Tomora: Aurora and Chemical Brother Tom Rowlands Unveil New Dance-Pop Duo
In a surprising musical fusion, Norwegian singer-songwriter Aurora and Tom Rowlands, one half of the Grammy-winning electronic duo the Chemical Brothers, have joined forces to form Tomora. Their debut album, Come Closer, set for release on April 17, blends Rowlands' kinetic dance structures with Aurora's chaotic pop sensibilities, creating a head-spinning mix of techno, trip-hop, and prog influences.
Creative Synergy and Debut Album
The collaboration began in 2016 when Rowlands, captivated by Aurora's Glastonbury performance, reached out for a feature on the Chemical Brothers' album No Geography. Aurora, known for her philosophical musings, delayed her response to ensure authenticity, eventually contributing to three tracks. This partnership evolved, with Rowlands later producing parts of Aurora's 2024 album What Happened to the Heart?, leading to the organic formation of Tomora.
On Come Closer, their contrasting approaches shine through 12 tracks. Rowlands, 55, brings precise dance frameworks, while Aurora, 29, injects a wild, experimental energy. The lead single, Ring the Alarm, serves as a caffeine-fueled anthem with a deeper message. Aurora explains, "It's a good time to say: 'Ring the alarm! Be aware! Look around! Wake up! Be awake, be human.'" She sees the album as a response to global chaos, offering moments of escapism through music.
Live Debut and Coachella Excitement
Tomora is set to make its live debut at Coachella this month, a slot announced before the duo's identity was public, sparking curiosity on music forums. Aurora views the performance as more than just a festival set. "There is so much emotional distress on the land there just now, like a lot of places," she says. "So it's going to be interesting to have a little moment of escapism. I think music really matters when the world is very chaotic."
Rowlands, however, expresses mild anxiety about the shows, contrasting with Aurora's stress-free demeanor. "We're still kind of working it out, and I'm getting a bit, 'Oh my God, what's going on?'" he admits. Yet, their dynamic balances each other out, with Aurora's impish charm complementing Rowlands' more reserved nature.
Mutual Respect and Studio Dynamics
In the studio, their collaboration is instinctive. Aurora describes it as predestined, likening it to plants growing without guidance. Rowlands marvels at her musicality, noting how she finds beauty in jarring sounds he creates. "A lot of the instruments I use don't have a concept of a note," he laughs. "But Aurora listens and then she'll play something and I'll go: 'Oh my God, that was inside the sound and I couldn't find it.'"
Aurora, who has taken more control in production over her career, addresses potential gender biases in music. "Some people will simplify Tomora down to a male producer creating songs for a female singer," she says, acknowledging it frustrated her earlier but now matters less. She praises Rowlands for his respect, making collaboration easy despite industry norms.
Future Prospects and Playful Tensions
As they prepare for touring, both artists joke about potential conflicts. Rowlands quips, "Wait until we finish touring. Fucking hell!" Aurora playfully imagines separate cars and a communal hat in a fictional bust-up. Their bond, however, remains strong, forged through shared geekery over music details, like a snare sound that once ruined an album for Aurora.
Tomora represents a fresh chapter for both artists. For Rowlands, it provided a creative break before another Chemical Brothers album, while for Aurora, it reinforced music's healing power. With Come Closer and high-profile shows ahead, this duo is poised to make waves in the dance-pop scene.
