In 2019, Ian Thomas breaks away from his past but thanks to the freedom it brings - without a record deal, without management - he realizes that he is first and foremost an artist, a musician at heart. He spends more time than ever before in the studio, collaborating with anyone who crosses his path, without judgment on background, genre, or style. He makes beats, produces, writes lyrics and instrumentals. His passion is back. At the same time, he draws inspiration from his eclectic taste in music: from Justin Timberlake to Queen to heavier American Hip-Hop. But he also enjoys Belgian and Dutch hip-hop. He grew up with De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig on repeat, today Dikke & Snelle are at the top of his playlist. He was so impressed with "Scars" from the latter that working with the producer - Donda Nisha - was high on his wish list. That fusion of pop elements and hip-hop was also his thing. In 2023, he's back with dreamy pop songs that radiate the same joy of life as Ian himself.