worked on production for the entire EP.
**Where did the inspiration for your new EP Tommy Gun come from? Is there an intended goal or message of Tommy Gun that you worked to enunciate on?**
Tommy Gun is an EP of upbeat love songs. All grooves that will distract you from the lyrics that aren’t so upbeat. Past tangos with lovers and the realism of conjoining two completely different lives, expecting the best and it doesn’t always work. The title was born on a escapade with Dylan Frost after a show on tour. He referred to me that night as Tommy Gun, and I liked the idea of using it as a song or project title.
**Does being from Wichita, Kansas have any impact on your sound? If so, in what way?**
I don’t think it particularly does but it may in ways I am not aware of. Wichita is a beautiful small town in the Midwest with limited forms of entertainment. In a big city with tons of people and things to do I don’t think I wound have written half the songs I have now. Being here I get bored easily and when I get bored I write music for hours and hours. I owe it to Wichita for not being such a distracting city but a place I can get my priories in check and spend too much time making music. The community of musicians here is quite large for the same reasons. I am surrounded by song writers and people who love music because there’s not a lot to do around here other than going to all of your friends local gigs.
**Who is your dream artist to collab with on a song?**
I would love to write with Brittany Howard from the Alabama Shakes. She was a big influence on my music and she is a true talent, I would enjoy that a lot. There are so many on my list though, so many great artists today.
**What upcoming projects are you working on?**
Currently working on my sophomore album. I am really taking my time making sure everything makes sense and has a purpose. I want to pay respects to my influences and make something timeless. Something so grand and spectacular that tells stories of many of my favorite moments in time. I'm looking forward to completing it and showing the world.
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