R&B singer-songwriter-producer-multi instrumentalist Tone Stith, a native of The Garden State, has been making a name for himself for several years, with consistent releases. Back on September 8th, Stith unveiled his latest body of work, P.O.V We caught up with the multi-talented singer to talk about the new music, his rise amongst the R&B ranks, and much more. Check out our full Tone Stith interview below.
P.O.V, the impressive seven-track entry follows Tone’s previously unleashed fan-fave single, “B.E.D” [2022], and his last EP Still FWM, which dropped in October 2021…
Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this single, “I Need You” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Tone Stith: I’ve had a unique point of view of love in my life. After I was born, my parents went their separate ways. That affected me when I was young; I was so confused as to why I lived with my mom, and would see my dad on the weekend. Fast forward to age 12, they ended up getting back together, and are still together ’til this day. I watched them work, and chose each other every single day. So I made “I Need You” in the image of my parents. “It took some time to realize, that I need you.”
Parlé Mag: “I Need You” comes courtesy of your semi-recently unleashed EP, P.O.V — talk to me about that title.
Tone Stith: To me, it means take a look at Love through my lens. I wanted to paint my life, my relationships, the good times, the bad times, the intimate moments, and share them with my fans. Everyone knows I make Love Songs, but now I’m opening up my world and telling my story in a way that’s more vulnerable than before.
Parlé Mag: How does P.O.V compare to previous Tone Stith efforts?
Tone Stith: It took a year and a half of me digging, and searching for the words to sing. It took a lot of time for me to understand myself, and my message. Everything on this project was created from scratch. Created from conversation. My previous projects I feel like I just put songs together that sounded good.
Parlé Mag: As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics, where do you draw your inspiration from?
Tone Stith: More recently, it HAS to be a real life experience. Or it has to be an experience that I’ve witnessed in my friends, family, or just put in public. I feel like conversation is key, and reading the room. You can literally write about anything if you watch close enough.
Parlé Mag: Tell me your inception into music, when did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Tone Stith?
Tone Stith: As far back as I can remember, music has ALWAYS been a part of me. Before I could talk, I remember air drumming, and using my mom’s church hats as cymbals! Before I knew it, I had a little drum set by age 3. My Mom and Dad are musicians themselves. My Mom would sing in productions, and in church as well. My dad would drum in the church. So the atmosphere was set for me when I was born. As I got older, my best friend and I would meet up on weekends and record ourselves through cassette tapes. At age 11, I was introduced to FruityLoops and that started my journey as a producer. I picked up piano and guitar by ear, only to add to my production. Now I’ve fully fallen in love with the those instruments.
Parlé Mag: Talk to me about your upbringing and how where you were raised has impacted your music.
Tone Stith: I was born and raised in New Jersey. I moved to Philly at a very young, right across the street from church. I was always there during rehearsals, so I spent a lot of time watching the choir and musicians. Then, we moved back to Marlton, NJ. I participated in band, even though I had hoop dreams; I let them go because music was more promising. A lot of my influence came from people around me, and what the kids were listening to. I grew up in the suburbs, so it was a mixed crowd. I believe that gave me a broad spectrum of music.
Parlé Mag: In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound?
Tone Stith: My style is complex; I’m known for my RnB, but I’ve studied Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Gospel, House, etcetera. So, I plan to be in this industry for a long time.
Parlé Mag: What particular string of events actually led to your signing with RCA Records?
Tone Stith: So in 2016, I remember getting a DM from an A&R at the time named Tunji. He flew down to Houston to check out some of my work. I believe he first put me on their radar. Fast forward to 2017, Jas Prince introduced me to Gee Roberson, who had an imprint at RCA. When I signed with Gee, I also signed with RCA.
Parlé Mag: Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Tone Stith: I want to bring people together through my music. I grew up on love songs and around love songs! That’s all I know how to make, so I feel like with that knowledge, and my upbringing, I was put here to heal, and make music that’s therapeutic to people’s love life.
