Tom Tikka links with The Star Prairie Project

Helsinki-based artist Tom Tikka is a former Sony/BMG songwriter renowned for his work with Carmen Gray as well as making waves in the music scene since venturing on a solo career in 2020. With a series of hit tracks and albums, Tikka, backed by his band The Missing Hubcaps, has firmly placed himself on the map as a captivating solo artist.

Known for his distinctive sound and songwriting talent, Tikka’s solo career has been a consistent showcase of his ability to connect with listeners across the globe. Since dropping his debut release in 2020 with “Working Class Voodoo,” he’s shared multiple singles and three critically-acclaimed albums, This Is My Happy Face, Better Man and last year’s record titled Rainbows and Dead Flowers.

Following his last LP and recent single “Hieroglyphs,” Tom Tikka now brings us his latest release, this time linking up with the talented Nolen Chew Jr. of The Star Prairie Project on the track “California Smile.” The collaboration is a meeting of two artists at the peak of their creative powers. Both artists have experienced success individually, with Tikka’s albums boasting UK Top 10 iTunes hits, and The Star Prairie Project’s “Old Dirt Road” reaching #9 on the same charts. The connection of releasing music through British One Media set the stage for this collaboration, resulting in the creation of not one but two exceptional singles.

The first of these collaborations is “California Smile,” a track that beautifully distils the essence of Americana, radiating with heartfelt lyrics, stellar guitar work, compelling lead vocals and lush harmonies. Brought in by the strike of drums, a charming rock-tinged country scene takes hold with steady rhythm and the playful twang of guitars spinning upbeat melodic licks.

Rich lead vocals enter to cast a nostalgic feel carrying heartfelt lyricism that builds to a bright chorus of power pop-inflected backing voices lifting the infectious leads. Flowing through a delightful soundscape, the song builds to an epic crescendo where lead guitar flourishes snake among the vocals before the arrangement floats down to an intimate vocal-led moment before launching into the shimmering sound of the final chorus.

It’s a truly superb slice of enduring songwriting, delivered via a spectacular collaboration that signals a sonic partnership that has huge potential. With their next effort coming soon via the single “Starting Over With You,” Tom Tikka and Nolen Chew Jr. are sure to dazzle fans around the world with their joint sonic output.

Commenting on the single, Tom Tikka shares, “Well, it’s a song about a guy from California, obviously, but it’s also a song about meeting that special person you settle down with. It’s a beautiful moment. You feel no need to roam around anymore, and other people become of no interest to you. Everyone should experience that feeling. Aside from that, I love California. I’ve spent a lot of time there. It’s a hard place to leave. I miss it.”

Listen to California Smile below

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