The Tunes That Inspired Tones
6 May 2025
Now playing in the Weston Studio, Tones Hip Hop Opera, an exciting boundary-pushing production from Wound Up Theatre.
Exploring themes of race, class, and identity in modern Britain, all told through beautiful lyrical poetry, lively movement, and a dynamic original score, the show brilliantly mixes hip-hop and opera, creating a genre-defying experience.
We chatted with the talented writer and performer Gerel Falconer to find out about the inspiration behind the show’s vibrant artwork and the legendary albums that helped shape its sound and style.
Here’s a little of what he shared with us!
De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising
As the artwork for the show suggests, De La Soul was a significant influence on Tones. Their ability to storytell and create a vibe is a skill set I implement to bring the show to life.
Here are some albums that have inspired me and helped transform my ideas from paper to performance:
Klashnekoff - The Sagas Of...
This album has a rawness that's quite powerful. Klashnekoff's lexicon taught me how to enhance my songwriting.
Little Simz - Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
The song "Introvert" features orchestral energy, while "Point And Kill" showcases cultural identity. This contrast is part of the show, fundamentally.
Dave - Psychodrama
This album's detailed imagery lends itself well to Tones' lyrical storytelling.
Dizzee Rascal - Boy in da Corner
This album highlights working-class inequity and teenage angst in arrays of complexity.
Skepta - Microphone Champion
Songs like Sticks and Stones shape moments of action in the show where there's clashing.
Contact Play - Champion Fraff
Elements of the show are immensely verbose and this album had a powerful effect on my flow.
I’d also like to give a special shout-out to The Streets, Bashy, Ghetts, and Akala. All of these artists are scholarly barrers.
Hip-hop fans can expect genre-bending storytelling that connects the scenes.
