We Speak Indie Artist
Tonner Shares Captivating New Single “Volcano”
With his acclaimed 2020 EP, Whispers in the Dark, Tonner stepped out from behind the scenes and into the limelight. After producing and touring with dozens of artists over nearly 10 years, Tonner finally established himself as an artist in his own right. “As a producer, I simply focus on helping an artist make music that they want to hear,” says Tonner. “That’s exactly what I’m out to do with my songs. I wouldn’t release anything unless it feels 100% real to me.”
In between his continuing work as a full-time member of TikTok indie breakout band The 502s, Tonner spent the last couple of years trickling out new solo songs and videos at a regular clip. These songs will culminate in his first full-length album, Walls Come Down, taking both his sound and his songwriting into new territory. “Things were already crazy in 2020 but Whispers was mostly me writing about my own life,” he comments. “There’s still some of that, but this time I’ve got a lot more to say about everything going on outside my four walls.” He recently unveiled the first single off of the aforementioned LP via “Volcano”. The captivating track is a hybrid-infused track that highlights his versatility and is well worth the listen! Tonner’s album Walls Come Down is due out in September 2022, and will feature the “Volcano” and more music. Keep your eyes on Tonner!
North London’s 4t9 isn’t just stepping into the UK rap scene – he’s kicking the door wide open with his debut single, “Freedom”. Blending hard-hitting drill beats with motivational lyricism, 4t9’s arrival feels bold, intentional, and impossible to ignore. While drill music often leans on themes of street life and bravado, “Freedom” carves out its own lane, focusing on self-belief, focus, and determination.
From the opening bars, 4t9’s delivery is sharp and direct. His tone carries a hunger that feels authentic, as he weaves between gritty observations and personal affirmations. The hook – “It’s been about freedom, it’s been about racks” – becomes a powerful mantra, embodying 4t9’s belief in chasing success on his own terms. There’s no reliance on empty bravado here; instead, 4t9 taps into the mindset of someone who’s faced challenges but refuses to let them define his path.
His verses showcase a knack for clever wordplay. Lines like “In Paris riding the metro / I’ve been wavy from the get-go / I still compete and I get gold / That’s the 9 on me like Crespo” highlight his ability to blend cultural references with sharp storytelling. He paints pictures of grind and grit, but it’s always laced with a forward-thinking attitude.
The track’s production matches this energy, with a brooding instrumental that balances dark, rolling basslines with crisp percussion. It’s the kind of beat that demands attention, creating the perfect backdrop for 4t9’s powerful delivery. Meanwhile, the track’s structure keeps momentum high, with the hook acting as a grounding point that ties the themes together.
Adding to the track’s impact is its visually striking music video, directed by ODXC. The visuals mirror the song’s intensity, capturing 4t9’s commanding presence as he delivers each bar with conviction. The sleek visuals, combined with the track’s unrelenting energy, make “Freedom” feel like a real statement piece.
With this debut release, 4t9 shows he’s not here to follow trends – he’s here to create his own lane. His blend of raw authenticity, sharp lyricism, and motivational energy makes this debut impossible to overlook. If “Freedom” is just the starting point, there’s no telling how far 4t9’s ambition will take him.
-
We Speak Actors1 week agoInterview with Leonid Andronov, author of ‘First Draft Survival Guide’
-
We Speak Music1 week agoRising Stars Roundup: Ant Cee, Apollo Forbes, and More
-
We Speak Indie Artist7 days agoRapper 4t9 Sets The Tone For His Career With Powerful Debut Single “Freedom”
-
We Speak Hip-Hop1 week agoBX Indie Sensation LadiiB Returns With “Love That Last” Gearing Up For “Ladii’s Way” EP