Tom Baxter interview

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Tom Baxter interview

Tom Baxter is a British Singer-Songwriter who’s tipped to be the breakthrough artist of 2008. His second album, Skybound, is out now and his UK tour kicksoff on Tuesday 29th January.

How does Skybound differ from your debut album Feather and Stone?

I would say that in general it is a brighter, more optimistic record. There aremoments of darkness which I purposefully put there to highlight the multitude of moods in the human psyche and give the lighter side more relevance!

What gave you the idea of selling off your own artwork to fund the making ofSkybound?

It was an idea I had had for many years-I went to Art School first when I was about 19 and always loved it when musicians got involved in the whole creative process-…from what they wear to the album covers… I had set my own label up at the beginning of 2006 (Sylvan records) and decided that on this 2nd record I was going to be completely and utterly creatively intertwined in my work and take things to another level. I wanted to put something out there to make me feel proud of what I was doing and get back to the very reason I went to Art & Music School-‘To be an artist.’ Doing the artwork for the album was an amazing process for me. I produced these 10 canvases and felt like a kid in a sweet shop trying out different flavours,having fun and making something out of nothing. I decided to sell the artwork as I needed to raise money to help promote the music and I loved the idea of 10 different people around UK/Europe having madethe financial leap to buy one of them and then having one of my original piecesof work on the wall and saying to their friends, “Hey-you know there’s a song that goes with it…you wanna listen?’

Who worked with you on the production of the album?

I worked with an amazing musician/producer called Jeremy Stacey. He plays drums for Sheryl Crow and many other people and has also been involved in the makingof many great records.

How old were you when you started doing artwork and making music?

I have always been drawing and making music…I wasn’t any good at anything else!

Does your art inspire your music, or vice versa?

It’s really a bit of both. But generally I will start writing something and thena short film will enter my mind and that will then be the thing that leads the song to its conclusion. I use images and literature to help build stories in my mind.

How did your single 'Better' end up on the soundtrack for last year’s Simon Peggfilm 'Run, Fat Boy, Run'?

That was really down to David Schwimmer…he has been a fan of my music for sometime and had downloaded the live track ‘Better’ and-as he was editing the film-placed the track in the most romantic and sentimental part. He later called me, came to a few shows, introduced himself and asked if I would mind having the track put onto the film. Of course I was flattered.

You have a tour coming up, what can fans expect from it?

The live show is really a mix of album 1 & 2. And it is an intense and joyful experience. There is a lot of energy but also time to reflect through the wordson your own life and those of others. The audience become part of the whole experience. And often people find it to be almost a spiritual experience!

What's the biggest venue you're played during your career?

Well, I’m not really sure what’s the biggest in the past but I’m playing at the Shepherds Bush Empire on 31st January and that will be the biggest show so far…it’s gonna be amazing as I have been building up to play that place for years. It’s my favourite London venue!

What do you have planned for after the tour?

I will probably be going over to the states to do some shows…

On your website it says that last summer you were playing a gig in Ireland and a girl was so moved, she proposed to you. What did you say to her??

I said…”listen, I am very flattered…you are totally beautiful but where is your father…I can’t marry you without his permission?”-Also, I didn’t have a ring!!!

You've just returned from Brazil and last year you went to Argentina. What were you up to out there?

I was meeting indigenous people and recording music with them. Travelling,partying, climbing, fishing and soaking up the sun.

What do you like best about South America?

It is an amazing continent as it is so rich in resources that it is just teeming with wildlife and stunning landscapes. It’s really a very newly discovered continent so in many ways it hasn’t really been spoilt yet…although parts of itare…

Are there South American influences in your artwork and/or music?

Of course…I am influenced by all music around the world…but I am particularly fond of anything I hear which consumes me with passion. What or who else influences you? Anybody who uses their talent and skill to reach out to people and bring sunshine into their life.

Which new or emerging music artists are you excited about?

I think Amy Winehouse is brilliant but you should also look out for Lily Fraser,Charlie Winston and Sam Semple.

Musically, who would you like to work with in the future?

I’ve never really been into the idea of doing stuff with people just because they are famous etc…if I like them and they approach me I am up for trying stuff, but in general I would love to make records with musicians who think outside of the box. Different cultures and worlds I can learn from and build great work and friendships together.

Written by Autumn for UKEvents.net