Tommaso Veronesi is no stranger to theChicago scene. He’s been drumming and producing for stand out performers for several years now, but the time has come for the background to come to the forefront. With his new solo project TOMMASO, the first generation Italian-American breaks free of his support status and shines on his own. With the recent release of debut single “Brother,” Veronesi brings his lo-fi pop sheen to the public. With a full album on the way by the end of the year, we got to speak with the local mainstay about his pursuit of art, how this project started, and who in the local scene has affected his perspective.

TV : Tommaso Veronesi

You've been involved in the Chicago music scene for a few years now, lately for David Quinn, Burr Oak, and Chan Fuse among others? TOMMASO is your first solo project, correct? 

TV: Yeah so, I play drums for David Quinn and Chan Fuse and had the pleasure of tracking drums on Burr Oak’s record - though I don’t play with her live. I’ve also been freelancing here and there and working studio sessions quite a bit, which is always a good time. However, having gained larger recognition as a drummer and producer over the years, I really wanted to establish a platform for my songs bubbling beneath the surface. Therefore, I decided to launch a self-titled project, TOMMASO, to not only showcase my songs and production style, but also serve as a cathartic outlet for what I want to do at my own pace.

What drives you in pursuit of your art?

TV: Well, this is actually a pretty deep question for me but I think the simple answer is that I fell in love with groove and melody at a really young age. I remember asking my dad when I was 5 or 6 how certain instruments worked and being totally amazed by his answers. When he explained how a hi-hat stand worked, I was completely blown away! You know, some songs really allow me to tap into an incredibly profound and tender emotional state, and so I guess I try to recreate that feeling as often as I can though songwriting, playing shows, and producing. I’m sure most musicians can relate to that.

Did you grow up in Chicago? Did you get into the local scene when you young? What was your portal?

TV: I moved to Chicago in the first grade. I’m first generation Italian-American so before that I lived in Milan, Italy with my mom. Growing up in Chicago though, I’d always been in bands with friends, playing house parties and things of that nature. Once I graduated from high school, I moved to Colorado for a bit and started playing some real shows and touring with a band I started called Amoramora. We did our thing for a while but I eventually moved back to Chicago in 2018. Luckily, I have friends in the local scene so my portal was really just making connections through them, freelancing for a while, working sessions for people, and meeting artists like David Quinn and Chan Fuse.

How long has this project been ruminating? Your self titled record is due out sometime soon?

TV: This project has been physically in the works since June 2019 but mentally ruminating for several years. My debut solo record Daydreams will hopefully be out by the end of the year after a couple more singles. 

Your debut single "Brother" reflects a freewheeling psych pop that is prevalent in the Chicago scene, who are your local influences? 

TV: You know, I think my relation to the prevalent Chicago sound stems from having so many friends in the scene. I do very much enjoy bands like Wilco and Twin Peaks but I’m mostly inspired by friends and artists within my community these days. Artists like Burr Oak, Sir Mango, Spacebones, Woes, Friday Pilots Club, and tons of others really make it feel like there’s a real community of artists and fans that support and feed off each other. 

Can we expect more like this track on the new record? 

TV: Yes. Well some songs may be a bit faster, some a bit sadder, and some quite different actually; but I think the record is cohesive as a whole. I’m writing and producing all the tracks and “Brother” is a good representation of the overarching sound and production style of the record. 

In this time, when gig musicians are having a tough time surviving, how can people help support you and this project?  

TV: I’m just starting out so if you like the song, streaming it and sharing it with your friends goes a long way. Otherwise, if you really, really like the song then you can name your price on Bandcamp and download yourself as an mp3. It can be $0 or you can donate a sum of your choosing. Any of these things will make my day. Thanks so much!