Words by Keane Fletcher

There's no easy was to say this: breakups are hard y'all. I think we can all relate to the pain of being dumped, or perhaps it's the pain of having to do the dumping. Either way, it goes without saying that heartbreak is universal. Which is why we get so many songs about it. I mean, some of the best songs ever written are about lost love amiright? And now up-and-coming Sydney-based singer songwriter TOM is the latest musician to have his say on the nature of heartbreak with his song 'Precious Heart', a piece of folk-inflected pop that's all smooth vocals and warm guitar. 

This song is about a beautiful relationship that didn't work out. The guy was going on a journey in his life that wasn’t in line with his girlfriend’s way of thinking and so, before the relationship grew any further, he decided that it was kinder to end it earlier rather than later, even though he cared for her deeply. 

After getting his start singing in his primary school choir, 'Precious Heart' marks the first offical release from this talented singer-songwriter who plans to release an EP or album in the near future, but is currently taking his time honing his songwriting skills.

I don’t force myself to write every single day. For me, that kills my creativity. Every couple of days, when I’m feeling relaxed or inspired, lyrics will develop, a melody will come and the song will begin to mould itself into whatever I am feeling at the time.

Well, get to feeling those feelings then TOM because we want more! Are there any ladies out there that volunteer as tribute? Because if 'Precious Heart' is anything to go by, we know that heartbreak works in TOM's favour.

We recently sat down with TOM to talk all things music, inspo, and what being an up-and-coming singer-songwriter means to him. Check it out below!

1- Where in the world are you based?

I live in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia.

2- How did you get started in music? 

When I was 11 years old, I picked up a guitar while were spending school holidays at our caravan down the south coast and I asked mum how to play.  She showed me two cords and sang “Kumbaya” and I started playing.  I then wanted to play other songs but didn’t know the chords. When we went home Dad taught me more chords as he also plays guitar.  When I was 15, I started writing my own music. I have been writing music for about 4 years now and it has become a true passion of mine. Not a day goes by where I don’t sing or play my guitar. I love it so much.

3- How would you describe your sound? 

Raw, acoustic and positive.  My voice is recognisable by my tone.

4- Who are your musical influences?

I take inspiration from a variety of artists. These include Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald, James Taylor, Christopher Cross, Toto, The Doobie Brothers, The Eagles, Little River Band, Queen, and more recently Justin Bieber, James Blunt, Shawn Mendes, Ed Sheeran, Dean Lewis, James TW, Ruel, Alec Benjamin and Olivia Rodrigo.

5- Can you tell us a bit about your latest release ‘Precious Heart’? How did the idea come about? How did the song take shape?

This song is about a beautiful relationship that didn't work out.  The guy was going on a journey in his life that wasn’t in line with his girlfriend’s way of thinking and so, before the relationship grew any further, he decided that it was kinder to end it earlier rather than later, even though he cared for her deeply. 

The idea came about one day at work, I had been thinking about the scenario and the lyric “staring at the road as it races out of sight” came into my head and the rest just flowed. The lyrics and melody created themselves.

6- How does the songwriting process usually work for you? Do you have a routine when it comes to writing and recording, or does inspiration usually take you by surprise?

Both. I usually begin writing a song with my guitar under my arm, and my phone or journal nearby to write down lyrics when they come. I don’t force myself to write every single day. For me, that kills my creativity. Every couple of days, when I’m feeling relaxed or inspired, lyrics will develop, a melody will come and the song will begin to mould itself into whatever I am feeling at the time. Sometimes lyrics come first, and other times it’s the melody or chord progression. It really isn’t a step-by-step process for me. 99% of the time, songs come by surprise. That’s how I prefer it to be as I believe songwriting is an art and not a chore.

7- What are you hoping listeners take away from this song? 

When you break up with someone, take time to reflect and put into perspective the way you and the other person felt. Acknowledge the pain that you may have caused them as well as the good times you shared. Most importantly, be respectful and give thought to how you affect others’ lives with your actions. 

I want people to relate to the song on a personal level. Break up songs can be loud, angsty and unapologetic. I completely turn that on its head with this song. It’s about empathy towards the other person with a genuine concern for their wellbeing.

8- How do your other interests feed into your music?

I love to tell stories of everyday experiences and emotions as life unfolds. What I observe through television, social media and what people go through in relationships, feeds into my writing. I also find that the music that I’m listening to at the time can influence the music that I write.

9- How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business? Are streaming and video services like YouTube, Spotify and Soundcloud making things easier or harder for artists to get their music out there?

The internet has enhanced the music business by giving artists and musicians a fan base that isn’t limited to people you meet on the street or at gigs. Your music can be streamed offering opportunity to reach more people on a local and global scale.

10- What's next for you? Where do you hope to see yourself in a year’s time?

Writing better music as I mature with storytelling. Growing in my craft and skills both vocally and acoustically. Building a strong original portfolio and enjoying a steady flow of booked gigs. Possibly launching an EP or Album.

Thanks for stopping by Hipland!