Gogol Bordello’s Ethiopian Bassist Steps Up Front
By Uzy Igweatu
With established success as bass player for gypsy punk group, Gogol Bordello, Tommy T has struck out on his own with his first solo album, The Prester John Sessions. Born and raised in Addis Abada, Ethiopia, Tommy T has pulled from the many musical influences of his birthplace to bring us an impressive debut album and a closer look into Ethiopian culture.
AfriPOP!: So, The Prester John Sessions is your first solo album. However, you did get a chance to collaborate with your bandmates on some of the songs? How was that experience different from previous projects you’ve done as a part of Gogol Bordello?
Tommy T: Well, it’s not really that different. It’s easy for us to come together creatively, so this happened just like it always does. For one of the songs that we worked on together, we first heard the track while we were in Tokyo. We actually wrote the lyrics right there and then recorded the song in the hotel room. That’s just how it always is. We always come together really well.
AP: One thing that was different this time around was the musical style. Gogol Bordello is know for its gypsy punk sound, but on this album the music was very much inspired by Ethiopian music. What was the motivation behind pursuing this genre for your solo project?
Tommy T: I’ve always thought about doing a project like this. This album is just one way of expressing myself. I am from Ethiopia, so I wanted to express who I am and where I come from.
AP: Is there a common thread between both of those musical styles that you think Gogol Bordello fans can appreciate? Or was your intention to attract a whole new audience with this album?
Tommy T: I wasn’t really thinking about it that way when I decided to do the project. The commonality between Gogol Bordello is that we believe in music without boundaries – music that covers many genres and has no limitations. That’s just how Gogol Bordello is. In this album, you’ll hear influences of reggae, dance, funk, and jazz. Audience-wise, all audiences appreciate great music. Gogol Bordello fans are very intelligent and open-minded. So, while the energy of both sounds are different, the idea behind the music is the same.
AP: Definitely. And what kind of response have you been getting from international audiences so far? Do you feel like you’ve succeeded in bringing Ethiopian culture to the rest of the world?
Tommy T: I’ve been getting a really great response, actually. People who know Ethiopian music are very supportive. They love the sound and the production of the songs on the album. Those who have not heard Ethiopian music before love it even more, because it’s something new that they can appreciate. So the album is definitely doing its job.
AP: Naturally when you pull your inspiration from a specific culture or location, people want to hold you to that. While you are representing Ethiopian music and you are African, by origin, how do you feel about being labeled as an “African artist”?
Tommy T: Well, I don’t really care about being labeled. If you hear it and you like it, that’s all that matters. Personally, I don’t want to be put into labels, but if that’s what you need to do to make it marketable, then go ahead. For lack of a better term, this music is global. It’s for everyone. The inspiration for the album actually came out of me traveling around the world and listening to different types of music.
AP: So what’s next for you? How can people listen to the album and where can they find you?
Tommy T: I will always be involved in music, in some way, until I die. And I will always continue to promote great music. I am currently on tour with Gogol Bordello. We’ll also have a new project coming out next year. After touring, I’ll have some time off and then I’ll definitely be promoting this new album. In the meantime, you can check out my album. It’s available everywhere digitally and in stores, and on my label’s website, www.easystar.com
