A brand new single from Tony Aye! brings that reggaeton flavor crossed with a crisp dance undertone, bright synths, and plenty of character and swagger to boot.
"Pompeii" is an absolute blast from beginning to end and takes straight to the dance floor with its addictive beat and energy.
Seriously, you can't not dance to this track. You'll be shaking your ass in your seat with thin the first fifteen seconds flat.
In true genuine reggaeton style, the single captures the right rhythm and Tony brings his best performance with a killer attitude and approach throughout the songs course. And no, it never lets up.
This was bright and colorful as it bumps the bass and gives off that allure and sexiness a track like this is meant to.
"Pompeii" definitely delivers and it's completely perfect for a party or the club at anytime day or night.
You start this track up and the party will surely get started right quick.
With the release of such a vibrant new single, we wanted to have a quick chat with Tony to find out where this came from and what may be nest for the artist.
Here's what happened.
RAG: Okay so let's start with "Pompeii". The track has such a full reggaeton feel to it! Where did this single come from?
Sex! Lol but no really. I wanted Pompeii to really communicate that feeling you get when you’re in that mood to throw caution to the wind and “risk it all” with someone . It tell the story of a conversation between two people who are flirting after just meeting and eventually giving into their desires. I recently tapped into my sexuality in a new and expressive way and I decided to write this song as kind of an anthem for sexual liberalism and exploration. I wanted it to be sensual, adventurous, and honestly a little raunchy but in an intense and intentional way. So it just seemed like the best choice stylistically to tell the story. Music is best when it causes a strong emotional reaction for the listener and I wrote Pompeii to really leave you feeling flirty, playful, confident and of course sexy.
RAG: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I grew up loving all music but I was especially inspired by performers who really go beyond simply singing and give you an experience Michael & Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Usher, Britney Spears, Beyoncé,Ne-Yo,John Legend, Bruno Mars and more recently Todrick Hall & Lizzo . Of course they are all gonna sing but they are going to really give you a full show and tell a visual story with their music. RAG: So how did this all begin for you really?
When did you fall in love with making music? Since I was little. I’m truly a part of the music video generation I would watch them all day and learn every move and word and pretend it was me. Once I started taking lessons and performing at school I starting writing my first song ever was a 30 second bop(in my mind)back when singing your voicemail was super popular I even use it in a song when I became an Artist. I’ve always written about things and created a sonic visual to go with it and after my first experience in a studio as a teenager I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
I have so many amazing thing coming down the pipeline my full album Retrograde releases in July 1st it talks heavily about my personal growth coming out of the pandemic and tackle a lot a range of topics including love, loss, mental health, etc. it’s amazing and I’m really proud of it. I’ll also be gigging most of the summer and starting a podcast with a friend and fellow Artist Allie Jay. Plus I’ll be back in the studio soon working on my first holiday EP with Battle Dynasty Records a developing label started by one of my best friends and fellow Artist LeVar Harris Jr because why not!? My goal is to share as much Gay Boy Swag all over the world until y’all make me shut up and sit down lol.
RAG: What inspires you to write a song?
Life! I use music to help me express my inner most thoughts, feelings, insecurities and share experiences metaphorically that’s healing for me but also is expressive enough for every person listening to connect to their own experiences. I do my best writing when I’m going through or feeling passionately about something. When you hear my music you know it’s going to have layers and double meanings and I love that.
RAG: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I love to play video games, travel, experience new foods, dancing and I’ve always been a bit of a nerd so I love Anime, Professional Wrestling and binging movies. Most importantly I spend a lot of time with friends, family, my husband Joseph and my baby boy Jamahl who is my heart and soul. The past two years taught me nothing is promised not even life so keep it precious. I’m also an activist, teacher and major advocate for community and the arts. I founded an organization called Tony Aye Artistry Foundation Inc. That helps support indie music artists with resources, networking, Artist development and support they normally wouldn’t have access to and I recently became a Board of Director for GLSEN Maryland working to ensure safe spaces for LGBTQ+ Youth in schools and our community. RAG: Who are you listening to right now?
A lot! Lizzo , Sam Smith, Todrick Hall, Demi Lovato , Dua Lipa, Chloe Bailey, Lil Nas X and Shawn Mendes I’m also addicted to Ru Paul’s Drag Race so I listen to every song that comes from the show and the queens on the show. RAG: Are you doing live performances?
Yes I am performing anywhere the check clears lol. I perform monthly at a Baltimore event called the Artist Shed hosted by my nonprofit. I also have a few concerts and major shows coming this summer, the biggest two being my album release on July 1st at The Motorhouse in Baltimore, MD and In Toronto, Canada for Pride on June 25th! RAG: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
My best advice is to one be truly authentic to yourself in your music there is someone who is buying what you’re selling and also your success is based first and foremost on how you invest in yourself so make smart choices but move on your dreams and artistic aspirations.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
To my amazing fans( affectionately called D’AYE 1’s) I cannot thank you all enough for your support of my music and me! The response from fans has been overwhelming and the little gay black boy who grew up being teased and thinking this could never be my reality is beaming from ear to ear. I got much more coming so stay tune you won’t be disappointed!