We first encountered Tom Bright when he supported Ed Cosens on his UK tour, after which he performed a Sofar Sounds in Newcastle where he mesmerised with his raw and personal sound. He is now traveling the UK on his own headline tour and has just released his new album ‘Somewhere Anywhere’, the perfect time for us to have a chat with the incredibly talented emerging musician!
Hi Tom! Could you introduce yourself and your music?
Of course! Well, hello, I’m Tom Bright. I’ve just released my third album, ‘Somewhere Anywhere’. It’s my third in four years, in a life that’s been a little unique and rocky at times. I was late to music – I was actually a pub landlord at the age of 18, and didn’t kick off this musical endeavour until I was 23. I’d moved out to Australia and that’s where it all fell into place.
This new album is definitely my most personal to date. It’s been produced by the wonderful Ed Harcourt, and we mastered it with Miles Showell at Abbey Road. I’ve been blown away by all the support on the singles in the run up to the album coming out – I’ve been on live on BBC Radio 2, live in session on Radio X, performed The London Palladium, Glastonbury, and even on BBC TV (on The One Show). All a bit bananas really!
There’s a lot of observational stuff in my writing – from the quirky to the rawest form of heartfelt.. and I sound like a very very heavy smoker ha!
What inspires you to write music?
People, emotions, observing the ordinary, talking about the simplistic remarkable things that surround us.
Could you share three fun facts about you and your music?
Johnny Marr of The Smiths signed my guitar, Mick Jones of The Clash produced my first tunes, and I’ve played on stage with Glen Matlock from Sex Pistols!
What is your favourite part of touring and your favourite city to play in?
Getting to meet so many great people, connecting on a real human level through live music interaction and my song smithery. Favourite city is tough one… I have so so many favourites, but I must say, as a Derbyshire man living in London (well, just about surviving), I always love getting back up north, and Newcastle is definitely up there in my top picks.
How do you prepare yourself for a show or tour?
Well, there’s a constant element of stress. When I eventually get that under control, it’s a juggle between the endless admin, continuing to spin the multiple plates that I do, the driving, the prepping sets (this time round, I’ve mapped out a different set list for each show, to keep me one my toes.. plus I’ve had folk messaging me on Instagram about what they want to hear and where).
What’s next after this tour?
I’ll be heading straight back into that studio come the new year working on a follow up, no doubt about it! Maybe I’ll take a couple of weeks off in late December, let’s see…
Tickets for Tom’s headline show at The Grove in Newcastle are available here!
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