In case it isn’t clear, my jam is bruised falsetto vocals, clear eyed synths and warm vibes. My favourite kind of music feels like the kind of emotional security that is an invitation to just be yourself. Tony Pops’ new single, I Like It Fast, is exactly that.
Tony Pops is a multi-instrumentalist who started out drumming in bands on the East Coast, before moving into songwriting and music production in 2016. Embracing a sense of versatility, Tony is equally at home with R&B, electronic, pop and rock, and the diversity of his experience shines through in his music. Now based in Los Angeles, he has had music featured on shows across Netflix, FX, and MTV.
Opening with an Amen-style drum loop but pairing it with cool blue guitars and crisp synths, I Like It Fast is basking in light airy space from the moment it arrives. The juxtaposition of loose, stuttering percussion and a sunny electronics give the song a feeling that is both the warm sun on your face and the refreshment of cool blue water on your skin. It is a combination that feels like Tony bottled Mediterranean vacations and distilled them into something you can administer through a pair of headphones. Embracing little details, the producer twists his song back into itself, pitched vocals, a brief scream, overdubbing and glassy melodies all coming together to create something unique, detailed and absolutely thrilling.
Inspired by late nights and a reckless embrace of one’s own freedom, I feel like I Like It Fast stems from the same emotional centre that I sometimes find myself longing for. The song is described as being about ‘living fast and letting go, even when you know it might not end well’. Every so often you have to take a risk, be that in embracing the moment and cutting loose, or simply opening yourself up to experiences and people.
I Like It Fast is one of those songs that I got to live with for a few weeks before its release, and over that time I have found myself increasingly drawn to it. I like everything about it — the production, the delivery, and even the crisp, clean artwork is perfect. I know it will be on heavy rotation, particularly for those moments when I want to just let it all go, and live a little faster.