An Evening with Don Toliver: Insights, Music, and Connection at the Grammy Museum

Written and Captured By | Kayla Green

The Grammy Museum’s “A Conversation With” featuring Don Toliver in Los Angeles, moderated by Charlie Wilson, was an exceptional experience. Don Toliver shared insights about his career, influences, and the sources of his recent creative inspiration.

Don Toliver revealed that his music career was deeply influenced by his parents’ love for music. He spoke about how their passion for music ignited his own, making it a significant part of his life. This connection to his parents’ love for music is something he holds very close to his heart.

When discussing his second latest album, Don explained the process of collaborating with prominent artists. He mentioned that he selects collaborators based on the energy and vibes of each project, aiming to work with like-minded individuals to create special moments. It was fascinating to hear how he allows the flow of each project to guide his choices.

See more photos of Don Toliver HERE

Don Toliver and Charlie Wilson also talked about their collaboration on the track “Attitude.” They had previously worked together on the song “If I Had” from Don’s 2023 album Love Sick, which Don described as sentimental. For “Attitude,” Don wanted something more upbeat and fun, leading to its creation as a party track. He felt it was only fitting to include Charlie Wilson on it.

Don Toliver delved into his most recent project, Hardstone Psycho, a tribute to his uncle Carl, who passed away in a motorcycle accident last year. The project is also inspired by the video game Fortnite. Don, a big gamer, had considered creating his own game but realized the challenges after taking a computer class. This led him to merge his love for gaming and music into this project.

One of the standout aspects of the event was Don’s interaction with his supporters. He remembered some fans from last year’s Monty’s pop-up and others who had attended multiple shows, including this year’s Rolling Loud festival. This genuine connection between Don and his fans was evident. He also provided insightful answers to questions about balancing personal life and work while striving to become a bigger artist.

Charlie Wilson brought a lighthearted energy to the conversation, adding some humorous moments. Their relationship seemed more like family, which was heartwarming to witness.

Don Toliver also emphasized the importance of visuals in his music. As a visual learner, he believes that telling a story visually in 3-4 minutes helps fans connect more deeply than just hearing the music. This approach is evident in the visually rich nature of his music and live performances.

Fatherhood was another topic of discussion. Don Toliver shared that becoming a father has made him take even more pride in his work. He sees his son as the future, and this has profoundly impacted him both as an artist and as a person.

See more photos of Don Toliver HERE

Don Toliver touched on the challenges of creating music during the COVID-19 closures, particularly the inability to tour and connect with peers. Despite these challenges, he has remained true to himself and feels that he hasn’t lost anything during that time.

He expressed gratitude for having rooms full of people who love his music when he’s on tour. To prepare for tours, he is always creating more music, knowing that time for smaller things becomes limited. It was impressive to hear how much thought he puts into his creative processes.

Overall, the event left a lasting impression. Don Toliver’s dedication to his craft and his genuine connection with his fans were evident throughout the conversation. His respect for the visual aspects of art adds significant depth to his work, making him an even more appreciated artist.