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The moniker Sleepy Tom is an intriguing choice for a producer whose music is far from drowsy. While his sound is undeniably dreamlike, the Canadian artist Cam Tatham creates undeniably energetic tracks. Collaborating with industry titans like Diplo and remixing for electronic music icons, he has solidified his place in the scene. His work with renowned labels such as Spinnin’ Records, Fool’s Gold, and Mad Decent, as well as his current partnership with MNRK Music Group, is a testament to his impact. Inspired by the sonic landscapes of The Avalanches, Jungle, The Weeknd, and Breakbot, Sleepy Tom crafts infectious beats that leave a lasting impression.
Following the success of “Golden” featuring Cadence Weapon, Sleepy Tom is back with an amazing new EP that is absolutely king. Titled “The Rush,” the EP features six tracks of mean-and-lean synths and dance beats set to a retro-futuristic soundfont of the funkiest kind—an optimistic and unrelenting call to groove that just doesn’t let up. It showcases diverse and awe-inspiring synth work, with bold, plucky bass lines and catchy vocals from various contributors that truly bring the whole record together beyond the realms of pure EDM.
Describing the titular track, Sleepy Tom says: “The original demo for ‘The Rush’ was titled ‘Burning’—likely because it was written in mid-July when my apartment reaches 35 degrees Celsius. I sent it to Thandi after hearing her song ‘Hot Sauce’—I sense a theme here—and her vocals fit effortlessly! After rearranging a few parts, there was room for a rap verse. Manga smashed it, completing my most international track to date. Commonwealth, stand up!”
To delve deeper into his sound, it’s clear that Sleepy Tom has crafted a rich, almost future-funk vibe—whether by design or not. He seamlessly captures the cool, airy essence of the genre, blending a sunny disposition with a complex yet catchy structure. The result is a sound that feels both undeniably familiar and uniquely his own.
If anything, I think it’s fair to say that the astounding quality and superb vibes of “The Rush” have set the bar that much higher for the Canadian artist. With each track, Sleepy Tom not only showcases his mastery of production, but also his ability to push the boundaries of what electronic music can be. The EP is a testament to his growth as an artist, reflecting a keen understanding of both contemporary trends and timeless grooves.
