Former Sony/BMG artist Tom Tikka of Carmen Gray and Antti Autio have released their latest single produced by Janne Saksa, “Cloud Nine.”
“Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary.” – Oscar Wilde
Having previously been signed to Sony/BMG with Carmen Gray, one of Finland’s finest rock bands, Tom Tikka has formed The Impersonators, a two-man project born out of their ashes and designed to cut out the politics and strife which come from the rock & roll carnival of band life.
Resolutely studio-based, The Impersonators channel the bejeweled power-pop of The Go-Betweens and the immediacy/worldliness of early R.E.M. to deliver timeless alt-pop melodies.
Tikka explains the song’s origin:
“(It) started taking shape after a therapy session, during which I was made to reflect on what my role has been in pretty much each and every one of my relationships. Although it was hard to admit at first, I soon came to realize that I’ve always been the so-called “designated driver,” the one who abstains from getting what he wants so those around him can be content.”
He continues, “Unaware of my soul search, Antti sent me a beautiful poem about a couple growing old together. I remember reading it and laughing out loud, thinking I wouldn’t be able to write anything in that vein…and yet, the lyrics for the chorus were missing! A few days went by before I returned to the poem but as soon as I did, it hit me. Whether right or wrong, why not just write about what comes most naturally to me: trying to assure the happiness of the people I love. Before I knew it I had the words of the chorus figured out.”