The Sound of You Laughing is a Vulnerable Debut for Genre-Bending Artist ThxSoMch
ThxSoMch is the stage name of Carter De Filippis, a Toronto artist recognized for his dark and genre-bending sound. He first rose to prominence with his 2022 single “Spit in My Face!” and has racked up over four million monthly listeners on Spotify since. On Aug. 29 he released his long-awaited full-length album, The Sound of You Laughing, which feels more vulnerable, more intimate, and more punk than before. REVERIE wrote to ThxSoMch to ask about his musical journey, and what he hopes people can relate to.
REVERIE: Toronto has a deep and diverse music scene. How has growing up there shaped your sound and identity as an artist?
ThxSoMch: I used to listen to the alternative radio station in Toronto a lot while in the car with my dad. I remember hearing Crystal Castles on that station for the first time. Been a fan of them since.
REVERIE: Your music has been described as everything from emo rap and indie rock to modern darkwave. How do you navigate genres when you’re writing—do you go in with a sound in mind or does it happen instinctively?
ThxSoMch: I try not to navigate genres. I let the genres come to me. I like a whole lot of different music genres so I’m inspired by a lot of music.
REVERIE: The Sound of You Laughing dropped on August 29. What does this album represent to you compared to your earlier releases?
ThxSoMch: This album represents where I’m at now in my life. Both musically and lyrically. Or at least where I was when I made the album. It’s a very anxious body of work.
REVERIE: You’ve described some of these songs as “both comfort and discomfort.” Can you talk more about that duality in your music and how it shows up in the album?
ThxSoMch: I think while making these songs I found comfort in venting about my discomfort with myself or certain situations. Sometimes it’s good to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
REVERIE: Much of your music touches on themes like heartbreak, identity, and mental health. What role does vulnerability play in your songwriting, and do you ever struggle with sharing so openly?
ThxSoMch: The reason I share so openly is because I use songwriting as my journal. When I’m not making music, I lose my mind. I need creation to keep myself sane and honest.
REVERIE: You create music that many people can resonate with. Can you describe a specific moment that a song, that you either created or consumed, made you feel represented and seen?
ThxSoMch: Lil Peep really resonated with me. I don’t really know why specifically. He still does. I guess there’s just a rawness that makes the music feel like it’s right in front of you.
REVERIE: How do you hope listeners feel after hearing The Sound of You Laughing? Is there a message you want them to walk away with?
ThxSoMch: If listeners feel anything then that’s a win for me. I don’t care what they feel. If they feel something, then that’s enough.
REVERIE: What’s next for ThxSoMch?
ThxSoMch: I’m going on tour, which is gonna be awesome. I’m extremely excited to play the album songs and old ones live. Tour is one of my favourite things about doing this.
Catch ThxSoMch at one of his Canadian stops in Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal in October.