Tommy Chikara: Transition & Growth

For Tommy Chikara, transitioning from his previous alias marked a deeply personal and introspective journey. The artist, formerly known by another moniker, stepped away from music for nearly a year and a half to reconnect with himself and recalibrate his creative vision.

"I didn’t feel like I was doing what felt right for me," Tommy admits. "It made me pause music—mostly pausing playing and producing music. During that time, I explored various parties, embraced meditation, delved into books, and reflected on what I truly wanted to pursue."

He views this period of self-discovery as transformative. "You’re never done learning and exploring, but this time truly shaped my sound and personal growth. It allowed me to embrace complete freedom in my projects and music, to reinvent myself and my view of the industry."

Even his name carries profound significance. With Valentijn Griffioen as his birth name, he explains how Tommy Chikara reflects his essence.

"Chikara means power or energy in Japanese, and Valentijn translates to that in a way. I’ve always admired Japanese language and culture, so it felt natural to incorporate it. Tommy comes from my childhood cat, my best friend, and it also means twin, tying to my Gemini star sign. Altogether, the name resonates deeply with me—spiritually and personally."

Since stepping into the identity of Tommy Chikara, the artist has celebrated several defining moments. From closing Shelter and delivering a podcast for DGTL to becoming a resident for VBX and SlapFunk-powered LIQUIDS, his journey has been marked by standout achievements.

"I’m proud of these milestones. One of my favorites is my 3.5-hour set at Doka, warming up for Doudou MD—such an inspiring venue and person. But beyond the music, what defines 2024 for me is the connections I’ve made and the happiness I’ve experienced. Without the love, companionship and support from my environment, Tommy Chikara wouldn’t be what it is today.

Performing at venues like Shelter, Doka, Lofi, Thuishaven and Multipla has shaped his growth as an artist.

"Playing in these spaces allowed me to experiment and explore different time slots, atmospheres, and settings. I’ve always had a broad interest in music, so it was exciting to dive into the full spectrum of electronic music."

Tommy Chikara’s sound is a vibrant fusion of electronic breakbeats, tribal influences, dubby house, and four-to-the-floor club music. He traces this eclecticism back to his childhood.

"My parents played a lot of Buddha Bar and Café del Mar compilations, but I was also obsessed with Queen. I’d sit in front of the sound system and listen for hours. Those early experiences exposed me to a wide range of music, and that diversity still shapes the identity of Tommy Chikara today."

Eastern sounds and ambient textures continue to play a significant role in Tommy’s work.

"Japanese ambient music, in particular, has such a calming effect on me. It’s a refreshing escape from the sounds you often hear in and around Europe. That tranquility and uniqueness are always present in my projects."

He also finds inspiration in Amsterdam’s iconic club scene, especially places like Trouw and De School.

"These venues carried so much passion. They represent the fundamentals of creativity for me. I’ve read interviews and watched documentaries about them, and they always stir emotions that fuel my artistic drive."

Through his creative outlet, aporia__project, Tommy has established a platform for exploration and freedom. The name, drawn from the postmodern concept of "a state of puzzlement," reflects his approach to creativity.

"It’s about starting with a clear idea and then letting the rest unfold naturally. There’s freedom in that—freedom of genres, as long as it’s bound to inspiring sounds, art, and culture."

In November, he launched the aporia frequencies series, showcasing artists like Patrizio Scope and Hervé, with more collaborations planned. "This year, I’m excited to feature music from others besides myself. I’ve also got a track coming out on a vinyl VA for Hotbox, a young but super exciting label."

Joining the Horizon agency and becoming a resident for LIQUIDS have been pivotal steps in Tommy’s career.

"It’s still new, but I already feel the positive effects. Working with Jimmy (Horizon’s founder) and Hisham (my manager) has created inspiring dynamics. It’s a triangle of ideas about what plans to pursue and where to go."

Becoming part of the Liquids family, tied to SlapFunk and VBX, carries special meaning for him. "These are people I’ve looked up to for years. They’ve created dance floors where I’ve spent countless hours. To now be asked to contribute to their concept is such an honor."

Self-development has been a cornerstone of Tommy’s journey. Through meditation, reading, and reflection, he’s cultivated a mindset rooted in the present moment.

"I’ve learned to live more in the Now. This perspective has matured my approach to music and strengthened my connection with my audience."

Looking ahead, Tommy is eager to continue evolving as an artist.

"In 2025, my focus will be on releases and making a lot of new music.. I’m diving deeper into hardware and working on an exciting project called Yutori, which is about more than just music. While Amsterdam will always be my home, I’m planning to play more internationally and explore new territories."

Above all, he remains committed to the joy of music and the connections it fosters. "Most of all, I want to keep partying and stay inspired by music and people."

Tommy Chikara’s journey is one of introspection, creativity, and connection, blending personal growth with an unwavering passion for music and community