Tommi Aura is an androgynous artist taking over pop music. Their sound can be described as experimental pop with elements of electronic and dance. Aura has an extensive career in modeling, having worked with clients such as Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, Vogue Magazine, Elle Magazine and Chanel just to name a few. Taking from their fashion experience, Aura merges the fashion with their music to create a dynamic experience for any observer of the Aura brand. Aura just released their debut EP titled, “AUDACITY” this month. An immersive experience into a world of pop, electronic and dance music. With stories of toxic relationships, self healing and embracing your confidence and who you are. Welcome to the world of Tommi Aura.
Tell us about this new EP and why you called it AUDACITY?
In 2022 I was in a toxic relationship and while I was in it, during one of our normal chats where I was being gaslighted and manipulated, the person said something along the lines of “what gives you the audacity to think you’d be better off without me?” After that, I decided I wanted to create a project called AUDACITY as a formal f-you. The idea was to release singles in all lower case spelling, except for one or two letters and by the end of the year, the capital letters would announce my EP name. In 2023 I did just that! The momentum of last year has led to the release of my debut EP and I couldn’t be more excited.
You talk about toxic relationships a lot. How do you stay away from them?
When you are in a toxic relationship, it’s really easy to beat yourself up and feel guilty for getting into a situation like that. What I’ve learned is that getting out is not only the most important thing, but once you leave, there is a way you can look back on the situation and be grateful. Gratitude for further information on what to avoid, red flags and promising yourself you’ll never end up in a relationship like that again. For me, it’s about learning what doesn’t work and checking in with myself to make sure I never fall into a toxic trap like that.
Photography Larsen Sotelo
Style, makeup & hair by Tommi Aura
How did toxic relationships and toxic people inspire your creativity daily?
I think when you’re in the thick of a toxic relationship it can be really hard to stay in touch with your creativity. Naturally, I was detached from life and myself as a whole. I was not myself when I was in this toxic relationship. But taking at least a moment for myself every day to write a song, jot down an idea or be around other creatives helped keep the spark alive. Even if it’s tiny, all you need is the spark. Once I got out of the relationship, the spark turned into flames.
What’s the most representative track on the EP and why?
The track that represents the EP the best is definitely the title track, “Audacity”. Not just because it’s the title track, but also the message behind the song really encapsulates what I was trying to convey in this body of work. The whole meaning behind the song speaks to being in a rough space (specifically an abusive situation), recognizing your worth, leaving and having the AUDACITY to not only move on and become your best self, but also embracing your confidence and who you are. I want people to feel inspired and empowered after listening to this EP and that’s why this track is so special and is also the last song off the EP.
What have you learned from working in fashion for so long?
Working in fashion has heavily impacted my music and artistry. Not only has it helped me create my own brand, but it’s given me an edge to the visuals and content I put out into the world. I was raised in fashion, so I grew up watching people with incredible work-ethics, stunning eyes for the unique and eccentric and I learned what it means to have a vision and make it come to life. You can speak to people without speaking to people. That’s what fashion is and that’s why it’s so powerful. I believe I take that strength into my own artistry today.
How do you cultivate your looks and aesthetics to be a part of your persona?
Because I was raised in fashion, style and aesthetic comes easy to me. I am also comfortable in my skin today and in my identity, which also heavily informs my look. Knowing who I am and the kind of artistry I want to share makes it really easy to know how I want to dress and present to the world.
What are the next steps for you after this EP?
After this EP debuts, I am going to be touring this summer and fall with different festivals and shows which I’m SO excited about! I’ve been in the studio working on new music and my dream is to drop an album at some point soon. I also have new merch coming out and some exciting collaborations on the horizon. There’s definitely no slowing down anytime soon, so be sure to stay tuned!
