While I typically loathe social media platforms for their excessive advertisements, algorithmic loops, and echo chambers that seem impossible to escape, the mindless doomscrolling I admittedly still succumb to surprisingly allows a hidden gem to come through now and then. Such is the case with Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tom Diva.
I happened to stumble upon one of his reels where he shared a few verses of his new single, and I was instantly intrigued. I hopped around the socials to see what more I could learn about this lad, and what I found was a self-made artist who draws inspiration from his own experiences and a deep desire to connect with listeners through his meaningful lyrics and music. As a hopeful up-and-comer in the music industry, Diva has put together an impressive short stack of singles; two of them were released just this year.
“Who Am I Tho,“ Diva’s single that was released this past January, was my initial introduction to this Aussie artist, and I instantly added the song to my streaming library. Tom expressed through social reels that this single blossomed from a past relationship where hindsight revealed it involved a narcissist on the other side of the equation.
Written by Thomas Tan and Quin Kok, produced by Thomas Tan, and mixed by Fiz J Toloa, I believe “Who Am I Tho” is a ballad that can help any broken heart see that becoming someone else is not the way to find long-term happiness. Admittedly, I found it frustratingly easy to relate my own past to what Tom sings: “If I gotta shrink myself, just to be with you / It’s time to say goodbye / Cos if there’s no more me inside / There’s nothing left of me to sacrifice.” What a powerful realization it is to see how self-sabotaging we can be for the possibility of love, when really, we just need to take up the space we are meant to, and the right people will love us just as we are.
My mission to listen to more of Diva gave way to hearing his second single released this year, “I Lived.” Also produced and written by Tom, along with Quin Kok, and mixed by Fiz J Toloa, here we find a happy anthem that celebrates feeling at home in one’s skin and space with someone who helps that light shine even on hard days. “I Lived” delivers hopeful and fun energy; I can’t help but put a smile on my face and instantly feel more cheerful after listening to it.
Many of Diva’s followers boast in the comments about his music being “underrated.” I wholeheartedly agree with them and have to admit that I am thankful for the social reels for dropping this artist in my path. The silver lining of wasting time on social media sparkled when Tom’s music came through that day. Check Tom Diva out on Soundcloud, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and all the places you enjoy doomscrolling. If he makes an appearance in your reel algorithm, stop and give him a listen!
Photo Credit: Artist Social Media
Jess has always enjoyed a wide range of music genres and eras. Connecting deeply with classical music, she played cello from grade school through high school, and although no longer actively playing, her affinity for finding an emotional connection to music is still strong. Residing in central PA, she is new to the Canadian music scene and enjoys listening to new artists as a way to break away from “the usual.” Jess is an avid yogi who often finds a sliver of peace while on the yoga mat with good music playing in the background.
