Picking Tokimonsta’s Brain

If you’re into Flying Lotus, his label Brainfeeder, or the electronic fusion sound, then you’ve probably heard of Tokimonsta. We’re betting Jennifer Lee has been mentioned on your favorite tastemaker blog for a style that combines classical training with eclectic taste in music. She’s like that one friend whose musical head you wish you could get inside (and whose closet you wish you could raid).

Tokimonsta has a lot going on right now, as her latest album, Desiderium, was released earlier this year on her new label, Young Art (preorders for limited-edition vinyl are now available). She’s currently in the middle of supporting the album with a US tour, complete with a new live visual show from Strangeloop. Below, she took some time out to answer our Insomniac 5.

What’s the hardest lesson you’ve ever learned? How did it make your life easier—or more difficult?
I’ve learned a lot of hard lessons, but the one I deal with regularly is that people are petty. Being a musician means I have to readily accept criticism on varying levels of scrutiny (YouTube being the worst). These comments still bother me, but by accepting that people will be the way that they are, I deal with petty criticism better.

To whom do you owe an apology?
Anyone who caught me when I haven’t slept enough.

If you could meet anybody from the past, who would it be, and why?
Janis Joplin. She was such a great musical innovator at that time but faced so much hardship as well. I think I’d just pick her brain to see why she made the decisions she did. I’m more interested in her lifestyle than just her music.

What do you remember about your first kiss?
It was sloppy and in a movie theatre. It was my first time, not the guy’s. Regardless, I could still tell he was a pretty shitty kisser.

What’s your drink of choice?
Jameson, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime.

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