Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonje. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Tonje’s music can’t be categorized; this Houston native’s music gives us the old throwback sounds with that sassy Rap/Hip-Hop, R&B with a touch of her southern charm. Her lyrics constantly captivates you, making you say, “What did she just say?”
But let’s go back for a minute. The Houston native started acting at a very young age, from being invited to NY Film Academy in LA at 12, doing small feature films having some of her work featured on the Disney channel, to eventually moving to LA for the summer at the age of 15 and having her own apartment in Burbank. This enabled her to make her dreams a reality and within a year co-founding/creating one of the world’s first Social Media Music Festivals right alongside mom called Virtuoso Fest. Before social media predominated, Tonje’ saw the value in connecting with people all over the world.
After the huge success of Virtuoso Fest, Tonje’ realized that she had more than just raw talent. So, she put herself back out there when it came to singing and acting. “It doesn’t matter what I do or how far I try to stray away from Music; it always finds its way back to me,” she said. Tonje’ did take a 5-year hiatus. She started a family, was diagnosed with cancer, and then her husband ended up dying right after COVID, all in the same year. The singer-songwriter writes, “I wouldn’t take back anything that I’ve been through because that is what makes me the artist I am today. “You have to go through things to be able to relate to people and connect with them on another level.”
Why do you want to be a singer? “People ask me why do I want to sing, and it’s one of those things where I don’t know why it’s just in me almost like going to the restroom, you just do it you don’t know why really you just go.”
“Music for me isn’t just about notes and chords; it’s about emotions, experiences, and those little moments that stick with you.” I draw inspiration from everywhere – the highs, the lows, the mundane, the extraordinary. Life’s a rollercoaster, and I’m just here trying to capture its essence in melodies.” What does your playlist look like? “My musical taste is as eclectic as my Spotify playlists. From the classics like Brandy and Nat King Cole to the experimental vibes of Björk and Radiohead, I soak up everything like a sponge. But don’t ask me to stick to a genre – my music’s a culmination of whatever feels right at the moment.”
She released her latest single, “Frenemies,” not too long ago, and the response blew her away. It’s been a wild ride seeing people connect with songs like “Don’t Give Up” sharing their own stories and experiences. That’s what it’s all about for her – creating something that resonates with others, that makes them feel understood. Tonje’ hopes to inspire, motivate and encourage others with her music. What about the creative process do you love? Creating isn’t just about numbers on a chart for me. It’s about those late-night jam sessions, those moments of pure creative flow when everything just clicks. It’s about the connections forged through music and the way it brings people together from all walks of life, all faiths and all ethnic backgrounds.
Tonje’s journey’s far from over. She has enough stories and telltales to last a lifetime, and she’s just getting started. So, stick around, buckle up, and “let’s see where the music takes us next. It’s gonna be one heck of a ride.”
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
What a journey it’s been! Breaking into the Entertainment Industry is no joke, and once you’re in, it’s like navigating a maze filled with peaks, valley’s, excitement and challenges. From dealing with scammers to facing gatekeepers among producers and A&R reps, it’s been a rollercoaster ride.
I’ve had my fair share of setbacks – like that publicist who ran off with my cash and didn’t deliver on promises or that big-shot producer I collaborated with who ended up stiffing me on my files.
But you know what? I’m not letting those bad apples get me down. I’m all about moving forward. Sure, I’ve got stories to last a lifetime and enough truth bombs to drop until kingdom come. But at the end of the day, my focus is on the music and connecting with my tribe around the globe.
Everyone’s got a tale to tell, but my goal is to make a positive impact and get back to the heart of why we started creating music and art in the first place.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When someone asks me about my involvement in the entertainment industry, I jokingly reply that I do everything positive! But in all seriousness, I wear many hats: I’m a singer/songwriter, producer, actress, and fun fact – I’ve organized numerous productions and events.
I’m deeply committed to honing my craft. For instance, as a singer/songwriter, I believe it’s essential to be proficient in tools like ProTools. How can I expect others to take me seriously if I’m not well-versed in the tools of the trade?
Understanding the business side of music, or any industry for that matter, is crucial. That’s why I’ve taken contract and business classes. And it’s not just theoretical knowledge – I’ve also rolled up my sleeves and delved into artist management, actively contributing to their career growth.
If there’s one thing I want people to know about me, it’s this: I take music and acting seriously. I invest time in studying my craft and make it a point to learn every facet. In today’s world, you can’t solely rely on others to “get the job done.” While having a team is essential, it’s equally important to have a solid understanding of every aspect of the entertainment industry.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Growing up wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but my mother is my rock. She worked tirelessly to give us the best life possible, and her determination is what fuels my own perseverance.
One memory that really stands out for me is our trip to Hawaii. It wasn’t just about the tropical paradise; it was about the moments we shared as a family. We were genuinely happy, spending quality time together and creating lasting memories. That week, I felt a special connection with my mother, one that I probably haven’t thanked her enough for.
Contact Info:
- Website: TonjeRules.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tonjerules
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonjerules
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tonjerules
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tonje-scmusic?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4EuE3zkA2si5EWq2BGWLys?si=p0C0ItHBS7a8hEDLNDJQmA
Image Credits
Devon Coleman
James Polynice
Whiptbytokyo
Capri Creative
Camille Lewis-Fowler
