A Chat with A Band Called Tom (17.09.20)
Mush indie-pop with surf-rock and you have something like A Band Called Tom. Formerly performing as Tom Besley, Tom has supported acts like popular UK-based bands The Covasettes and The Manatees. We speak with A Band Called Tom about his new single ‘Do You?’, future plans and what he does in his spare time.
OSR: What inspired you to become a musician?
A Band Called Tom: There’s always been live music in our house. Mum ‘made’ us have piano lessons from a young age, for which I am now very grateful! So, I think just growing up performing on various different instruments over the years created my love for it!
OSR: How would you describe your latest single ‘Do You?’?
A Band Called Tom: ‘Do You?’ is quite lyrically reflective reminiscing about a past relationship. I’m not very good writing slow songs though, so there’s still plenty of guitars and upbeat drums to try and hold onto that summer feeling.
OSR: What was the writing and recording process like for ‘Do You?’ ?
A Band Called Tom: So, I wrote ‘Do You?’ way back in June 2019 and it’s gone through various versions since then to finally get it ready for release. In terms of recording, I managed to get the drums done in a studio before everywhere went into lockdown. The rest was done in mine and Harry’s (my guitarist) bedrooms which was definitely a challenge at times. Facetime doesn’t really compare to being in-person in a studio, but, hey ho, we made it work.
OSR: What do you do in your spare time?
A Band Called Tom: You could probably find me getting lost in the countryside on my bike, playing tennis or at church.
OSR: Can you recommend any new bands to us and our readers?
A Band Called Tom: Marsicans recently dropped their debut album and it’s one of my favourites this year. Also, check out The Manatees. They’re old friends from school and have been doing big things on the South Coast.
OSR: What is the backstory to ‘Do You?’ ?
A Band Called Tom: I think I wanted to capture the ‘questioning’ that often happens once a relationship breaks up. Inevitably, you often wonder what the other person is thinking about or doing and so I just tried to put all of that into a song!
OSR: If you could change one thing about this track, what would it be and why?
A Band Called Tom: I wonder if it could be a bit faster? It was a tricky thing to try and change once the drums had been recorded, so I guess we’ll see once I get the chance to play it live again.
OSR: If you were to publish a documentary of your life what would you call the film?
A Band Called Tom: Oh, wow. Um, maybe ‘A Film Called Tom’. *laughs*
OSR: What is your earliest memory?
A Band Called Tom: So, I was in hospital a little bit as a kid and I’m pretty sure I can remember seeing a rainbow out the window of the hospital. Cute, right?
OSR: Do you have future plans for A Band Called Tom?
A Band Called Tom: This is only my second single so there’s plenty of more music on the way. Also, can’t wait to get out gigging again once restrictions lift!
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
A Band Called Tom: Just to check out the new single. Play it loud, play it lots and tell all your friends!
Thanks to Tom for speaking with us! For more from A Band Called Tom, check out his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