Parlé Mag: If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?
Tone Stith: This is a hard one because I equally love Michael Jackson and Prince, but if I had to chose one, I’d say Prince. His genius when it came to instruments is to be studied. All of his albums were produced by He and his bands! That man knew what he was doing!
Parlé Mag: If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose?
Tone Stith: I would play Wembley Stadium. My all time favorite Tour is the MJ BAD tour. I watched that movie my whole life. The energy he brought to that place is electrifying. I feel like that’s how I want to be remembered, I want to feel that feeling, that rush of energy and love from the crowd.
Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?
Tone Stith: I feel more so than happy; I’m more serious about the state of RnB. I feel like we that call ourselves RnB artists have a role to play. We have to keep it alive for generations to come. Now with that being said, I love what I’m seeing. After all the talks of “RnB being dead,” I feel like the ones who are serious in the industry are stepping up to the plate!
Parlé Mag: What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?
Tone Stith: I think to keep growing, and keep maturing, not only in music but in life. In understanding life, understanding the state of the world, and knowing how to evolve, but continuing to be creative!
Parlé Mag: Do you have any additional aspirations away from music?
Tone Stith: Yes, I actually have a huge love for Cars and Motorcycles. I’m working on a few builds right now. My goal is to start my own custom line, and to sell 1 of 1 cars to my fans. All projects hand-built by me!
Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your biggest career moment, thus far anyway?
Tone Stith: I’ve had quite a few, but I’ll say having a song with one of my all time favorite artists, Chris Brown. I remember being in high school saying, “one day I’m going to work with Chris Brown,” and people saying “yeah, okay.” Then, I had the opportunity to work with him… fast forward a few more years, he got on one of my records. Unbelievable full circle moment!
Parlé Mag: What’s an average day like for you?
Tone Stith: These days, I wake up and write in my notes what I want to accomplish, not only as an Artist but as a person. How can I affect someone’s life. That might be just speaking to someone random and encouraging them, giving money or food away to someone who isn’t in the position to buy it. Uplifting my friends and family. What can I do today to spread love and joy. Then, I’m right in the group chat with my team on what we need to get done because the work never stops!
Parlé Mag: Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…
Tone Stith: I LOVE MY FANS! I believe they are so unique and charismatic! The interactions in my comments and on Twitter mean the world to me. I love to joke with them, I love that they feel like they can joke with me, and talk to me like a friend! In person, I always want to meet and greet every single person. Even though sometimes I can’t! I just love to have that physical conversation. Also, I love hearing the story of how they discovered my music, and how it has impacted their life.
Parlé Mag: What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?
Tone Stith: My favorite part is understanding that, there are no rules! Growing up, I was taught that you have to present yourself a certain type of way and there were just all these rules. Now I feel like things have changed, you can completely be yourself, speak your mind, and there will be people who can relate and will love you for that. If you asked me this question (before), I would’ve had a list of least favorite things, but now I have an understanding that, you can navigate your career however you want! You just have to have a plan, and stick to it, even if nobody else believes!
Parlé Mag: What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Tone Stith: My advice is trust your gut. Build a team that believes in you, and that will do anything to see you win! Stay patient, but also be aggressive! The right things, and opportunities always line up organically! Stay prepared for your moment because that opportunity will present itself!
Parlé Mag: Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourself?
Tone Stith: I see myself headlining stadiums, but I also see myself pushing my creativity to new heights. Being optimistic and healing the world one love song at a time!
Parlé Mag: As for the immediate, what’s next for you, Tone?
Tone Stith: This is the moment where Tone Stith transforms into more than just the guy who can sing really good. This is the moment where the world is finally awakened by the storm that I’m bringing!
Parlé Mag: Any “parting” words for our readers?
Tone Stith: If you’re already a Tone Stith fan, Thank You for staying down through the years. If you’re new here, welcome and get ready for the ride!
Image Credits: Jack McKain
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