Honesty, Vibes, and Heart: The Foundation of Tempo Tonic

Written by Alexandria Anglade

Tempo Tonic is what happens when two artists with the same heartbeat for music finally decide to build something of their own. Joey Starman and Eddie Lenz met in high school, bonding instantly over shared tastes and the feeling that music meant more to them than a playlist. After graduation, everything clicked during a Wave to Earth concert. Standing in the crowd, they asked the question that would shape their future: Why not start a band? That moment of clarity pushed them to create Tempo Tonic, a group grounded in passion, experimentation, and pure creative chemistry.

Tempo Tonic’s sound floats between alternative textures and soulful simplicity. Joey cites Tyler, The Creator as a major influence on his production style and songwriting choices. Eddie draws heavily from Frank Ocean and Brent Faiyaz, channeling their influence through his vocal delivery and lyrical storytelling. Together, these inspirations blend into a sound that is unpredictable, atmospheric, and always honest.

Their creative process is built on intuition. The duo begins by checking in with each other to see what energy the day brings. Sometimes they sit with beats and instrumentals until the right spark hits. Other times they grab their instruments and let a session unfold naturally. Once a vibe takes shape, they trade lyrics back and forth, catching whatever stands out. From there, the song grows on its own, shaped by instinct rather than force.

For Joey Starman, the mission goes beyond crafting good songs. He wants listeners to feel the soul inside every track, whether Tempo Tonic is singing about heartbreak or imagining themselves at the Met Gala. He hopes their music becomes a gateway for fans to explore new genres and develop a deeper appreciation for music as a whole.

Eddie echoes this sentiment and also emphasizes teamwork. He believes a band thrives when every member contributes, no matter how small the task may seem. A missing piece can break the entire puzzle, so every idea, effort, and moment counts. Joey adds that honesty is crucial. If an idea is not hitting, they speak up and reshape it together. Two minds, one vision.

When reflecting on their favorite songs, both artists share heartfelt answers. Joey’s pick is “Can’t Get Enough,” one of their earliest creations and a moment that proved they could truly function as a band. When he got stuck, Eddie had an idea. When Eddie hit a wall, Joey found a way through. Their synergy became undeniable. Eddie’s personal favorite is “Cherry Lips,” a track recorded in his kitchen using nothing but a sock as a microphone.

The song brought them the most attention and holds a deep nostalgic value. Joey wrote it, Eddie found the perfect delivery, and together they crafted the instrumental from scratch. It represents who they are at their core: resourceful, passionate, and unafraid to create magic out of the simplest tools.

Tempo Tonic is stepping into their strongest era yet. Joey hopes fans expect nothing but their best because that is exactly what they are preparing to deliver. With new music scheduled for mid December, he promises a fresh direction and their most refined work so far. Eddie adds that there is more on the horizon than music alone. The duo is connecting with clothing brands, building collaborations, and planning performances. While the shows may take time, their upcoming releases hold fans over with exciting energy and strong momentum.

Instagram: @tempo.tonic

https://linktr.ee/tempotonic