What is your name?
Tom Galloway
What made you go into music?
I’ve always been naturally drawn to it and my family always influenced and supported me from an early age with that. There was always an instrument in the house to play with. There were certain songs and artists I would hear growing up, I remember thinking to myself I could write something like that.
You are set to release your album ‘Rearview’, tell us more about the Album.
We’ve been slowly rolling out a few singles from it through 2020 and I’m really excited to get the whole thing out this fall. It’s not really a concept album, but the songs are specifically ordered in a way that I think makes the whole album listening experience flow very well.
What is the meaning behind the album?
In retrospect, I believe the overall theme of this record deals with the destructive and redemptive nature of love, as well as the importance of self-worth and positive forward motion. It’s tempting to look back in the rearview at memories and illusions of the past, but focusing on the present and the road ahead is the answer. You can’t look ahead when you’re busy looking behind.
Describe each track in two words.
Let it Play – strong opener
Rearview – moving forward
Mercy of Your Mood – love lost
Feel That I’m Fallin – love gained
If You Never Will – self-worth
Lazy Days – karmic cycles
What was the writing process like?
I wrote these songs at different times over the last couple of years based on many situations in my life that have turned out for better or worse. Regardless, there was learning involved and songs that transpired, so the experiences were for the best. When it came time to get in the studio these 6 songs were speaking to me the strongest.
What was the recording process like?
We were fortunate to have the experience in Southern Ground Studios, especially since the studio has since been put up for sale. There’s a great history of the location, originally a church, it was converted to a studio in the late 60’s. Kris Kristofferson recorded his first 3 albums there. Another highlight for me would be Neil Young’s “Prairie Wind.” It has recently been owned by Zac Brown and they had a great studio crew in there, especially Dan Davis, the producer and engineer of the record, who made us sound really good.
Who did you work with on the album?
The band includes Stephen Taylor, Bill Baker, John Rodrigue, Kaitlyn Connor, & CJ Colandrea. We had several special guests including Wes Bailey (Moon Taxi) Keshia Bailey (LadyCouch) Cy Simonton (CBDB) David Williford (saxophone). Daniel Allen (The Vegabonds) was a co-writer on one of the singles. Dan Davis produced and engineered with mixing by Will Duprier, and mastering by Independent Mastering.
Will we see a music video for the single?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TY7RsoN5ekw – If You Never Will
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oJwmANNlv0 – Mercy of Your Mood
We will be releasing a studio footage video of the opening track for “Let it Play” in October
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
This fall Daniel Allen and myself are in pre-production for a country duo album. We co-wrote “If You Never Will” which is on this record. The lead guitarist, Stephen Taylor, will also be working on a solo album that I will be assisting on writing and production.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
A lot of the writing for me comes out therapeutically, thoughts I need to focus on for a minute or emotions to get off my chest. The inspiration comes at random moments and you’ve got to be present enough to receive those moments and take note. There are little sparks of inspiration everywhere. If I’m really struggling to find it, putting on a classic record or reading can always spark creativity.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Make yourself happy with the work first. Sometimes when writing, something will come out in the process that puts me on a higher level, it’s like a nice surprise, a creative spark, and it will keep me happy for a while, I’m always chasing that. If you aren’t feeling something like that initially with a song, I’m not sure it’s worth the rehearsals/recording/promotion/ect. that comes with evolving a song to a public audience. I think you’ve got to love it or at least really believe in its potential from the beginning.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Youtube
