Where can we find you right now and what are you up to?
I'm back in Cardiff right now, pushing to get out and play live as much as possible. I've been doing lots of solo acoustic shows over the last year, and in the summer got a band together so we can do something much more rock & roll - we're called Tom Anthony & The Revelations and our debut performance is coming up very soon, on the 3rd of February, so I'm spending a lot of time in the rehearsal room right now too!
Tell us a bit about your influences.
I like a lot of different artists, but the most formative influences for me have been Oasis, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Green Day and Ryan Adams. More recently I've been diving heavily into The Smiths, and I'm exploring blues much more these days with both the classics (Buddy Guy, SRV, Hendrix) and newer guys like Early James and Dom Martin at the forefront of that.
How did you start making music?
I picked up a guitar for the first time when I was about 11 and it just felt right! I've been writing music ever since I could play more than two notes, and during the first Covid lockdown decided to learn how to record and produce so I could start putting music out.
What obstacles does an emerging artist have to face in our time?
There's just so much noise! Social media is great for reach but also dilutes your impact, so being visible is great but you've got to make awesome music first and foremost. It's easy to get distracted from that.
What worked for you marketing-wise? What advice or tips would you give to new artists?
This is easier said than done, but try not to focus on the number. Instead make real connections with the people that love your music - which definitely won't be everyone. Back in the day, no one knew how many times their music got played - we shouldn't obsess over that now either. If you're making life a little better for even one person, that's a big win.
What kind of goals are there for you right now? What should we expect from you in the future?
I'm gearing up for the release of my first album on March 1st, and writing album #2 as well. The first one was all me - I wrote and played every part, produced it and have done all the promotion. I'm looking forward to collaborating more on the second, and seeing what magic the band bring to the songs.
Tell us about your latest or upcoming release.
1st of March is the big day - my debut album, Little Morsels, is coming out then. I've been building up to this record for three and a half years now, and it's the pinnacle of my work to date. It's an album rooted in indie and glam rock that takes a turn around jazz, blues, folk and country along the way. Can't wait to share it with the world!