Tomi Lumiere is a rising luminary in the hip hop/R&B scene. The Edmonton based Canadian creator has just unleashed a nine track album. Called G.R.A.D., short for (Greatness Revealed And Discovered), the music is more than just an album; it’s a moment of artistic transcendence. The musical collection is a masterpiece that blends hip-hop, R&B, orchestral grandeur, and experimental soundscapes. It’s a work of ambition, excess, and undeniable brilliance. Tomi Lumiere's memorable rap verses, rhythmic flow and enticing melodies are on full display.
We talk to the artist all about the themes of his new album G.R.A.D., his collaborators, memorable performances and more! Tomi Lumiere also tells fans what they can expect from him coming up and chats his favorite local Edmonton artists in this interesting read.
Can you share with our readers more about the themes found on the nine track collection?
The nine tracks on G.R.A.D. (Greatness Revealed And Discovered) explores themes of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Capturing the journey of finding direction when life feels uncertain. Songs like "Trapped" reflect my mental state during the pandemic, while "Credit" showcases confidence and creative evolution. The album touches on ambition, personal struggles, and the highs and lows that come with chasing a dream. At its core, G.R.A.D. is about embracing the process, trusting that what’s meant for you will find you.
You wrote the album partly during the pandemic. How did the isolation affect your sound and lyrics?
The isolation during the pandemic really forced me to sit with my thoughts and emotions in a way I hadn’t before. Without the usual distractions of everyday life, I had time to really refine my sound and explore new directions. That’s where the softer, more melodic, and luxurious feel of this album came from. It was about tapping into deeper emotions and creating music that felt timeless. Lyrically, I found myself being more vulnerable, writing about love, ambition, trauma, and personal growth in a way that was raw and honest. The isolation wasn’t easy, but it gave me space to evolve as an artist, and I think this album reflects that growth.
Were you looking to achieve a certain sound for the new music and how does G.R.A.D. compared to past releases?
With G.R.A.D., I definitely wanted to achieve a more refined and cohesive sound. My past releases were more about experimenting with different styles, but this time, I had a clear vision. I wanted it to feel cinematic, luxurious, and deeply emotional. The production is smoother, vocals were more melodic, and I experimented with different genres, but it still carries that energy people know me for.
Compared to my earlier work, G.R.A.D. is a more mature and intentional project. It’s not just about making songs that sound good. It’s about storytelling and creating a full experience from start to finish. People who’ve followed my journey have been telling me they hear the growth, both in the sound and the songwriting.
Who did you collaborate with on G.R.A.D. and what did they bring to the table?
I collaborated with my team, House of Melodies, which consists of my two producers, Matthew Morgan and Kelvin Puyaoan. They executively produced the entire project and really helped shape the sound of G.R.A.D. and bring my vision to life. My media team, Kunal Parmar and Donny Tran, played a huge role in bringing the songs to life visually, making sure the music connects with people beyond just the sound.
The project was mixed and mastered by my engineer, Kavi, at Starlite Studio in Edmonton, where we locked in and fine-tuned every detail for over a year and a half. We also had incredible help with mixing and post-production from Tyler Banditt, whose expertise really elevated the final sound.
None of this would’ve been possible without everyone involved. This project was a team effort through and through.
What do you hope listeners take away from this album?
I hope G.R.A.D. reminds people that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Being in school or just navigating life without a clear direction can be frightening, but this project is proof that what’s meant for you will find you. It’s about growth, resilience, and trusting the process even when things feel uncertain.
With this project, I wanted to be as vulnerable as possible so people had something real to connect to. Whether it’s the highs, the lows, or the moments of doubt, I poured everything into these songs. I hope listeners hear their own stories in them and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone in their journey.
Do you have a favorite song or two on the album and if so what are they and why?
Two of my favorite songs on G.R.A.D. are "Credit" and "Trapped." "Credit" stands out because of the production and the way I approached the flows. The pockets I hit on that record are unlike anything I’ve done before, and it really pushed me creatively.
"Trapped" is special for a different reason. It’s one of the most personal songs on the album because of the storytelling. It captures my mental state during the pandemic when I was feeling stuck and uncertain. What makes it even more meaningful is that I wrote it with my step dad while we were on a family vacation. That moment of connection and reflection really made the song what it is.
You are from Edmonton, Canada. What is the music scene link there and who are some of your favorite local artists?
The music scene in Edmonton is full of incredible talent, but when it comes to Rap and R&B, there’s still a lack of infrastructure and support. There’s a gold mine of artists here who are making waves, and it’s only a matter of time before this city becomes a music hub.
Some of my favorite local artists who have been doing amazing things are Avenoir, FRVRFRIDAY, ARDN, EB3N, Mffdave, and R3tro. They’re all pushing boundaries in their own way, and it’s inspiring to see Edmonton’s music culture grow.
You have performed so many phenomenal shows. Can you tell us what your favorite show or festival was and what made it so special to you?
One of my favourite shows was definitely performing at the Calgary Stampede, particularly during the Cowboys Music Festival. Not only did I get to share the stage with legends like Partynextdoor, Ty Dolla $ign, Schoolboy Q, and Swae Lee, but the energy from the crowd was unreal. There’s nothing quite like performing in front of thousands of people who are vibing with your music. It was a huge milestone for me as an artist, and it felt like the beginning of something much bigger.
What made it so special was the connection with the audience and the realization that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. On stage, creating moments people won’t forget. Every performance after that has been a reminder of how far I’ve come, and how far I still want to go.
Finally, what's next for Tomi Lumiere?
For me, it’s all about creating more memorable records with my refined sound. I’m focused on pushing myself artistically and making music that resonates with people on a deeper level. I’ll definitely be doing more shows and performing at festivals, nothing beats that.
I’m also hoping to take my music global, travel the world, and connect with new audiences. Ultimately, I want to go all-in on music and make it my lifelong career. This is just the beginning, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
Connect with Tomi Lumiere: INSTAGRAM
