Header Image by Anya GTA / Words by Willa Rudolph
NYC-based by way of Beirut electro-pop artist Thoom just put out a brand new single on December 4th, 2024, produced by 100gec’s Dylan Brady: “Cortisol” via Dog Show Records.
Thoom’s whole vibe is that of an international cool-girl, as she imbues her music with elements of witch house and reggaeton, alongside Arabic influences to the rhythm and melody. Her sound is like universal club kid music, the kind that can bring everyone together under the flashing lights on the dance floor, and no words need be spoken. Dylan Brady’s name being attached to her track this time only brings more credibility to what Thoom is going for and the energy she is bringing to the table.
Her imagery and themes are self-aware and cheeky, which is evident in her singles from last year, “London Honda Nasty Taxi,” (see our writeup here) and “American Terrorist.” Motifs of the military, guns, military dress, the American flag, planes, etc continue into the visualizer for “Cortisol,” which depicts planes taking off and landing, explosions, darkness, and a foreign beach clouded by fog or smoke.
Thoom comments on what we attribute to being inherently “American” by appropriating and subverting it. She is known to perform in Times Square, pose in front of guns and the American flag, dancing and unapologetically being her Lebanon-born sexy self. However, “Cortisol,” is much less political commentary and much more horny bad bitchery. But she never leaves behind her opinionated point of view and powerful sense of self.
With this year’s remixes from Frost Children and The Dare, Thoom has solidified herself in the NYC Downtown scene and beyond, and her PR states, “Thoom is shaking off the orientalist gaze of the western music industry and speaking directly to the diaspora.” Perrrriod. That’s why I love her!
Reminding me of the dreamy and sensual electronic pop of the Emirati singer-songwriter Kiss Facility, Thoom is breaking through the walls put up by the Anglo-American music industry until it grows to include more voices and more perspectives.
“I feel like my voice is more necessary than ever,” she declares. “There is going to be a global movement of people like me. I already see it. I know it’s happening; whether music executives like it or not.”