If you’ve visited The Troubadour lately, you may recognise Tom Figgins.
The artist has taken up a residency at the London venue with gigs almost every month, but we think it’s safe to say he won’t be hanging around the 100 capacity venues for long.
At the age of 19, Tom wrote his debut EP ‘Your Place’ from his bedroom and now five years later, he’s back with a new sound.
And it’s a sound that’s certainly worth listening too as the singer has been signed by Nick Stewart & Associates, the man famous for signing U2 to Island Records.
We caught up with Tom for a chat to allow him to introduce himself to you.
What was it that made you interested in taking a step into the music world?
From a young age I’d realised that it was a real passion of mine, my parents had a piano and I used to hit that from around 2 or 3 years old and then actually started having lessons when I was 7. I played all manner of instruments in between then and getting a guitar when I was 14. The guitar was the start.
Do you remember the first time you sat down at the piano?
I don’t remember the first time, but I remember snippets of learning and discovering music. I really enjoyed listening to things I heard on films or on the TV and working the themes out on the piano with my ears. That’s been a very handy skill in my more recent career, when you’re playing guitar for someone or jamming, it’s handy.
How have things changed since you wrote your debut EP in your bedroom?
Well I’m still writing songs in my bedroom!! I like it that way though you’ve gotta be in the right space to write and it works for me. The sound has developed and I’ve certainly matured as a writer and performer.
What point was it you realised it was time to change your sound?
It was not so much as a realisation, but a natural progression. It’s what I’ve always wanted to create musically just getting there was the journey and I’ve learnt a lot on it.
How would you describe the evolution of your music?
It started as me wanting to be a blues electric guitar player with solos in almost every song, but it soon developed in to me writing folk music. I stopped gigging with a band and went on to performing solo and doing about 5 gigs a week and that was where the evolution really started taking shape I suppose, writing songs about experiences I was going through.
If our readers were to check out one track as a taster of your music, what would you recommend?
My new single ‘Let Your Roots Grow’ would be the place to start I would’ve said. It’s a true representation of where I am now and what I want to say.
How are you finding your residency at The Troubadour?
I love the Troubadour it’s such a fantastic venue. I’ve played there for years, ever since I started out, and they’ve been great supporters of my music. It’s nice having one place that you perform at every month that people know and they know what to expect. I know the people there well now and it’s a nice feeling playing in that environment. It’s got a great vibe. So many great people have played there.
Which place in the UK would you most like to headline?
Would probably have to be Glastonbury. The pyramid stage is such an iconic place and to stand up there and see the flags would be amazing.
What are your aims for the rest of the year?
Do a lot more gigs and get more people to hear my music. My plan at the moment is to get involved and play to new people and hopefully do some radio. To get played by the BBC would be amazing this year. Fingers crossed!!
Is there anything else you wish to add?
To anyone reading this who then goes on to check out my music, thank you and I hope you like it. See you at a gig soon.