Tor James Faulkner is one of those brilliantly busy artists whose boundless creativity seems to know no limits. A UK-via-Sweden singer-songwriter, he’s not just a chart-topper; he’s also a reality TV star, celebrity psychic, professional gamer, and voice actor.
Following up on the massive success of albums like ‘The Reflection 2: The Other Side of the Mirror’ and ‘Glitter Bug’, Faulkner has surprised and delighted fans once more with his brand-new holiday project, 'XMAS!'—a vibrant, synth-infused mini-album that dresses up his signature disco-pop sound in a healthy dose of tinsel and festive cheer. From the infectious energy of ‘Christmas Disco’ to the heartfelt sincerity of ‘I Believe in Christmas’, the record proves that holiday music can be as inventive and danceable as anything in contemporary pop.
We sat down with the endlessly imaginative Tor James Faulkner to discuss the unexpected inspiration behind his festive release, the hurdles he’s overcome to get his music back out into the world, and why a certain chihuahua gets a special production credit.
Thanks so much for joining us today, Tor! Before we get into the new album, let’s go right back. When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin?
“I started performing at a really young age, I was what they called—and I do hate this term—a "child star." I remember being absolutely obsessed with music and singers on TV. I was little and growing up around that time of really excellent pop music where the overall performance had to be really good and was often quite theatrical. In the UK we had obviously all the really big stars and some really excellent singers.”
“But we also had a crop of really quirky performers and I feel like that blend of pop and off-the-wall-ness had a lasting impact. I adore vocalists like Karen Carpenter, Cilla Black & Dusty Springfield. I'm a huge fan of girl groups. People like Doja Cat and Jennifer Lopez I find absolutely incredible. I could go on and on.”
Can you tell us a bit about your new album and what it means to you?
“My latest release is called ‘XMAS!’. It's a seven-track holiday album (or mini-album if you like) and despite it being a themed album for Christmas, I actually think it represents who I am as an artist quite well. There's that disco-pop backbone throughout but there's also a ballad, I rap on the album, there's some sass, some trumpets.”
“I've released a lot of music this year, playing catch up after a long period of not being allowed to perform or release music—so looking at my back catalogue you might get a little overwhelmed or excited but I think ‘XMAS!’ is a really good starting point to see if you like what I do. There was a point in time, very recently, I thought I'd never release music again let alone a Christmas album. There were a lot of hurdles in the way. So, having the album released is super special to me in and of itself. But I recorded most if not all of the vocals with my chihuahua Nobby in my arms. So, it's also his album and that makes it extra special, at least to me.”
While Christmas obviously placed a big part, were there any artists or experiences that helped share the album?
“I never thought I'd be the kind of artist who made Christmas music—not because I don't like it, quite the opposite, I absolutely adore Christmas music, I think it's a very special kind of music that takes special care and skill. It's a skill that I never thought I had to be honest. Therefore, I wasn't really thinking about making a holiday record, though I wanted to. Then Cher came along with her holiday album a couple of years ago and had that massive success with ‘DJ Play a Christmas Song’ and I love Cher, who doesn't?”
“That song in particular ignited a fire and a passion in me like you wouldn't believe. So I learned, I learned how to be a Christmas artist and I hope I've done an OK job! I also found it absolutely hilarious that she simply called her album "Christmas" and how unbothered by it she was, haha. While I didn't want to emulate her, I wanted to capture some of that same spirit in my work and as a working title and sort of joke to myself my album was called ‘XMAS!’ but it stuck! The title is homage to Cher you can say.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“It was pretty surreal. Without bringing the mood down too much, as I touched on earlier, there was a long period of time where I wasn't allowed to perform or release. There were decisions being made about my career that maybe started with good intent but over time became toxic and these were decisions that were taken out of my hands. It was a very tricky situation to navigate and get away from. But I knew one day I would and I had to be ready.”
“I was working with producers remotely and everything my end was a bit cloak and dagger and working on various projects at once. I was writing and recording for ‘XMAS!’ around the same time as writing and recording for ‘Reflection 2’. A lot of ‘XMAS!’ was recorded at Easter time, which was kind of funny cause I'd be sending clips to my friends like "listen to this" and it'd be me caterwauling about Santa Claus during Easter break. I wanted the songs to be hopeful, empowering, silly and, with the likes of ‘Christmas Disco’, maybe not something you'd only play during the holiday season. I can see people line dancing to that song on holiday any time of the year, that's the vision anyway.”
You’ve touched on the disco influence on the new album, but how would you describe the sound overall? Has there been a change or evolution in your style on this album?
“There's a lot of disco, pop, and some country influence on this album. Tied together with sleigh bells. I would say evolution is the right word actually. When I was a child performer I would certainly touch on different styles but a lot of the time it would feel like very individual tracks. So, you'd listen to my recordings, and it'd be a pop song, then a country song, then an R&B song.”
“I still explore all those genres of music, but I feel like I've become primarily a disco-pop artist which I'm very proud of and that disco influence has been a lovely way to weave the material together more coherently. You hear this on ‘XMAS!’ but you also hear it on ‘Reflection 2’ where I've written songs, my friend Frances from girl group Vanilla has contributed and a cover track. So, the influences and styles are all a little bit different but having that firm identity as an artist brings it all together nicely.”
Besides the obvious, is there a central message or theme you that really cuts through the album and the festive cheer/
"’Christmas Disco’, I feel is the centrepiece of the record. I wrote this about basically not putting up with someone's malarkey anymore and seeking to enjoy life with or without them. Not every song touches on that, but I feel like it's an important message to live in the moment, make the most of things and not to live your life by someone else's fancies and whims.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?
“I want to continue making music and I know this might sound a bit basic, but I want to make music with as much freedom as possible. I want to tour again, and I really be someone who people come to for some vocals for dance records or to do hooks on rap tracks. I'm keen to get back to presenting duties as well. Professionally I see myself doing all that and more! Personally, I want to be a nice house with my lovely husband, with a cat and dog, waking up and playing video games, haha. I'm quite easily pleased.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“There are no release dates, or anything set in stone yet but there's a double single coming out which is a re-release and new versions of 2 of my popular songs. I've also been recording something new with Cre@m Soda for next year.”
What sort of reception have you had to your latest release? Are there any memorable moments that stand out?
“It's been overwhelming and surprisingly positive—so a big thank you to everyone who has been enjoying it so far. I had a friend get in touch with me tell me how much she loves ‘What If’ and she downloaded Spotify specifically just to listen to it. That's above and beyond and something that will stick with me for life.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?
“Firstly, thank you so much for having me here, it's been a pleasure. Thank you to everyone for reading and for your support. I absolutely love connecting with you all and the best way to find me is via Instagram at the moment. Sending you lots and lots of tinsel-y love!”
There you have it—a peek inside the kaleidoscopic world of Tor James Faulkner. His 'XMAS!' album is much more than just a holiday collection; it's a testament to his resilient spirit, his refusal to let past hurdles dim his light, and a playful, celebratory masterclass in blending genres. If you need a dose of disco-pop joy to lift your spirits, whether it's Christmas or not, this record is a perfect place to start.
For more from Tor, be sure to check out his website, or join him on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
