Interview: TiMMY The First

Let's start from the beginning. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into music? Has it always been something you wanted to do?

First and foremost, I’m a Zimbabwean-born, Aotearoa-based artist who loves making music. My music is centred around storytelling, creating from a place of authenticity, and helping other people feel seen through the stories I tell. Music has always been part of my life. I grew up playing instruments, and like a lot of musicians, I started out playing in church. I also did a lot of writing with my sister, which naturally progressed over time. The real turning point came when I was at university. I felt like something was missing, and I realised I needed to give music a proper shot. I started off making hip-hop, but over time, I began bringing more of my roots and personal experiences into my sound. Having grown up in different places, including Canada and the United States, I’ve been influenced by a lot of different styles. All of those influences have come together to create the music I make today. I like to think there are no real boundaries to my sound—it’s about expressing how I feel in the most authentic way possible.

You mentioned your sister. Did you come from a musical family?

Definitely. A lot of my aunties and uncles make music on the side. My parents weren’t particularly involved in music, but my sister is an incredible singer. She was actually the one who was supposed to be the artist. I was more interested in arranging songs and helping behind the scenes. Somehow, I ended up being the one pursuing music professionally. Music runs really deep in our culture, so it has always been a part of my life.

Do you draw on your culture and background in the music you make today?

Absolutely. When I first started making music in Dunedin, I felt like the type of music I wanted to create didn’t really fit anywhere. I found myself trying to adapt to what I thought people around me would connect with. It wasn’t until about three years ago that I realised I needed to focus on being myself. I stopped worrying about fitting into a certain space and trusted that the people who connected with my music would find it naturally. That’s when I started introducing more Afro-pop elements into my work. It feels much more authentic to who I am and where I come from.

Looking back, were there any artists who inspired you?

A couple stand out. One is Kendrick Lamar. I know that’s a common answer, but what inspired me wasn’t just his music, it was his versatility. You could hear him on so many different styles of songs and collaborations, and no matter what, he still sounded like himself. Another huge inspiration is Burna Boy. I really admire how authentic he is and how naturally he incorporates his roots into everything he creates. Both of those artists showed me that you can stay true to yourself while still being versatile.

What does your creative process look like?

It changes all the time. I always say my songs are like children, each one needs a different kind of attention and care. Sometimes I start with writing. Other times, I begin with melodies, chord progressions, or production ideas. Often, I’ll create melodies first and then write lyrics around them. Sometimes I freestyle and come back later to shape everything into a cohesive story. The process always depends on the feeling I’m trying to express. The most important thing is serving the song and its message. Whether that starts with sounds, chords, melodies, or words, I just try to bring that feeling into a physical form that people can connect with.

What part of making music do you enjoy the most?

Performing, without a doubt. It’s where everything comes together. The music, the lyrics, the energy, and the connection with people all happen in real time. I feel most like myself when I’m on stage. As we get older, we naturally build filters around ourselves to fit into different situations and expectations. Performing strips all of that away. It’s one of the few places where I feel completely free to be myself.

Does performing come naturally to you?

Not at first. When I started performing, I was terrified. Standing in front of people and putting myself out there felt intimidating. I had to really psych myself up before every show. Then something shifted. One day I realised I just needed to be myself. Since then, stepping on stage feels natural. Whether the crowd is energetic or quiet, I enjoy being in the moment. If they’re already hyped, I join the party. If they’re reserved, I create my own world and invite them into it. By the time I get on stage, the preparation is done. The rehearsals are done. It becomes about being present and enjoying the experience.

The music industry isn't always easy. What keeps you motivated?

For me, it comes back to why I started making music in the first place. I began creating during a pretty dark period in my life. Being able to express myself and have other people connect with what I was saying felt incredibly fulfilling. As long as I can create music and connect with people through it, I feel like I’ve already won. Whether there are millions of streams or just a handful of listeners, it means everything when someone tells me a song resonated with them. That’s what keeps me going. I’ve also learned that persistence is incredibly important. A lot of people stop after a couple of years, but if you stay committed long enough, opportunities start to appear.

We have to ask about the name. Why TiMMY The First?

