In this interview spotlight, I chat with David Tomaszewski about the latest project – TESSÆ‘s Bling, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

I’m eclectic. The label commissioner called me for the job. I liked the song, ideas came. I said “OK let’s do it !” 😉

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

11 years as a music video director.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

Film scores and soundtracks by John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Johnny Greenwood, or Trent Reznor.And electronic bands like Boards of Canada, Jackson and His Computer Band, Peter Fox, Square Pusher, Aphex Twin.They all keep me going.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

Creating fresh content, never-seen before footage, shots, original ideas.On my last video Tessæ -“Bling” : make it as appealing as possible, despite the low-budget and the lockdown situation, not letting the audience be bored for a second, and make it as fun, thrilling and fast as a roller coaster, above the satire genre and the social commentary.

What was the last song you listened to?

“Ill Manors” by Plan B.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

At home: Vinyl. Vinyl records are an obsession.On the move : Mp3s, it’s just easier to carry as it’s in my phone. But the sound is always better on Vinyls.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I like playlists with no ads in the middle. Spotify or Apple are for great for that. But I’m still old school. I just put on a record on the turntable, or I create my own playlist on itunes.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

So as a music video director, the challenge is for the audience to not skip the video after 5 seconds, and then keep them interested and hypnotized or mesmerized enough so they can watch the whole thing, until the last note / second.You need to catch the viewer’s attention with the first shot, the 5 first seconds. Otherwise the listeners/viewers will just scroll through it or just skip, or close the window.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

I direct music videos for artists, and people watch them on youtube or TV. I am the man in the shadow ;)Live: they can see me backstage, when the band invites me for a gig.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

www.davidktom.comIG : davidktom

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Keep creative. Keep positive !