Behind the Rhythm + Words: Meet TONE

Antonia "TONE" Thomas | 23 | Tallahassee, FL

Personal & Background

BTH: Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to pursue your
current path?

Tone: Hello, my name is Antonia Thomas, I am born and raised in Tallahassee, Florida and I am currently 23 years old. Since a little girl I have always had a passion for music. I loved the way beats sound and how it made me feel almost as if there was a connection. Whenever I was sad, angry, or just wanted to feel at peace music was my remedy. I’ve always wanted to be a singer but recently within the year of 2024 a friend of mine mentioned to me how I should try the art of rapping. To them, I have a good talking voice while also having the look. I would’ve never thought I would be a rapper as I didn’t know how to, but I kept practicing and eventually came upon a sound I could work with.

 BTH: What does your stage name “Tone” represent, and how did you come up
with it?

Tone: The name Tone came from my old manager, at one my current job. As my name is Antonia, it’s like a fraction from the original. I also expressed to my manager and old coworkers that I wanted to purse rapping and they said I should use Tone as my name. I also think it’s perfect in the aspect that it could mean tone of voice as well, almost like a way to captivate people.

BTH: Growing up, what inspired the vision you have for your life today?

Tone: From as far I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a star. I remember continuously saying that I wanted my own tv show, to even act on others show, to be a singer or even be a fashion designer. It was constant in my dreams, almost like picture motions I could see vividly. My mind is very creative and works better in those type of challenging environments, so I stood on the fact verbally that I will do something of that nature but I’m just now acting on the want.

BTH: How has living in Tallahassee influenced your journey and ambitions?

Tone: To be fully transparent, being in Tallahassee truly motivates me to want to see and experience more. Coming from a small town and not knowing many people was hard, but it just helped me to realize there is more out there and maybe my presence is needed elsewhere. I am appreciative of what the city has provided for me educationally and the friends I’ve made, but it’s definitely pushing me to move on and strive for more.

Career & Aspirations

BTH: You mentioned wanting to leave a mark in the industry—what industry do
you feel most drawn to, and why?

Tone: Currently I am mostly drawn to the entertainment industry. Encompassed in this industry are actors/actress, singers/rappers, songwriters, directors, etc. The entertainment industry is all about creativity and showcasing how you standout and I believe that I am more than capable of doing that by just being me.

 

BTH: What steps are you currently taking to bring your dream of having your own TV
show to life?

Tone: To be fully truthful, I have made my first step by investing into a camera in
which I want to use, to make a variety of content. I am working on my camera shyness but once I do get over that, I know I will be fully comfortable to emerge my world with others pov in certain ailments. To start, I will create for my Instagram and TikTok whether that’s for clips of new music or just having random conversations to share to get people familiarized with me.

 

BTH: Fear and doubt can be major roadblocks—what are some strategies you use to
overcome them?

Tone: When I feel doubt rising or even fear I talk to myself in positive light, really encouraging and reminding myself that this is what I want and if I back down now, someone will live the life you always wanted in some type of way. I have been a victim of negativity for a long time, as it even still creeps in now, but I no longer let it take over my mental, I tell myself something positive and keep going like I’m coaching me.

 

BTH: Who are some of your biggest inspirations, and how have they shaped your
vision?

Tone: My biggest inspiration is my grandfather. No matter what he went through or how he was treated he always showed kindness and lended a helping hand, (something I’ve always tried to do). I can remember him always being there for me, though we lived in separate places he never went without checking on me and my sister and even helped provide at times. From a little girl he has always encouraged me, always validated my success in life, and I know he will always watch over me and will be there when it all comes to the forefront, in spirit. He was the embodiment of a good person; someone I would like to be.

BTH: Helping others succeed is part of your mission—how do you see yourself doing that in the future?

Tone: In the future I see myself helping others by creating avenues, being a potential mentor, and even investing in someone and their craft to help them move along. I know the feeling of being lost and not knowing what to do next, so if I can help someone find direction I will.

 

BTH: You also want to help animals—are there any specific causes or organizations
you’d love to work with?

Tone: I do want to start locally by volunteering at the shelters near me. I have donated a small portion to an organization online but within the media sometimes that’s can be washed away my fake pages so sometimes I do get confused. But, as I build myself financially I hope to make a bigger difference with contributions or even open my own sanctuary to be a solution to the problem(s) occurring.

 

BTH:  How do you hope to use your platform to make people feel more
comfortable in their own skin?

Tone: I am someone who deals with a lot of things mentally that sometimes I can’t even figure out myself. I know we all go through something in life, traumatic even and some can talk about it and some truly hold it in. I am the one to hold things in, but all it does is destroy. I just hope to help be others helping hand in this matter. I want to learn to be transparent while also guiding others to be that as well and for them to know they should never be ashamed. Through words and embodiment, I want to be an example that you can make it through whatever that be may be challenging you in the moment. Also, I want to showcase that’s it’s ok to be different and to do things outside of the norm, it does not make you any different or put you below anyone, as it shows uniqueness, and dispels fear

 

BTH:  What message do you hope to leave with the world through your work?

Tone: Time can never be added, everyday it’s taken away, and everyday becomes the past. So live the life you’ve always wanted, don’t succumb to society, and die with no regrets, and with happiness that you at least accomplished something or many things through the time you lived that you never thought could happen. Never be afraid to try new avenues, release toxicity, and feed your mind and soul with purpose. What you’re afraid of now, may turn into what you always needed to do, and change is forever uncomfortable, but would you rather say yay I did it, or man I missed a great opportunity.

Happiness & Personal Growth

BTH: What does happiness and peace look like to you?

Tone: To me happiness looks like the perfect example of the word serene. I’m still learning the concept of happiness and what it means for me fully, but I know that when I feel it, ease will be brought upon me as if a chip was off my shoulder and I could finally breath freely.

BTH: Have there been any defining moments in your life that changed your
perspective on your dreams?

Tone: My perspective on my dreams never changed, it’s definite with the things I want to pursue, but what really changed is my mental/thought process and my will to actually achieve. I am believer but I was more of a sayer of what I wanted and I noticed that with me only saying things it was not relieving any worry our doubt from my mind that was constant. But now, I am learning to act on what I want and with that has come a boost in my confidence a long with hunger for more.

BTH: If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

Tone: If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to learn patience and to strive for what you want now. Yes things may seem hard, but stop telling yourself maybe this isn’t for me when anything is; just put faith and action first and remove any doubt, as everything will be ok. Also, I would definitely tell myself that it is totally ok to put myself first, and to not let other’s emotions or wants sway how I feel.

BTH: What’s one goal you’re currently working on, and how can others support
you on your journey?

Tone: Currently I am working on getting myself out there more so I can reach different target audiences or even cities/states for that matter. I would love support within the area of engagement whether that’s a like, comment, or share on social media

Links

Instagram

Apple Music

United Masters