Tom Gee
Tom is a singer-songwriter known for his dynamic fusion of soul, blues, Americana and folk.
Based in sunny Belfast, this wee English fella has gained recognition for his energetic performances and smooth, soulful vocals. Tom's music is characterized by catchy hooks, groovy rhythms, and heartfelt lyrics that explore themes of love, life, loss and satire.
Tom's live performances come with one promise; you'll either laugh or you'll cry. Or both. Probably both. Get tickets to the next one on 23rd of May, you won’t regret it.
Please tell us a bit about your music style.
I’m reliably informed it’s funky folk, or folky funk. Neither of which should be said aloud in polite company without a great deal of care. I’m inspired by everyone from Sara Bareilles to Foy Vance, John Mayer, Alicia Keys and Tim Minchin.
When did you first start playing Music and what was your first instrument?
I was a very keen footballer until I was about 14 - disaster struck with a really nasty lung condition allied to long-standing asthma that made me hang up the boots and pick up the guitar. I’d played some piano grades to 2 or 3 when I was very young but the guitar was my first instrumental love.
Apart from Jameson and Ginger, which is famously inspired by your wife Niamh, where do you get your inspiration from?
I’m often inspired by stories that people tell me of their lives, things they are going through. I have a tendency to be fairly self-centred though and most of it comes from my own experiences, my own interpretation of the world around me. I’m more and more inspired to write about things like religion and politics, two topics that I am very passionate about (being an atheist that hates fascism means there is a never-ending source of inspiration!)
Tell us about your songwriting process, how do you conquer the blank page?
There are some techniques that can sound a bit corny like setting a timer for 5 minutes and just writing non-stop but they can work really well if you get stuck. For me I use voice notes, I often get hit with a line or a melody when I’m on the bus or walking the dog - this does make for a very hectic voice notes folder on my phone but it’s how I work best. I’m often struck by a random bit of inspiration and have to disappear and sit at a piano or pick up the guitar and play something to get it out of me, it might never come to anything but I always try and take advantage of those situations where I can.
You stopped performing for a few years, and recently made a really well received comeback. What prompted both the stopping and the reemergence?
I think naivety and being disenchanted with the music business in general was the main reason I took such a long break. It never properly leaves you though and I guess being in Belfast this last 3 years or so and discovering such a vibrant music scene has given me the kick I needed to get out there again.
The nights you carefully curate around the city have such a lovely atmosphere. How do you choose the artists?
I have loved putting on the Sunflower Sessions and long may they continue. I have two requirements for the artists; the first is that they’re good story tellers and the second is that I like their music. I’m trying to keep it nice and simple and so far it has worked. Having people like Eve Belle, King Cedar, M Alexander, Matt McIvor, Sarah McCreedy, Rory Nellis…the list goes on with Girl for Sale, Aoibha and Sarah Ann Rée. The common theme? They all tell brilliant stories with their songs. There is a widely accepted notion that Ireland is a place for stories and that resonates with the community and audiences we have built. It’s been a real honour so far and I can’t wait for the next ones!
You have such a rapport with audiences. What does that connection feel like and why is it important?
I think in the age of AI people are realising in greater numbers that authenticity is becoming more and more important. At any of my gigs I am looking to just be myself; a little bit insecure, very silly, heartfelt and thinking that I’m funnier than I actually am. If we went for a coffee or a pint or a stroll in the park I’d like to think you wouldn’t see much of a difference. If I’m being myself I’m more relaxed and everyone else is too!
Are you working on any new projects that you can tell us about?
I am in the studio finishing writing and recording my new EP! I’ve a song about how people tell me I look like Jesus, another one about being angry at losing every referendum and general election that I vote in, one about being in love and another all about the city that is now my home - Belfast! The Sunflower Sessions has a show on 21st February with Joel Harkin and Robyn Maddox, May sees Taylor Lally and Sophie French joining us and in November I’m launching the EP! Plenty to be going at.