When I first started making music, I made a promise to myself that I would create my own path. I never wanted to copy someone else's career or become a version of another artist. The name serves as a reminder to always be original and to keep forging my own journey. It’s also a way of uplifting myself and believing in my own potential. It reminds me to keep moving forward on my own terms.

Did you consider any other stage names?

Honestly, no. I tend to overthink things, so I knew that if I spent too much time on it, I’d probably end up changing it every week. Once I landed on TiMMY The First, I knew it felt right.

Tell us about your new single. What inspired it?

The song came from navigating life as a creative and feeling isolated at times. A lot of people around me aren’t pursuing the same kinds of dreams or ambitions, and there were moments where I felt alone in that journey. I went into the studio and started freestyling about those feelings. The song is about having a dream or a calling that other people might not understand, but feeling compelled to pursue it anyway. It’s about staying true to yourself and finding the courage to keep going. Musically, I wanted it to feel like home. The guitar work draws inspiration from the kinds of sounds I grew up hearing in Zimbabwe, music you’d hear in minibuses, markets, and everyday life. My friend TJ helped produce the track, and my guitarist Anesu contributed the guitar parts. Everything came together naturally and felt right.

Is this single different from your previous work?

Definitely. I always want my music to reflect where I am at that exact moment in life. This song represents growth. I’m leaning into parts of myself that I might have been hesitant to express before. The writing is deeper, the instrumentation is bolder, and overall it feels like a more authentic representation of who I am.

Is that where you're heading next creatively?

Absolutely. I want to go deeper with my storytelling, but I also want my music to leave people with hope. Even when I’m writing about difficult experiences, I want listeners to come away feeling uplifted. So there’ll definitely be deeper songs, but there’ll also be some fun ones too.

What have you got coming up?

We’ve got a music video for the single coming out on June 19, which I’m really excited about. I was involved in directing it, and I think it captures the feeling of the song really well. We’re also planning a headline show in August, which will be announced soon. Keep an eye out for more details.

You previously released a music video shot on an iPhone. What inspired that idea?

I wanted to become more involved in the creative process. One of the hardest parts of being an artist today is creating content around your music. Making the music itself can be the easy part. Finding ways to communicate it visually can be much more difficult. I started experimenting with ideas on my phone and eventually put together a rough concept. When I showed it to my friend TJ, he loved it and encouraged me to use it. So I did.

How do you navigate the pressure to constantly create content as an artist?

It’s definitely one of the biggest challenges artists face today. Being an artist now means more than just making music. You have to communicate your story and your artistry across multiple platforms and formats. It can be difficult, especially if you’re doing everything yourself. But it can also be rewarding when all the pieces come together. The reality is that if you simply release a song and do nothing else, very few people will hear it. You have to find ways to introduce people to your music.

Do you ever feel pressure to make music that works well on social media?

I used to. Over the past few years, I’ve shifted away from trying to make music that I thought people wanted. Instead, I focus on making music that feels authentic to me. When people connect with it, the connection feels genuine. What’s interesting is that people naturally respond to authenticity. Sometimes the content you spend five minutes making resonates more than something you spent hours perfecting. People can recognise when something is real.

If BurgerFuel let you create your own burger, what would be on it?

I’d start with a brioche bun. I’m a big fan of avocado and beef patties. I’d add lettuce, tomato, smoked cheese, and a barbecue-style sauce with a bit of spice and sweetness, something along the lines of a sweet chilli flavour.

What would you call it?

The First Burger. Put it right at the top of the menu.

Quick Fire Questions

What’s your current go-to song for driving?
"Round and Round" by Passeleu.

Who’s your favourite artist?
That’s impossible to answer, but I’d say Stormzy, Burna Boy, and Stan Walker.

One thing you can’t perform without?
Ice - some bling.

An artist you’d love to collaborate with?
Troy Kingi.

Your go-to BurgerFuel order?
The Ford Freakout.

Fire or Backfire?

Pickles in a burger? Fire.

Crocs? Fire.

Karaoke? Backfire.

Aioli? Fire.

Acoustic performances? Fire.

NZ Music Month? Fire.

Festivals? Fire.

Singing in the shower? Fire.

Pineapple on pizza? Fire.

Supermarket music? Backfire.

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Listen to TiMMY The First newest single, Air ,and stay up to date with him HERE.