This year Artist Tomee Profitt took on the task of creating an epic Christmas album.
The artist’s vision for creating an album for the holiday began while he was in college and fifteen years later fans are now able to hear his take on classic Christmas songs. The Knockturnal was able to talk to the Michigan native about his hometown, his time in Nashville, and his new album The Birth of a King.
The Knockturnal: You’re originally from Grand Rapids Michigan how was that influenced your work?
Tommee Profitt: I actually grew up on the Detroit side of Michigan, but I moved to Grand Rapids, MI when I was 20 yrs old for college, and that’s where I really began my music career. I started touring with my buddies from campus, performing concerts all over the country, and building a buzz in West Michigan. This helped me gain some work when I built a studio and switched to producing full-time… people that knew I did music would come to me to record. It helped NOT being in a city like Nashville or LA, where EVERYBODY is doing music… if you can make a name for yourself in a small town where you live, you’ll become the go-to guy.
The Knockturnal: You moved to Nashville in 2017 what have you learned about the music industry while living there?
Tommee Profitt: Honestly, the best thing I’ve learned about the music industry is to be TRUE to your own sound, and not try to do what other people do. If I tried to copy other producers, I’d be able to do a B+ copy at best. I’d rather stick to what *I* do best, and be able to do A+ work… whether it gains a lot of traction or not.
The Knockturnal: What is the greatest inspiration for making your music?
Tommee Profitt: I grew up listening to trailer music, video game music, and movie soundtracks. No doubt this had a great influence on my sound… but I also listened to SEVERAL other types of music as well. I guess I sort of figured out a way to put ALL of the different sounds I listened to growing up together to make interesting hybrids. But no matter what style of music I’m working on… it always comes out cinematic, and epic, and grand. I just like the sound of BIG.
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to create a Christmas album?
Tommee Profitt: I’ve wanted to make this Christmas album for 15 years! In 2005, one of my college assignments for a music class was to re-arrange a classic Christmas carol and do something new with it. I enjoyed doing that so much, and it birthed the dream of some day making a HUGE Christmas album, and taking all of the classic carols, and putting my own spin on them. Obviously, I wanted to keep some of the timeless and classic, while others I either added choruses, or straight-up changed the entire thing into a reimagination. But I wanted it to all feel cohesive… like an epic movie about the Christmas story.
The Knockturnal: What makes The Birth of a King different from other Christmas albums we have heard in the past?
Tommee Profitt: My goal was to make “the most epic Christmas album ever made” haha… something that felt like the Lord of the Rings… except instead it’s about the story of a King being born, greeted by angels, who’s coming to save the world! That is an epic synopsis if I’ve ever heard one! My vision for the sound was using epic orchestras, mixed with 808’s and gospel choirs, combined with some of the best singers in the world! Something super dynamic and powerful! Some of these old Christmas songs are so beautiful, while others are minor and dark and cool… so my plan was to accentuate what was originally there, and realize it’s fullest, most epic, potential!
The Kockturnal: What can fans look forward to seeing next from you?
Tommee Profitt: I will ALWAYS put out new music. I have no idea what’s next.. but I just love creative big, cinematic music. So I’m sure the next project idea will come to me soon… but right now, I’m just going to enjoy the Christmas season and the release of this new album which I dreamed of for so long!
