TTSSFU has opened up about overcoming creative doubts to return to her dream-pop roots with new music. Watch the full interview above.
The Mancunian artist, known in real life as Tamsin Stephens, discussed her musical evolution during a recent interview at Mad Cool Festival, revealing plans to reorient her sound toward her formative influences. Her latest release, ‘Blown’, launched in August of last year marked a experimental guitar-driven phase, but she’s now pivoting sharply.
“The next era of my work will lean heavily into synth-pop,” Stephens explained, citing Robyn’s recent album as a pivotal influence. “I’m reconnecting with the textures and rhythms that initially inspired me, moving beyond the guitar-focused experimentation of my last EP.” She also highlighted the impact of films like I Saw The TV Glow, stating, “That film completely reshaped my perspective on what music can achieve emotionally.”
Stephens confirmed the synth-pop album is already in progress, with select tracks from her exploratory “scrap heap” of ideas slated for the final record. “It was a chaotic experiment, but it gave me clarity,” she shared. “Some of its flaws were exactly what I needed to refine my direction.”
She reflected on the emotional hurdles of post-‘Blown’ self-doubt, admitting touring with other artists exposed her insecurities. “I’d second-guess if my music even mattered,” she said. “But seeing fellow acts thrive live reminded me my sound has its own power—no need to conform to others’ expectations.”
Looking ahead, Stephens is collaborating with Blondshell on an upcoming tour, calling the partnership “a positive step into the unknown.” She also acknowledged the double-edged sword of viral fame: “The noise around ‘Blown’ was overwhelming, but it pushed me to refine my voice.”
Reviewing Mad Cool 2026, we called TTSSFU’s performance “a hit,” praising her ability to deliver “two short, sharp screams” that electrified the crowd. Her set concluded with an emotional exit, leaving the festival “still buzzing” from the encounter. Revisit all of NME’s festival coverage here. While NME serves as the official media partner of Mad Cool, TTSSFU’s journey underscores resilience in an ever-evolving industry.
