Tomten is a trio from Seattle, Washington. Often described as baroque or dream pop for their prominent use of organ, electric piano and analog synthesizers, they share a wide influence from early power-pop to electric folk.
The band formed in 2008 when singer/keyboardist Brian Noyes-Watkins met original bassist Lena Simon (La Luz, Kairos) at art school. The two began recording demos in the practice rooms, and started performing regularly in 2010 after drummer Jake Brady joined.
Tomten is set to release their fourth album, Viva Draconia, named to invoke an authoritarian anthem sung by grey children in a grey room, or a boldly written declaration on war time propaganda. This release marks a shift from previous output, offering a record that is more personal, energetic and electronic. The additions of an acoustic 12 string and Roland SH 2000 for most of the album’s lead synth parts makes a bigger sounding record than the band’s earlier work.
Lead single “Blue Movie” is a pop song in the vein of Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark, with that kind of instant synth gratification. According to the band, “It’s a song about pornographic excess and dissatisfaction, but with some whimsy!”

Viva Draconia is set for release on Seattle label Plume Records on September 28, 2018 on CD, vinyl, and digital formats.
Catch Tomten live on these upcoming tour dates (all dates w/ Bryan John Appleby):
9/12 – Enterprise, OR – Range Rider
9/13 – Boise, ID – Funky Taco
9/15 – Cedar City, UT – S. Utah Music Fest
9/16 – Los Angeles, CA – Hi Hat
9/17 – Long Beach, CA – House Show
9/18 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
9/21 – Monterrey, CA – Pierce Ranch Vineyards
9/22 – San Francisco, CA – Make Out Room  (W/ Magic Magic Roses)
9/23 – Albany, CA – Ivy Room (w/ China)
9/24 – Sacramento, CA – The Gold Bear (w/ Sunmonks)
9/25 – Ashland, OR – Brickroom
9/26 – Portland, OR – Alberta St. Pub
9/27 – Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern (Record Release Show)
9/28 – Tacoma, WA – Alma Mater
9/30 – Moscow, ID – ModFes
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