We got the chance to sit down with up and coming indie rock artist, Tom Prior, to discuss his new single and what’s in store for 2017.
Last year, Tom continued to carve out a name for himself with the release of his EP ‘The Sunday Scene’. After appearing on Radio 1’s live lounge earlier this year with Naughty Boy, he’s gained huge support from some big names such as Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah, Maverick Sabre and indie rock Gods, The Arctic Monkeys and is set to make his mark on the indie industry this year.
You’ve just released your new single ‘Sundays’, what’s the inspiration behind the song?
I wrote Sundays last November around the time I was releasing The Sunday Scene EP. Somewhere in there is a message about embracing your vices, the things that make you tick. I guess I was feeling like adult life, careers and relationships all chip away at people’s individualism day by day. People change all the time and I think that is a good thing, but I don’t think it should be because of a fear of failure or being accepted for who you really are.
How would you describe your sound?
I’ve always struggled with this question and I still do. The songs are always my first focus. It’s important to me that there’s a narrative i can relate to, whether it’s my truth or somebody else’s. Indie and Hip Hop music were my first two loves and they always seem to find a way into my music somehow.
When did you realise that you could make a career in music?
I’m still hoping that I will…. There are lots of little stepping stones I think, the first time I heard my music on the radio, the first time I sold out a show, the first time I played a festival. All of those things help you to keep the faith that people are into what you are doing. In all honesty, I am mostly driven by a desire to write good songs, I don’t know where it came from but it has been with me for years now.
Your EP ‘The Sunday Scene’ gained a great response, one of which described you as “the future of British indie”. How did you feel after receiving such high praise from critics and fans?
It’s a good feeling. I spend pretty much all my time on my music. It feels most tangible at gigs I suppose. Most of the time I feel like I have no clue what I am doing, every now and then I stumble across a message and some chords that feel good and it sort of writes itself after that. Seeing people taking my music into their lives is a big compliment and I’m always grateful for it.
What made you release three different versions of the EP?
I get bored easily. The Sunday Scene was my third EP. It was very important to me that the process remained interesting and challenging. The Lock In Sessions was another way to introduce something new to the process. It’s something that i am very proud of.
Your Lock in Sessions Vol1 saw you team up with lots of up and coming artists. Do you have any more exciting collaborations for 2017?
I am currently confirming the line-up for Volume. 2, it’s gonna’ be a special one.
If you could collaborate with one other artist, past or present, who would it be?
It changes all the time, but I would’ve loved to have collaborated with Amy Winehouse and Joe Strummer. Two of the best wordsmiths London has ever produced. Real iconic songs and music.
What are some of the most memorable events and venues you’ve played?
Reading & Leeds was a big moment for me. Selling out The Sebright Arms in November was too. This week I played Dice Festival in Holland, it was my first European show. Things are different for me now because I have found my band after years and years of chopping and changing. Too much time behind the studio speakers can mess up your head a bit so I’m always counting down the days to the next show.
What does a typical day in the life of Tom Prior look like when you’re not creating music?
I spend the majority of my time on my music, my friends and family get the rest of it. Saying that, my world still stops when the boxing is on or Arsenal are playing.
Are you going on a lad’s holiday this year? If so where?
I’ve never been on a lad’s holiday! I’m ready to go back to Amsterdam as soon as possible though.
Drink of choice on a night out?
Rum and Coke, every time.
Favourite film?
The Shawshank Redemption.
Can you give any advice to those wanting to make it as a musician?
Work out what it is you want to stand for and run towards it. I think it’s important to have your own mantras, creatively and morally. Promises in the music industry don’t mean anything so make sure your songs (and your lawyer) are your best friends.
Cheers Tom.
You can listen to his new single and watch his new music video below:
