Versatile artistry is key when it comes to the creative output of UK songwriter, presenter and celebrity psychic Tor James Faulkner. With over 25 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Tor’s alternative pop sound and style is clearly connecting.
As the newest single Jealous Type makes waves across social media, we sat down with the singer and musician behind the music, to find out more about the journey so far. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hi Tor, great to finally chat with you – how has 2026 been treating you so far?
Hello, thank you so much for having me – amazing pleasure to be here.
2026 has been interesting so far, haha! I’ll leave it at that.
To introduce things, you’re a versatile artist, noting music, acting, presenting and celebrity psychic work to your repertoire. Where did this all begin – what was your first creative inspiration?
I was a child performer. One of my first clear memories is performing some songs at a Christmas party in a club. I then became what one might call a “talent show kid”, entering and winning various contests up and down the UK. Then I started to make music around the age of 12.
I remember very clearly the first day being in a studio and when you’re that young, they can’t have you in and out or working all hours. So, I was in the vocal booth (being yelled at for flat notes) for 7 tracks in one day.
The acting and presenting kind of happened off the back of being a singer. Music and singing is my first and true love. It was always a way for me to express myself when I didn’t have the means otherwise.
“Acting and presenting play into that as well, my brain ticks a little differently – being someone else via acting or having a written guideline of what to say via presenting meant that I wasn’t going to fudge up any social malarkey.”
The psychic stuff was something I initially started for myself, it’s an interest I have, which then naturally snowballed into me being a TV psychic for over five years. It’s one of those things you’d never think was going to happen, but it did and it was such an amazing experience. Spiritual media has it’s own nice little bubble.
Jealous Type is the latest single release – how did you build this song, and what was the writing process like?
Actually, Cre@m Soda and I have another one that’s just come out called “Looking for Something” which was a bit of a surprise release. That one was written by Frances from 90s girl group Vanilla, who is a beautiful friend of mine.
“Jealous Type” was really quite fun to record – I didn’t write it, you’d have to ask Doja Cat about that part haha. But I had a very clear vision (much to Cre@m Soda’s dismay) that I wanted it to sound very 80s Japanese city-pop.
It was important to me that the vocals had a very rich sound. Some nice layers and harmonies. But what took the most time was the rap.
I’ve rapped before and I’ll rap again but it’s not at the top of my skill list, so it was something I worked quite hard to get right. I spent weeks walking around the house learning the rap and hitting each word just so.
It’s such a good song and I think it fits what Cre@m Soda is doing quite well and I”m lucky enough to keep being asked back to provide vocals.
How did you come to collaborate with Cre@m Soda, and what does collaboration bring out in your creativity?
It was after providing some vocals for advert jingles in Europe around 2 years ago. They were working on a remix of “Waiting for Tonight” for Jennifer Lopez, to celebrate its anniversary, and they wanted to turn it into a duet.
I’m a massive fan of J-Lo so I said “Yes” right away – I was playing video games with my friend when the offer came through and I was like “I need 20 minutes” – recorded my vocals and that was that; we’ve been working together ever since.
I think having different ideas and talents involved in a project is really cool. Everyone hears or experiences music ever so slightly differently. In the production stages, that can change an entire track.
I really enjoy the blend of creativity in a collab sitch.
How does the single follow on from last year’s album No Way, No Way, if at all, and do you feel like your approach is evolving somewhat?
It doesn’t haha!
Cre@m Soda are focusing on stand-alone tracks for the moment, without any kind of rhyme or reason. So, “Jealous Type” exists as just that.
“No Way, No Way” both the mini album and the song are real pinch me moments. People are responding in unexpectedly positive ways. The mini album was a side project to my main release last year, “Reflection 2” but they have a symbiotic relationship.
You don’t get moments like “No Way, No Way” every day in your career and it’s not something I’m taking for granted.
“I feel like there is an evolution, yes. I don’t feel like five years ago I would have so confidently rapped on a record for example. With that said, I’m not afraid to try things – whether it’s a soundscape, genre, singing in a different way. I think that naturally brings evolution, right?”
So, for me it’s not really a conscious thing. It’s more like “Oh, OK – that’s happening now, I like it”.
How much of your passion is in the performance side of things over studio creativity, and on that note, will you be hitting the stage much this year?
I love performing and it’s not something I’ve done enough of lately. Being on stage and bringing the music to life is very important to me.
It’s really a different to recording – when you’re recording you’re making something you hope people will enjoy and maybe put on repeat. Performing live is always a bit different each time and you only have that experience with that current audience in the room. The artist and the audience have a shared memory of the song and that’s super special.
I am hoping to be on stage later this year. There’s no set in stone dates, yet. Life has been a little, as I say, interesting the past couple of months. Soon though, soon!
Do you play any instruments, and what software do you use to produce your tracks?
I have a working understanding of a lot of instruments – so probably very basic in quite a few, like piano, guitar, some percussion. I used to play clarinet. But I made the choice as a teen to really focus on my voice as a proper instrument.
Actually, the software changes depending on the project and the finished tracks are usually re-worked by producers much more skilled than I am in that department.
But what I love to do is create samples or use my voice to illustrate what I’m going for and go from a few beeps and hums to a fully fleshed out track. It’s really exciting. Ooh, I got goosebumps just thinking about it.
What’s the main way that you support yourself as a creative artist, and what would be your best piece of advice to other artists looking to build a lasting career?
I am lucky that as you say, I have acting and stuff going on too. So, all my talents, so to speak, support each other. I also have wonderful support from my husband – and that’s the first piece of advice I’d give; make sure you have the right people around you.
As much as it pains me to say it, it’s really hard to sustain yourself from just music these days. If you can do something alongside music, do. If it’s also a creative avenue, all the better.
“Be kind to yourself and don’t get bogged down or too obsessed by numbers. It shouldn’t matter if 2 or 2 million people enjoy your song – do it for love, first.”
What’s your plan in terms of music releases and writing this year?
I’ve started to write my next solo album – there isn’t enough done yet to say much about it. But I am writing.
I have recorded vocals for a few more Cre@m Soda singles – so look out for those.
There should also be some more Christmas music toward the end of the year.
What are the main values you want to bring to alternative pop and dance music?
That music can be enjoyable or fun but still have a message. So often it’s one or the other – it can be both.
As an extension of that, artists shouldn’t pigeon hole themselves. If you want to perform really heartfelt folk music and also do a cover of “Saturday Night” by Whigfield, bloody well do it.
Be authentic, to you.
If you could collaborate with anyone at all, who would you choose, and why?
Actually, I’ve just publicly asked The Cheeky Girls to do a duet with me, awaiting their response.
Maybe Brett Anderson from The Donnas. I’ve always loved her punky voice, I loved The Donnas as a kid and I don’t feel like they get enough credit for what they did.
What’s something about you that would surprise fans of your music?
I think some people may know this but I am actually a semi-pro gamer. I’ve played games like Overwatch and Splatoon professionally. It’s something I’d really like to get back to.
Not had enough time for gaming lately as I’d like to have.
Is there anything else we should know?
That I am eternally grateful for all the support. I see everything, the likes, the TikToks you make using my tracks, the Shazams, everything! I llove each and every one of you.
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Find Tor James Faulkner on YouTube & Instagram or visit his Website.
