Meet TASM from Devon as we talk about underground rap, breaking America, and creative advice.

We've recently spoken to TASM, an underground music artist from Devon, paving the way for musicians in the South of the UK. We got a chance to talk about wanting to break America, favourite musicians and what the music scene is currently missing. Big thank you to Finn for his time and efforts when talking with us. Be sure to go over to Instagram and drop a follow on @finnireland_ to be ready for any new music.

Hey TASM, please could you give an introduction on who you are for those that aren't already aware?

My name is Finn Ireland, but I go by the name of TASM on streaming platforms. I’m from South West of England down in Devon. I create and produce underground UK music with my own twist. I love to do this because down here there is no underground scene. No one makes the music I create. I’m trying to grow and become one the greatest.

I hear you! How long have you been making music?

I’d say I’ve been making music for about 2 years. I started creating music in college which was very basic and recorded in my room. Now 2 years later I’m in studios creating this unique sound.

Sounds like you've come a long way, have you got any favourite musicians?

Thank you. Yeah I’m heavily influenced by artists who have made it themselves. Coults, Lancey Foux, YT Especially. The list is endless, but over all my favourite artist of all time has to be Lil Yachty. There’s is something that has captured my attention from him from way back when he dropped one night. Ever since then I’ve been so hooked on his sound.

Would you say that you were more influenced by the US scene compared to the UK, what would you say the difference was between the two?

I would say UK underground influences me 100%. Although us underground is incredible with some very talented artists. It’s always going to be UK for me. I think this because of UK underground is full of such different sounds that the UK is not used too or ready to hear. Take Lancey Foux for example. Even though his UK fan base is large and growing his American fan base is much larger. This is what drives me. I want to show the UK that the underground scene deserves your respect. I’ve had numerous voice notes and messages claiming I’m “trying to be American” but nah, they just don’t understand the movement in the underground right now.

Would you say you would like to break America?

Oh 100%. I feel this sound is so much easier to blow up abroad over the sea. However, my main goal is to be one of the greats in UK. I’ve grown up here my whole life, struggled here, I want to change the UK scene and get us all the attention we deserve!

What do you think the music scene is currently missing?

One thing the music scene is missing Espically in the UK is more unique sounds. For example we don’t need another pop clone. It’s in desperate need for more artists with a variety of sounds and styles. This is what I’m trying to bring to Devon specifically.

What's the goal for you? Where do you want to be in five years time?

The plan for 5 years is to make sure the whole group has made it. I want to turn TASM into an empire. I have friends into fashion who we have already planned out designs and ideas of how to encorperate. I want to be doing shows more consistently. Lastly I wanna move my family outta Devon. And my recent album reviews has proved it’s possible.

It sounds like you've got it all set, what does TASM stand for?

Stands for the amazing Spider-man. Growing up I always fucked with Spider-Man the most, he was always my favourite. So I thought TASM sounds perfect.

What does 2023 look like for TASM?

Shows, another album, loads more music. And that fashion I mentioned… keep an eye out for NY.LUS.

Our eyes are peeled! Have you got any creative advice for anyone starting out?

Be yourself. In school when I started making music no one wanted to hear me. Now they beg to start a song (I use fan voicenotes as my tag). The more unique you are the better you will sound. Also make friends within the community. I’ve made friends overseas and in the UK. Anyone starting out I reckoned to join cloudland collective. What George is doing is paving ways to gain an audience. So in total, make friends, be yourself, and the bag will come too you! Never be afraid to be yourself, the second you are… you are letting the dream slip away.

I personally really appreciate your advice, so I can only imagine what it's going to do for other creatives! What can you tell me about growing up in Devon?

It’s bliss but it has its faults like all places. Obviously it’s a create space to be alone and creative in with all the scenery and locations that are desolate. However it can become a bit of a trap. People become too comfortable and never want too leave, leaving it very samey for huge amounts of time. I know people who will go to the same bar in the crappy town every weekend and spunk their money away wasting it all. This adds to the reason why I think there is no underground here. People don’t wanna experience new things, like new sounds I'm creating in this very county. I’m going to change that forever.

100% I respect it a lot! If you could live anywhere in the UK where are you picking?

London 100%. The culture, the fashion, the mandem.

What can you tell me about your new track "2HEAT!"?

To me, this song is personally one of my favourites. If one song represents how different my sound is, compared to everyone around me, it's this song. It ain't called 2HEAT! for no reason.

For sure, how did you come up with the idea for this track?

In all honesty, I was on shift, driving the van while freestyling over beats and came up with the hook. Then from there within 2 days, I had this unique sound that just sounded right.

And what's your opinion on a remixes, would you do one for this track?

Oh 100%, from new features to new styles of the song, I think remixing is a key part of music, it shows how versatile a well made song can be.

Absolutely, we can't wait to hear it! Do you have anyone you would like to shout out, someone you've worked with, someone you've been listening to, who are you shouting out?

Personally I want to shout out all of JB for believing in me from the start. A huge shout out to Medimelan for getting me into this game and lastly shout out to me for being me. And you guys for having me.

Huge respect and love for TASM for coming on to speak with us. Shout out him!