Theo Tams is back with a summertime pop track, “Limbo”
Canadian pop artist Theo Tams has unveiled his new pop single “Limbo.” The stream of consciousness f-you to a manipulative ex grapples with the experience of being with someone who is indecisive, stringing you along until you’re no longer needed.
Over classic pop harmonies and upbeat production, Tams tells a stream-of-consciousness tale about dodging a bullet. Playful energy and melodies contrast with the recognition of being hurt and setting out to find someone who treasures what you have to offer.
Listen to “Limbo” below, and find out more about Theo via our 10-question interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey, whats uppp!? I’m a singer-songwriter from Toronto. I’ve been in the industry for about 15 years now, and I feel like I’m finally at the point where I’m releasing music on my own terms and steering my own ship creatively, it took a while, but I really stoked to be at the place I am now.
You have unveiled your new single, “Limbo” what can you tell us about the writing process and inspiration behind the single?
“Limbo” literally wrote itself. We had the entire song written and recorded in a couple of hours. I love when songs are created this way; there is something super special about everything just falling into place. It almost feels like I’m just channeling something from the universe, which is much bigger than myself.
I wrote “Limbo” about how it feels to be strung along by someone- they can’t decide whether you’re something worth fighting for or something worth discarding, so you’re kind of just left in this Limbo stage. It’s a really shitty feeling to be left wondering whether or not you’re even worth it in the first place, but this song acted as a catalyst to finding my inner worth.
The single is a summertime pop jam. Will you be playing it live anywhere this summer?
I’m actually gearing up to head overseas for the first time! I have some really great shows booked in Norway in September, and then I’m headed to Denmark to write more songs for the upcoming Trilogy.
Previous to this release, you unveiled a series of 3-song Eps, entitled Trilogy I, Trilogy II, and Trilogy III. How did you come up with the idea for this type of release?
I knew I wanted to do something different. I am constantly being inspired by different sounds and different feelings. I always want my music to directly represent my life and what I’m currently going through and unpacking. A full-length album is a wonderful thing, but there are so many constraints to it- I love the idea that these trilogies allow each song to have its own breath, its own moment. Creatively it’s been really freeing because it allows me to focus on three tracks that tell a cohesive story but also can stand alone as singles. I love that my audience can look back and say, “Look at the growth since Trilogy I” or ” Trilogy II is more emotional, Trilogy IV has more swag” They become more identifiable, and I love that.
Can we expect a full-length album anytime soon?
There is always the option of repackaging everything in a “deluxe” form, adding acoustic mixes, adding some new tracks, and giving everything another big push as a full-length album, but I’m not sure yet. I’m really focusing on just building the brand and letting each Trilogy be a stepping stone to something bigger. “Limbo is the start” of Trilogy IV, and Trilogy V is already in the works.
While the pandemic was taking over our lives, how did you stay up to date with your fans?
I think that the pandemic taught all of us, artists, especially, to be more resilient and resourceful. Live streaming and zoom concerts were not part of my weekly tasks before at all, and now they’re almost daily. I’ve been fortunate to build a really incredible audience on TikTok, and the community I’ve built there has been a highlight of the last couple of years. It’s amazing to know that there is an audience waiting to listen and support me whenever I feel like sharing my music or telling more of my story… it’s been a really unexpected blessing.
What is your current go-to road trip song?
I still stan Carly Rae Jepsen so damn hard. “Too Much” is my go-to road trip jam.
Who would you say has remained a constant when you think of your main influences through the years?
Tracy Chapman, Amy Winehouse, Adele, Bob Marley
When I think of the word limbo, one thing immediately comes to mind, the classic party game. So we must ask, have you played, and how low can you go?
Hahaha, this gives me such a good idea for content…. stay tuned and watch out for new TikTok videos if you reeeeaally want the answer to this question 😉
What is your main goal for the remainder of 2022?
To continue sorting through trauma and healing, focusing on sobriety, channeling all my emotions into writing and music, and trying to find small pieces of peace and contentment every day. My definition of success has changed so very much over the last couple of years; I’m really beginning to try to put my focus into enjoying the journey and allowing pieces to fall where they will. All I can do is continue to write, record, release, and work hard, and the rest will happen as it’s meant to. There is so much freedom in that.