When you listen to Tom Musain, the first thing you realize is that his music refuses to sit inside a box. It’s not rap, not strictly alternative, not even something you can pin to a single genre—it’s simply whatever the audience feels.
“People look at me as a black man and assume I rap,” Tom says. “And although I can rap, that’s not what I want to be known for mainly. I’d call it unexpected music—something alternative, something indie, something different.”
Roots in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Tom was born in Pennsylvania but grew up in New Jersey. Both places shaped him, but his earliest influence came from his father.
“He didn’t have a musical bone in his body, but he had great taste. He only played hip-hop growing up. I couldn’t understand the words at the time, but the cadence and the beats were embedded into my brain. That feeling stuck with me, and from that point on, I knew I wanted to do what I heard.”
That early spark eventually became his foundation as an artist—one who blends rhythm, storytelling, and emotion in unpredictable ways.
Tom Musain with Roman Ricardo
When asked about his favorite performance, Tom doesn’t hesitate: The Fire, a Philadelphia venue known for intimate yet powerful shows. But what made it unforgettable wasn’t just the energy of the night—it was who he shared the stage with.
“It was with my bro Roman Ricardo, really my brother in this. It was his first show, so I let him take the spotlight and watched him shine. That’s legendary to me—whatever we do together, it’s always that.”
The State of Live Music Today
Despite the memories and magic of his own shows, Tom isn’t shy about critiquing the current state of live music.
“Honestly, it’s looking a little scarce. No one’s actually putting their all into performances anymore. There’s a lack of character, a lack of energy, passion, and artistry. I want to see someone on their Elton John shit again—leaving everything on the stage.”
For Tom, performance isn’t just about playing songs—it’s about creating moments that live forever.
A Community of Rising Artists
While carving his own lane, Tom keeps a close eye on the talent around him. He highlights a long list of local artists pushing boundaries: Roman Ricardo, Isen, Destin Miles, Charlie Temple, Cyrus Deshay, Lynni, Jodi, Fusia Phantom, Wise Boi Jermy, Young Dread Da Prophet, Cash Cors, Richiexo, Devyn Amana, Hellsentxo, Ania Hoo, Yelli Sneaks—and many more.
This community, as Tom sees it, is the backbone of the scene: a network of artists pushing each other forward.
Listen to “Tom Musain”
Tom Musain’s self-titled album dropped this past May, introducing his sound to a broader audience. Coming in 30 minutes with 11 tracks, his sound is reminiscent of the mellow tones of Joji, Frank Ocean, or Brockhampton in their prime with a modern twist. You can 100% feel the dedication, love, and pure artistry Tom poured out across these tracks. My personal favorite “Why?” has a clean melancholy groove that is stuck in my head to this day. I enjoyed his project so much that it earned two placements in our South Jersey Summer ’25 playlist. A truly quintessential project for indie artists across the state, no matter what genre you prefer. Definitely a worthwhile listen for aspiring artists.
But as he continues to evolve, one thing’s for sure—he isn’t making music that fits expectations. He’s building something entirely his own. Check out Tom Musain on all streaming platforms and see why he’s one of the most exciting new voices to watch.
And as always…
STAY LUCID
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