As I write this, the smooth synth-pop sound of Say You Will blasts through my headphones and it’s nearly impossible not to hum along and channel my inner main character energy. 

Diamond Cafe is the solo project of Victoria born and raised Tristan Thompson. The name Diamond Cafe originated in a dream where Thompson found himself climbing up a sandhill and coming up to a neon cafe with a diamond logo perched on top. After waking up, Tristan immediately knew what his artist name would be and has run with it ever since. 

At just 23 (nearly 24—it’s his birthday on May 22nd), Thompson has already made waves in the Canadian and international music scenes, a fact that doesn’t come as a surprise to friends and family—he’s been a performer from the start. Thompson started busking on the streets of Victoria doing Michael Jackson impersonations and dances at the age of 12 and had released his first EP under the name Diamond Cafe by the time he was 18. His sound is a unique mix of R&B, funk, and soul music and when his fans are listening, Thompson hopes they’ll feel the love and positive energy that went into making his tracks. 

He has an impressive collection of singles, collabs, merch, and a Y2K nostalgia-inducing website. He’s also been placed on countless playlists, featured in TV shows, and is now focused on connecting with fans through live shows. Below, we did a rapid-fire Q&A with Diamond Cafe for more insight into his funky and fabulous world. His Canadian fans can catch him live with Chlo Chlo at the Capital Ballroom in Victoria on May 21st—tickets are available here.

What was your first big break?
When my song “The Way You Used To Love Me” was featured on HBO’s Ballers, The Rock getting a pie thrown at his car whilst my music was playing in the background was a dream I never thought one could have.

If you could collab with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
Todd Rundgren, I think he is a criminally underrated vocalist and I would love to just be in the room analyzing his work flow. 

In your opinion, what era had the best music?
The ’80s, they paid attention to the voice.

Would you rather live in the ‘Harry Potter’ or ‘Lord of the Rings’ world?
I don’t believe I could survive both worlds mentally and physically but I’d say Harry Potter.

What’s one conspiracy theory you believe in?
Elvis is still in the building.

If you got arrested, what would your friends and family think it was for?
Being too sexy for a Sunday.

What’s next for Diamond Cafe?
FUNK.

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