After spending the last few months building and cultivating his sound, Essex-born singer-songwriter Tom Cherry is now introducing himself to the wider world with his stunning debut collection 'The Real EP'.
Capturing an incredibly warm and emotive pop-rock aesthetic for his new release, this new five-track outing makes for a dazzling introduction to his sound so far. With its heartfelt textures, shimmering atmosphere, and his own stellar vocals at the helm, 'The Real EP' instantly cements him as one of the more exciting talents on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most recently.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar! Coming to it a little later in life, I always wanted to learn the guitar as it was the music I loved. After some patient learning, the only compliment I ever needed was my dad saying ‘I think I can sit in the same room as you now…’
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Being younger I enjoyed music but it was my brother who loved finding the next new artist. Clear memories of my dads favourite ELO & Genesis playing through the summers, Songs about Jane Maroon 5, Singing JCB on the school runs and Hips don’t lie seemed to be the best family tunes that would crop up far more than I’d like to admit.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The Blue albums of One Love and All rise on my old CD Walkman. My go to karaoke!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
‘You should probably leave’ - Chris Stapleton & ‘Cold Dam Vampires’ - Zach Bryant
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
My only ritual: Long as there’s a class of cold milk (bizarre I know) then I’m good to go.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Right now, Dylan Gossett, Kingfishr, Hazelett and the Back to Bedlam album.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think opening for Kingfishr would be a dream come true. They are smashing the small/medium venues circuit at the moment and all the gigs I’ve been too everyone has been so engaged. So to be apart of that and get the crowd warm before would be a dream!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding recently was playing a Local Open Mic and having a fully grown man crying to a song which he connected with was very special. But in general for me is finding that bridge or chorus which you sing to sleep so you know it’s not half bad.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Frustrating is the periods of bad songs, or not being able to figure out the writing process. For someone who chats far too much, having no words is suddenly frustrating!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
‘Play every song like it’s your last!’ No clue who told me, was most likely a late night pub gig! But, has stuck with me.
-
Tom Cherry's 'The Real EP' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.