British composer and producer residing in Pontevedra, Thom Archi, releases his debut album co(m)ping (Esmerarte, 2024), which is now available on all digital platforms. You can listen to it here:

https://orcd.co/comping_thomarchi

co(m)pingIt is a concept album with a Pop – Electronic base guided by dark sounds close to classic Post Punk along with the influence of Hip Hop that was already marked by Thom’s first EP, THOMO. A cocktail of different musical genres that true music lovers will delight.

This album is a sample of the musical maturity of this almost 24-year-old young man who, influenced by artists such as James Blake, Fred Again or Tyler, The Creator amazes with his compositional capacity and originality. 

The album was produced by the artist himself together with Iago Lorenzo (Agoraphobia, Furious Monkey House), Iván Blanco and Gonzalo Maceira (Furious Monkey House) and was mastered by Grammy winner Robin Schmidt (Charli XCX, The 1975, Giant Rooks, $oho Bani).

 

What’s the story behind co(m)ping?

I’ve been writing these songs for years, and I tried to make them as honest as possible. I think that’s the common thread—they reflect my experience transitioning into adulthood and how I’ve navigated all the changes that came with it.

Why did you decide to mix post-punk and hip hop in this project?

They’re just genres I love and that naturally come out when I’m writing. The sounds from my favorite music always find their way into my tracks. It wasn’t a deliberate decision—it’s more like a natural reflection of what I listen to and what inspires me.

What’s the main message on this record?

I wasn’t really aiming for a specific message. My main goal was just to make a good album. I wanted to create something I’d love if I were my own favorite artist and give listeners the same kind of experience I’ve had with albums over the years.

What’s the most representative track, and why?

I’d have to say the intro, y2k. It’s one of the simpler tracks, and maybe not my personal favorite, but it introduces the album’s theme both lyrically and sonically. It’s a great way to invite listeners into my world, which is why it’s the opener.

What inspired your sound for this record?

Honestly, it’s a mix of all the music I love. I’ve experimented with different sounds at different times, but for this album, I wasn’t trying to follow any particular style. I just wanted the songs to sound as good as they could to me. That’s what I appreciate about Pop—it doesn’t have strict rules, and you can borrow elements from any genre that resonates with you.

Who is your favorite artist of all time, and why?

That’s a really hard question. I’ve always loved Coldplay’s early albums, and twenty one pilots have stuck with me for years. But honestly, there’s so much music I love that it’s impossible to choose just one.

What are some other topics and themes you want to explore with your music?

I’m not completely sure—it usually depends on how I’m feeling at the time. I do know that I’d like to explore more positive themes in the future. My life isn’t as dark as my music might make it seem.

How has your sound evolved since your debut?

The types of music I love haven’t really changed, so in that sense, my sound hasn’t shifted too much. But I’ve definitely gotten better at producing and songwriting, so I’d say my sound has matured. I hope that growth is something people will notice in my future work.

What are your plans for 2025?

Right now, my main focus is on concerts and creating new music. I haven’t been writing for a while, so I’m really looking forward to getting back into it and seeing where the new songs take me.