Welcome to my new blog and welcome to the beginning of my solo adventure!

For me, things began a long, long time ago. Like most people, many of my earliest memories are of creating; creating art, music, insane games. But I had a fondness for taking that to extreme degrees. Not content with just singing as a kid, I wanted more. I commandeered recording devices, wiped over tapes of Dad’s favourite classical music and made surreal radio shows performing Goons-esque sketches or daft impressions. I wrote and recorded songs – “I Am So Cool” and “Jack The Ripper” to name but a few. High brow stuff I think you’ll agree…

That creative part of me grew and developed over the years. I discovered so much great music as a teenager. I bought a Fostex 4 track recorder and set about attempting to make albums in my bedroom. Keane was formed and I found a group of kindred spirits, all of us buoyed by the idea of emulating our heroes: The Beatles, The Smiths, U2, Radiohead, Bowie. They were heady days as I discovered an antidote to my insecurities, a place for my bravado.

But I was too nonchalant towards my creative voice and it dissolved into the background. In the world of Keane, propped up by the amazing songwriting of my dear friend Tim, I opted to take the easy route and deny my own creativity. I adopted a passive approach to making the albums. I occupied a disconcerting place of appearing to have it all but really feeling I had nothing.

However, through it all, that nagging voice never truly went away. I searched hard for other remedies for the darkness in my soul; the reflected glory of performing, the self-indulgence of the high-life. So often at the fag end of drugged up stupor, I would long for something more profound to nourish my soul but be too exhausted to act on it. After many years stuck in a spiritual wilderness, I finally got myself fit and sober…and that was when the faint whisper of that creative voice returned and grew. Songs began to flow freely, I finally had access to a place of inspiration. The universe’s greatest gift for expression was available to me again, back in the foreground.

The process produced 40 odd songs. The list has been whittled down to an album’s worth. Now the recording begins. I’d like to invite you in to join me for it. I’ll keep you posted.

Lots of love,

Tom x