Tarm
Tarm is a London-based artist who represents the best of the UK’s shapeshifting rap scene. Using his own mixed heritage (UK/US/Nigeria) as a starting point, Tarm blends elements of UK drill with Jersey rap, and has linked up with Afrobeats heavyweight Davido to perform at Brixton’s O2 Academy. His first major release, ’10 Rubber Bands’ [2017], was a quick fire streaming hit, racking up nearly half a million listens on Spotify alone. Not bad for a then-19 year old whose only aspirations at that point was to score a few views on YouTube.
Fast forward to 2024, and Tarm’s goals are a lot bigger. After an appearance on Channel 4 and going on tour with Unknown T, Tarm released his latest single, ‘Mazzine’ earlier this month as part of what he describes as his ‘relentless pursuit of greatness’. We spoke to him about his background, his musical versatility, and plans for future releases and collaborations.
FAUL: Tell us a bit about your background – how did you get into music?
Tarm: I was born in Chicago and raised in Hackney, East London, and both my parents are of Nigerian descent. I got into music at the start of secondary school. It was back in 2010 when my first interest struck for music. Having a studio across the road from my school gave us the accessibility to record with no intention but just to release on YouTube.
Name some of your key inspirations, musical and/or otherwise?
Davido, Tupac and 50 Cent are all huge inspirations.
How would you describe your sound?
Distinctive. Reactive. Raw. Unique.
What’s changed for you, personally and in terms of your music, between the release of ’10 Rubber Bands’ and ‘Mazzine’?
In regards to music, I have explored different sounds and toned down the explicitness of my lyrics. For me personally, music has made people acknowledge me more. It’s given me more access to places/rooms that I never thought I’d be in if it wasn’t for the love of music
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
Appearing on a cryptocurrency documentary on Channel 4 for my song ‘BTC’, which I made back in 2018.
Who would you most like to collaborate with and why?
Roddy Rich. We have the same kind of personality, and the same unique sound and passion for music.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t making music I would be on the verge of taking Gatlin or Usain Bolt’s position. A super athlete/100M sprinter.
Who is overrated/underrated?
I think I am underrated as an artist.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Anything you’re particularly looking forward to?
Consistency and a body of the work (mixtape). I’m very happy to showcase to the world my versatility and a range of music. Expect my own headline show.
What is your FAULT?
Trying to see the good in people even though they shown their true colours in other forms. I’m hungry for others to do well but not so much for myself, which comes back to bite me later.
