Having played with the likes of The Staves, landed support slots for Joshua Radin and Michael Kiwanuka and received praise from the legendary Sir Paul McCartney, I introduce to you the talented, Thomas J Speight.
With a range of well crafted songs and a tone reminiscent of the likes of Damien Rice, Mr Speight creates a sound fuelling comparisons rife to the likes of Fionn Regan and Ryan Adams.
Today, I caught up with TJS and without further ado, here goes, I hope you enjoy.
DaisyDigital: Starting with the all important questions, I hear you're a fan of Batman, care to elaborate?
Thomas J Speight: For starters, let's clarify Batman is the greatest comic book hero for the sole reason he is completely human.
Completely agree, however I guess we should concentrate on music, when did you start playing/writing?
TJS: I started writing when I was about 12 and I think back then I was writing even more depressing songs! My parents used to say they sounded like Leonard Cohen... I like to think that's a good thing! I didn't officially go solo until a couple of years ago after playing in a string of bad indie bands.
Who would you say have been your main influences, both musically and lyrically?
TJS: As a kid, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, the Britpop scene but in my teenage years, Ryan Adams, Fionn Regan & The Shins.
Supporting the likes of Benjamin Francis Leftwich, this Summer has been a busy one, what's been your most memorable show to date?
TJS: I haven't actually done that many normal shows in the last 3 months. I think BFL was the only non festival appearance. However, I really enjoyed supporting Michael Kiwanuka and playing two shows at Great Escape and really loved all the different festival folk I met along the way. Overall, I think I played about 10 festivals this Summer.
You've gained quite a loyal following, what with 'Willow Tree' being someone's Wedding song too...
TJS: Willow Tree is on it's 9th Wedding I think, which is crazy. It was always meant to be about growing old with someone so it's pretty cool that people got on to that. I can't say I will be using it for my own...maybe you should be the 10th?
(Laughing!) I like that, very nice. Moving swiftly on, how was your show at the Borderline last night playing alongside DNTEL (Postal Service)?
TJS: Really cool, hopefully I will do some work with Jimmy from Postal Service, maybe a remix of one of my songs.
Talking of upcoming releases, you're currently writing and recording for your album, how's that going?
TJS: It's really good. I've done some co-writes with Stephen Fretwell for it and I'm about half way through the recording process. It's a natural progression from the previous EPs with Tim & Jesse from Keane along with the same vocal duties from Jess Staves and Allie Moss.
We can't wait to hear it! Lastly, excited to tour with The Travelling Band & Ellen and the Escapades in October?
TJS: That's sadly been moved to March. However, I'm announcing some English, Irish and American dates soon... watch this space, TJS x
PS. PEACE, LOVE & BATMAN
Many thanks Thomas!
Now to leave you with 'The River' featuring Allie Moss on vocals. This beautiful song is taken from Together or Alone EP, available to purchase via. iTunes.
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