Podcast Summary: All Of It – Equalizers: TOKiMONSTA's 'Eternal Reverie'

Episode Details

• Title: Equalizers: TOKiMONSTA's 'Eternal Reverie'
• Host: Alison Stewart, WNYC
• Release Date: March 18, 2025
• Series: Women in Music Production, Women's History Month

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart engages in a deep conversation with renowned DJ and producer Jennifer Lee, professionally known as TOKiMONSTA. The episode delves into TOKiMONSTA's latest album, Eternal Reverie, her groundbreaking career, personal challenges, and her contributions to the music industry as a trailblazer for Asian American women in electronic dance music.

Guest Background: TOKiMONSTA's Journey in Music

TOKiMONSTA has been a pivotal figure in the electronic music and hip-hop scenes for over fifteen years. As the first woman signed to the influential label Brain Feeder, founded by Flying Lotus, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of her craft. Her career milestones include:

• Early Beginnings: Initially hesitant to pursue music as a career, TOKiMONSTA immersed herself in the Los Angeles music scene, connecting with like-minded individuals and nurturing her passion organically.

  "I was going into it with absolutely no desire to make it a career, just to keep it something as passionate and creatively driven as possible." (03:29)

• Diverse Musical Influences: Growing up, she was exposed to a variety of musical genres, from classical piano lessons and church music to west coast hip-hop, R&B, bossa nova, drum and bass, and house music. This eclectic taste has significantly influenced her versatile production style.

  "I just was a passionate appreciator and lover of all types of music." (03:32)

Eternal Reverie: Creation and Themes

TokiMONSTA's latest album, Eternal Reverie, released on March 7, 2025, marks a significant evolution in her musical journey. The album is a homage to the joys of life, youth, and the complexities of grief and healing.

• Album Development: Work on Eternal Reverie commenced in early 2024, with TOKiMONSTA dedicating herself to refining her ideas and expanding her creative horizons away from the demands of touring and other commitments.

  "I decided I really wanted to start compiling these ideas and working on them and fleshing them out more." (08:10)

• Emotional Landscape: The album intertwines themes of celebration and sorrow, influenced by the loss of her best friend, Regina Biondo. TOKiMONSTA hopes the album serves as a narrative of healing and resilience.

  "I'm hoping that this album also represents healing and the journey through grief." (09:58)

Personal Challenges: Overcoming Aphasia and Brain Surgery

A decade ago, TOKiMONSTA faced a life-altering health challenge that significantly impacted her personal and professional life.

• Medical Battle: In 2016, she underwent two brain surgeries to address a disease affecting blood flow to her brain. These surgeries resulted in aphasia, impairing her ability to process language and, initially, music.

  "There was... a lot of complicated feelings around this album because [I] lost my best friend last year." (09:58)

• Recovery and Adaptation: Through rigorous recuperation, TOKiMONSTA rebuilt the cognitive bridges affected by her surgery, allowing her to regain her ability to speak and understand music. Her recovery journey deeply influenced her work on Eternal Reverie, infusing it with themes of perseverance and emotional depth.

  "I just had to let the swelling and the healing happen for those bridges to connect again." (19:29)

Collaborations: Working with Anderson Paak and Ray Khalil

TokiMONSTA highlights the importance of collaboration in her music, particularly her long-standing relationship with artist Anderson Paak and emerging talent Ray Khalil.

• On Some: The track features Anderson Paak and Ray Khalil, symbolizing the unity and support within her musical family.

  "It's really nice to have, you know, one of your like friends and family just shining above and beyond." (11:41)

• Musical Chemistry: Her collaboration with Anderson Paak dates back to their first track together in 2014. Their enduring friendship and mutual respect have fostered a creative synergy that enriches their collaborative works.

  "He really got out there and worked with as many people as he could. And he's one of my favorite human beings." (11:24)

Grammy Nomination: Breaking Barriers

In 2019, TOKiMONSTA made history as the first Asian American woman nominated for a Grammy in the Best Electronic Dance Album category. This recognition has profound implications for her and the broader music community.

• Significance of the Nomination: The Grammy nod affirmed her artistic excellence and opened doors for greater diversity within the industry. It serves as an inspiration for upcoming artists from underrepresented backgrounds.

  "It's like, I need to get a Grammy. That's not it. You know, for me, it's able to make music and be joyful." (22:04)

• Legacy and Inspiration: TOKiMONSTA hopes her achievements pave the way for future generations of diverse artists, encouraging them to surpass existing standards and contribute their unique voices to the music landscape.

  "I hope that they can see someone like me and be like, well, if she could do it, I could definitely do it." (22:04)

Young Art Records: Fostering Talent and Creativity

Established in 2014, TOKiMONSTA's label, Young Art Records, is dedicated to nurturing and promoting talented musicians.

• Mission and Vision: The label focuses on uplifting artists by providing a platform to share music they love, emphasizing creative freedom over commercial success.

  "It's not a money making venture for me at all. I'm just happy that it's self sustaining that I can continue to use this platform to share music I love." (23:46)

• Future Goals: Looking ahead, TOKiMONSTA aims to continue supporting emerging artists, leveraging her experience and network to mentor talents and broaden their audiences.

  "Whatever I've learned, any shortcuts or ways that I can uplift these artists, I'm so happy to do so." (23:46)

Live Performances and Upcoming Projects

TOKiMONSTA is set to perform in New York on May 22 and May 24, further solidifying her presence in the vibrant music scene. Her performances are highly anticipated, promising to deliver the emotional and sonic depth that defines Eternal Reverie.

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It offers an intimate look into TOKiMONSTA's artistic evolution, personal resilience, and unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive music community. Through her candid discussions, listeners gain a profound understanding of the interplay between her life experiences and creative expressions, making Eternal Reverie not just an album, but a testament to healing and artistic integrity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I was going into it with absolutely no desire to make it a career, just to keep it something as passionate and creatively driven as possible."
  — TOKiMONSTA (03:29)

• "I just was a passionate appreciator and lover of all types of music."
  — TOKiMONSTA (03:32)

• "I decided I really wanted to start compiling these ideas and working on them and fleshing them out more."
  — TOKiMONSTA (08:10)

• "I'm hoping that this album also represents healing and the journey through grief."
  — TOKiMONSTA (09:58)

• "I just had to let the swelling and the healing happen for those bridges to connect again."
  — TOKiMONSTA (19:29)

• "He really got out there and worked with as many people as he could. And he's one of my favorite human beings."
  — TOKiMONSTA (11:24)

• "It's like, I need to get a Grammy. That's not it. You know, for me, it's able to make music and be joyful."
  — TOKiMONSTA (22:04)

• "I hope that they can see someone like me and be like, well, if she could do it, I could definitely do it."
  — TOKiMONSTA (22:04)

• "It's not a money making venture for me at all. I'm just happy that it's self sustaining that I can continue to use this platform to share music I love."
  — TOKiMONSTA (23:46)

• "Whatever I've learned, any shortcuts or ways that I can uplift these artists, I'm so happy to do so."
  — TOKiMONSTA (23:46)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting TOKiMONSTA's artistic journey, personal struggles, and her role in shaping a more inclusive music industry.