Photo courtesy the artist
Avant-pop superstar Teddi Gold, recently released her newest single, Boom Boom, a stellar dance anthem that feels distinctly hers: It’s a playful, bubblegum dream with island influence shining through. “My goal with the production,” she says, “was to make people feel like they wanted to get up and dance and have a cathartic release, much like I did dancing in the club.”
Beyond being a source of catharsis in the difficult times much of the world is in, all streaming proceeds are going to the ACLU in support of the LGBTQ community and the BLM movements. “My dad is gay, and I grew up with him and his partner, so LGBTQ+ rights and the fight for equality is something that is part of my life and identity,” she says.
Boom Boom is infectiously fun — you can’t help but bob your head and tap your feet when it plays, and it’s the type of song that pleasantly bounces around your ear drums for days on end. It’s hard to say when we’ll be able to start going out again, but Boom Boom brings the club straight into your living room. As the song says, Boom Boom‘s gonna be “spreading good, good vibes” all summer long.
Tom Tom talked with Teddi about writing Boom Boom, and her very unique childhood.
TTM: Boom Boom has a really upbeat, summer-y vibe to it. Can you tell me more about what you were thinking and feeling during the writing process?
This song was inspired by an Afrobeat song that I heard at a club. I remember dancing to it and thinking it was so infectious, [so] I stopped dancing and Shazam-ed the song. In my writing session I played the song for Jon, my producer, and I told him I wanted to borrow elements from it. We also drew inspiration from Tuneyards and MIA. Both artists use many percussive elements that I love. My goal with the production was to make people feel like they wanted to get up and dance and have a cathartic release, much like I did dancing in the club.
The topline was inspired by recent events. My dad is gay, and I grew up with him and his partner, so LGBTQ+ rights and the fight for equality is something that is part of my life and identity. All streaming proceeds from this song will be donated to the ACLU in support of the LQBTQ+ & BLM movements.
You had a pretty unique upbringing. Could you tell me a little bit more about what it was like to grow up on such a small island?
Yeah! Looking back, it was both surreal and idyllic. I spent much of the time outside playing imaginary games. I have two brothers and we were always running around barefoot pretending to be superheroes. Many days, too, were spent at the beach. In fact, for our science class on Wednesdays we would spend the day snorkeling and learning about the coral reefs. It was hands on to say the least! I feel very privileged to have grown up with so much beautiful nature in my backyard. But, believe it or not, there wasn’t a movie theatre or a mall on the island. I was extremely disconnected from what was happening culturally, especially in the US. I learned how to ride horses on the island. My parents ran a little bed and breakfast on St. Thomas, the island across from St. John (where we lived). I spent many mornings running around the kitchen stealing french fries and grilled cheese sandwiches. I love cheese and potatoes. When I moved back to the States, I realized I had totally missed out on TV shows, movies, and games that were popular here. It felt strange coming back. Looking back, I know my life there informed who I am today and I feel grateful to have been able to have that experience at such a pivotal time in my life.
What’s the pop scene like in Hollywood? LA is such a big city with an eclectic bunch of musicians, but I’m curious what it’s like being in the pop scene.
Hollywood is strange. Like every place, it has its ups and downs. I came to LA in high school and have since made lifelong friendships. People seem to come here because they are pursuing their dreams and thus there’s a high concentration of creative people around. I’ve met many of my long term collaborators here. I know people have had bad experiences in LA. It has a dark underbelly. I’m lucky to say my net-experience thus-far has been positive. The music scene I’ve found is supportive and creative, and I look forward to playing live shows again!
Your music has a really distinct style to it. Who are some artists who’ve inspired the sound and feel you’re going for?
Gwen Stefani, David Bowie, Patti Smith, Britney Spears, Fergie, Madonna, 100 Gecs, Charli XCX… There are so many unique voices out there.
Any artists you really wanna collab with in the future?
I have a collaboration coming up with a Latin duo called Mi$HNRZ that I am very excited about. I would love to collaborate with 100 Gecs, Charli XCX, Channel Tres, BROCKHAMPTON, Childish Gambino, Diplo, Anderson Paak, Harry Styles… Send ‘em my way!