What is your name?
Bailey Tomkinson
What is your genre of music?
I’m a British Country Music Artist. So Country is pretty much the root of what I do, but my influences are more reflective of the environment I was raised in. I’m British and I want my brand of country music to be authentic to that reality. I don’t fake twang.
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m Bailey, I’m a 19 year old singer/songwriter from sunny St Ives in Cornwall. I like to write country melodies that hopefully even people who don’t traditionally like Country music want to sing along to! I’m signed to German Indie Label FBP Music and when i’m not performing you can usually find me surfing!
What made you go in to music?
It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. My Mum sang in choirs and a band when she was younger so our house was always full of music, I’m lucky enough to be able to go out and follow my passion.
Are you a signed?
Yes, to FBP Music based in Germany.
Your latest release ‘ 7 Minutes In Heaven’ ‘ tell us more about the single.
The jumping off point was probably watching the movie ‘13 Going On 30’. In truth, I just wanted to create something relatable and youthful, with a sense of fun. I love movies like ‘Dazed and Confused’ and ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ for the sense they have where in one, crazy night anything can happen. I thought it would be interesting to try to capture that feeling in a song.
Describe the track in two words.
Good Vibes!
What was the writing process like?
I wrote it in one afternoon actually, generally I start with the melody because I think that’s what drives a good song. Its the melody that grabs the listener and then they learn the words! My lyrics usually start out as jotted down thoughts and poems in my little book and as I match them to the melody, I flesh them out some.
What was the recording process like?
I hadn’t planned to record 7 Minutes in Heaven straight away but I was in the studio working on ‘Last Kiss’ and I played it to Gareth Young my producer, and he was like that’s a really immediate song, we need to get that done too. I generally write alone so I love working with Gareth because it gives me somebody to bounce ideas off.
Who did you work with on the single with?
I recorded it at Cube in Truro with Gareth Young. Rob Austin from Land of the Giants came in and played electric guitar, on the track. He’s an amazing guitarist.
Where can we buy the Single from?
All the usual digital suspects. Spotify, iTunes, Deezer, Amazon Music.
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in planning?
I’m playing my first show in London on April 13th at Luna Lounge and after that it’s festival season. I’m playing Boardmasters this summer which I’m really excited about. It’s a brilliant festival. We put everything up on my website baileytomkinson.com and songkick, spotify etc
If so where will you be heading?
I’d like to play a lot more outside of Cornwall and in London this year. Maybe over to the US later in the year or early 2020.
What else can we expect in 2019?
A couple of new singles for sure. Possibly an EP as well. I’m back into the studio in April with some stuff that I’m really really excited about.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
I’ve been writing recently with Danny McMahon and some of those songs may see the light of day at some point. Also Josh Gleaves and I sat down recently and wrote a duet that’s shaping up pretty nicely. The awesome DJ Savage is remixing “Crying in a Wedding Dress” as a House track. Experimenting is fun.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
For sure, hit me up on social media or on my website, www.baileytomkinson.com
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar, ukelele, Piano, drums a bit…
Who are your influences?
I’ve grew up listening to Taylor Swift so she’s a big influence, obviously very relatable to a teenage girl. But I also admire her for willingness to experiment and innovate with style, that she wanted to expand the ‘box’. I really admire Kacey Musgraves for the same reason. I listen to Sinatra. I love John Denver because he’s my Grandad’s favourite. Also Sam Cooke, Madonna, Abba, Cindy Lauper, Jewel….”
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I usually write as soon as I feel something I need to get off my chest, so if I go on a bad date I’ll come home and write a song about it straight away – they can be written in 20 minutes or over two months. I sometimes draw inspiration from movies too, if I connect with a character and understand how they feel, they can be really motivating.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully I’ll be playing my music around the world, my dream is to play a big venue with everyone singing one of my songs – it’s going to take a lot of hard work to get there, but hopefully 5 years will be enough time!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Usually when I’m not doing music, you’ll find me on the beach in St Ives surfing and hanging with my friends, summer is the best time for this – we’ll have a fire, music and all watch the sunset on Porthmeor or I’ll be at the local cinema watching a movie, it’s my second home!!
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I think it was Tim McGraw by Taylor Swift when I was about 11, I was so obsessed with this song – I loved the narrative and the story like quality that much I started writing my own stories and found myself putting them to music!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“It’s who you know“. The reality is that if you can’t build a network in this industry, it’s virtually impossible to get much traction.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I feel like writing and playing is something that really shapes you as a musician, everyone can sing or learn to sing but not everyone can play an instrument or write a song. Learning, having a passion for this craft differentiates you and helps you understand who you are.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” It reminds me to set priorities, to trust others and at the same time it inspires me not to be daunted by a challenge.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Well, St Ives is a beach town, the beaches are the best in Britain and i’ll fight anyone who says different! My favourite is Porthmeor because there’s always people i know there and the surf is good. And of course, ‘Tumbled’ my parents American vintage clothing store, is so cool – they’d love it if you came and said hi!!
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
The sea.
2/ Who do you see first?
My family and friends
3/What do you eat first?
Potato waffles!!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My guitar! water, my set list, my name and my dignity!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I have all the socials!
