Tama Gucci On Latest EP ‘Almost Blue’

NYC-based and Miami-raised, Tama Gucci is a musician, vocalist, and electronic composer who is forging his own sound that uniquely reimagines the intersection of pop and R&B.

His latest EP, Almost Blue, was released November 9.

“I am so excited about this project,” he exclusively tells OFM. “It was supposed to come out last year around July, but that obviously didn’t happen. This feels like such a prolonged process, so I am excited to finally get it out, and the feedback so far has been so good. It feels great.”

Featuring seven unique tracks that truly represent the artist’s well-rounded sound, Almost Blue’s subject matter references some of his personal life and otherwise touches on pop culture and reality TV tropes. Incorporating inspiration from his Caribbean roots, the drum-and-bass-heavy beats also reference his upbringing in Miami and call upon a nostalgic 90s rave sound.

In titling the work Almost Blue, Gucci fearlessly confronts his uneasiness about being just shy of where he wants to be in love, life, and his own artistry. He also describes the EP as a straightforward and heartfelt ode to his favorite color.

“For me, blue is a color that represents total comfort and fulfillment,” he says. “This is a very true body of work, and everything is pretty honest. The lyrics aren’t too complex, and it’s easy to digest. That is one of my favorite parts about it.”

In October, Gucci shared the EP’s lead single, “Challenge,” which was produced by Nick León and is an anthem about the empowering nature of the dance floor.

“So many people have reached out to me saying how much they love “Challenge,” and they think it’s the perfect TikTok song,” he says. “People will ask, ‘Did you make this in mind for TikTok?’ No, I definitely didn’t, but I agree that it would be perfect for TikTok.”

Overall, Gucci hopes listeners feel a sense of clarity after listening to Almost Blue.

“I hope at least one song they listen to is the perfect explanation to something they felt at some moment in their life,” he explains. “I feel like it will have that effect, especially since some of the tracks are written based on reality TV references. I feel like no matter who you are or what you listen to, you will process what is being said in the song and feel some form of clarity or some type of resolution.”

Detailing his musical aesthetic as dark and romantic, Gucci discovered his passion for music, singing, and songwriting when he was a kid.

Music has also been a way for him to express and explore his identity.

“A lot of the time, when I am singing about things that are related to my identity, it just comes naturally, and I don’t really think about it,” he says. “When I go back and listen to it, I’m like, oh, the fact that I chose this or did that, it just plays a big part in my identity, and I am glad it happens that way.”

As for the rest of 2021, Gucci plans to take a step back and enjoy the holidays.

“I feel like Almost Blue is the cherry on top for 2021,” he says. “Also, I feel like 2021 was the double-headed twin to 2020 because everything that we were dealing with last year somehow followed us, at least more than halfway into this year. I am ready to relax.”

However, Gucci does plan to work on his first official album, and that is expected to release sometime in the near future.

To connect and stay up-to-date with Gucci, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Almost Blue is now available to stream on Spotify, SoundCloud, and all other digital platforms.

Photos Courtesy of Lauren Davis and Rodrigo Alvarez