Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A) I was a very happy kid. My dad bought an electric Epiphone when I was about 9 years old, but he never really played it so it was just gathering dust in the basement. One day, I just picked it up, looked up some tabs on the internet and it just clicked. I could sing too, and my mom pushed me to do my first singing contest when I was 14. All these things were the foundation of what I do today. I was told that it was possible, that I could do it. I’m always going to be grateful for that.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Tommy Charles”?
A) One song at a time ! I’m learning this whole social media thing one day at a time and getting better at every week. Hopefully my music will get to y’all and yall will like it as much as I do. My message for anyone who is about to discover Tommy Charles is: “ Climb along, pardna! “
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A) My main inspiration right now is Tom Jones. I watch a lot of his videos to inspire myself to give the best possible performances. I also listen to a lot of Middle- Eastern music; it gets me in the zone to be creative.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Love Train”?
A) Nothing like a good ole soulful song ! Man, I just felt it that day. I was grooving to something and I needed to put it down on paper. I realized, a few minutes later, that what I had was kind of disco, kind of country ?! I really liked it and I kept it. The rest is history.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A) Crooning.
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Love Train”?
A) We had to try to make it modern while staying true to the original feel of the song that is very vintage. It’s a challenge to get that done in the studio: you need to round up the right musicians and then whoever is mixing the song has to understand your vision really well. I think everyone did a great job.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A) I think I see myself as a performer first, so it is important for me to give the audience a ‘’wow’’ and something to take home. Not that every show has to be over the top in terms of production, but I need to feel like I have given my fans the best of myself in terms of my presence, my voice and my song choice.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A) Roy Orbison.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A) See the career as a job, but the music as a friend.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A) Trust yourself dude! And let your parents and family get involved in your project, because those people know you and want the best for you. Don’t be afraid.
