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Writer's pictureCali Avenue Promotions

Meet T.O.L.A.



We have been blessed with the opportunity to work with T.O.L.A.! Here is our interview with them where we got to know them better!


Tell us about yourself! What should people know about you?


I’m T.O.L.A. and I’m a Nigerian-American artist from the Bay Area, now based in LA. I grew up singing in the church and so gospel has always been a strong influence for me. I was inspired to create music to process the passing of my father and I hope that my music helps people to find comfort and joy in their lives.


How long have you been making music and what or who inspired you to do so?


Music is a new endeavor for me but honestly, I’ve been around music my whole life. I grew up singing in the church choir and then sang in an acapella group in college. And now, I always go back to music to heal and process what’s happening in life. But what really inspired me to make music was Beyoncé’s LEMONADE. I was so floored by how she was able to take such immense pain and turn it into something beautiful and healing, not only for her and her family but for the world as well.


We are aware not everyone makes music the same. What is your creative process like?


I definitely lean towards melodies first. I like to record ideas on my phone - little bits and pieces of ideas of songs - and then see which melodic themes grab my attention. Then I start to put together lyrics based on the themes/emotions I want to explore. I’m very grateful to have amazing collaborators like Nick Peters (who co-wrote and co-produced my EP) who is able to take my pieces of song ideas and help me shape it into a larger song. 

Once the demo is done, I like working with amazing producers to polish the sound/composition. Shout out to my producers Zach Calluori and Devin O’Bannon for translating the lyrical work to something more polished and complete!


Is there any advice you would give to upcoming artists?


It’s easy to feel overwhelmed but it’s important to realize the power of slow steps every day. By taking 1-2 hours a day to work on a song/project, eventually it gets done! So I would say it’s ok to start small but stay consistent.


Who would you say is the best artist of all time?


I would say my personal favorite artist is Beyoncé but in terms of their catalog and their impact on the world I would say Aretha Franklin (Michael Jackson and Prince are also up there!!).


Where can people find you on social media?


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