From a string of singles in his early years to a recent successful debut album, Malcolm Todd has come a short yet meaningfully way. Todd is an upcoming indie-pop sensation, determined to stake his place in the music industry一but what makes him stand out?
Todd first gained attention with his mixtape “Sweet Boy,” which contained many singles, like “Hot in NY” or the TikTok hit “Roommates.” However, “Sweet Boy” wasn’t his debut album; it was just a simple mixtape of all the hidden songs he kept in safekeeping. These songs gave him the spark that kick-started his career.
In an interview with Atwood Magazine, Todd talks about the beginning of his career.
“I started so young, and I see my career going a long way. I just see [my sound] becoming evolved and more mature,” Todd said. “I’m going to take more risks and hopefully show that as everyone else grows, I’m growing too.”
Todd was right. The growth from him is unmistakable. With his debut self-titled album, Todd has fully developed his sound and style, adding himself to the conversation of impactful indie artists. “Malcolm Todd” was nothing like “Sweet Boy”. It added raw emotions and sharp, emotionally radiant instrumentation that was easily grappling and relatable to young adults around the world.
“Make Me a Better Man” was the second song on the debut album; fans raved over the exposure and vulnerability packed into one song. Todd continues on this route with many gut-wrenching tracks similar to “Make Me a Better Man,” like “Walk to Class” or “Bleed,” featuring R&B artist Omar Apollo.
Todd’s story isn’t just about rising to fame一it’s about hustle and ambition. Before the streams and singles, he was scooping ice cream at Cold Stone and making music in his free time.
Isaac Hindin-Miller conducted a small interview with Todd via TikTok, where he spoke about his early stages as an artist:
“I was just working at Cold Stone, scooping ice cream, making songs in my free time, and being shameless about posting, not worrying about the stigma of TikTok,” Todd said. “I wasn’t too precious with my songs, you know? I understood where I was in my career, and I wasn’t trying to be the ‘mysterious vamp guy’ who everyone is waiting for their next move, because no one was.”
Todd’s relatability is part of what makes fans stick. Junior Danica Aguda, a fan of Todd’s music, has followed his development and growth from “Sweet Boy” to “Malcolm Todd”:
“Most of his songs are upbeat. I wouldn’t say that his [older] songs aren’t relatable,” Aguda said. “I think they’re more just like when an artist talks about things generally, but they’re still good songs.”
Aguda also points to Todd’s writing and production, labeling those as his strongest qualities.
“I think his new album is different,” Aguda said. “I think he actually talks about things.”
By blending alternative R&B and indie pop, Todd taps into the sound that defines this generation of listeners. Beyond the instrumentals, his lyrics speak about the hardship of being seen一and the fear of falling short and being forgotten.
“I think his writing is good,” Aguda said. “His songs kind of just itch my brain.”
“Malcolm Todd” isn’t just about emotional appeal. Todd goes in-depth about the strength needed to remain in the pop industry in ‘‘Harry Styles.’ Todd explains how if he doesn’t live up to expectations, the industry could leave him in the dust: “But if I’m not a Harry Styles / they’re gonna put me on the shelf.”
Todd believes that perfectionism is the enemy of success: “100%. Especially at a stage in your career where you’re climbing, you don’t have time to relax, because whatever you’re holding onto is going to break.”
Todd has one piece of advice for young artists: “Give what you have and don’t try to give what someone else has. If you’re not having fun while you’re making something, then you’re probably not making something good. If you have fun and you didn’t make anything at all, then at least you had fun. It’s a win-win.”
Todd’s music career is far from over. As he continues to improve his style and find his style, one thing’s for sure一Malcolm Todd isn’t just chasing the moment. He’s here to stay.
