In this interview, we have a virtual pow wow with Murfreesboro, Tennessee native Toni Baldwin to discuss influences, her upcoming project, and more.

Q&A, links, and a stream of her EP Contra: RELOADED below. Be on the lookout for forthcoming project (aka click the links and follow her to stay up to date).

https://soundcloud.com/tonibaldwin/sets/contra-reloaded

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

I’ve been making music since 2005. I’m from Murfreesboro and I went to the little music shop in the square and got a mic and I’ve been recording ever since.

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

I get a lot of inspiration from The Maine, Beck, Dave Matthews, bands and musicians like that. I love that alternative sound. And what keeps me going is my love of sharing music. I love it.

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

I really want to establish myself more as a musician than I did with my EP. I just sent my album off to be mixed and mastered and I pulled a Taylor Swift and wrote all the songs on the record myself. I want to show people that I’m a real musician. So my debut album will be out VERY soon but right now everyone can check out my EP, Contra: RELOADED.

What was the last song you listened to?

The last song I listened to was “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” by Arctic Monkeys.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I prefer CDs. My favorite part about getting a new album is looking through the booklet because it’s an extension of the music. It gives you a visual other than a music video.

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

Apple Music all the way! I like being able to use Apple Music to connect with fans through Apple Music Connect, and the fact that you can literally stream almost anything. I never got into Spotify or Bandcamp like that.

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?

The biggest challenge is that everyone can be their own record label and release music. So anyone can release a song and it could go viral or you can release your best song and get no attention at all.

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

Now that my album is complete, I’m going to be doing shows around Atlanta and Nashville areas soon. I’m working on finalizing all of the dates for that.

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

The best place to connect with me online is any of my social media accounts, my username is @tonibaldwin on everything. To listen to my music, I’m on every available music platform.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Shout out to you guys for featuring me! Thank you so much for the hometown support and having me on MiddleTennesseeMusic.com!!