INTERVIEW: Tom Webber shares double single

Singer-songwriter Tom Webber returns with his latest double A-side single, “Lightning Strike of ’22 / Sunday Morning,” showcasing his evolving talent and distinctive sound. Following the success of his debut EP and a string of impressive performances, Webber has firmly established himself as a rising young artist in the singer-songwriter scene.

Recorded at RAK Studios in London, both tracks on the double single exemplify Webber’s melodic voice and unique songwriting style that is becoming synonymous with his name. “Lightning Strike of ’22” takes a personal approach as Webber delves into his relationship with his brother. Inspired by a thunderstorm that occurred during an evening walk home from the pub, the song encapsulates the deep and philosophical conversations they had about life and the importance of appreciating the present moment. Webber’s poignant lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own connections and bonds, whether with loved ones or nature itself. It’s a captivating and heartfelt composition that resonates long after the final note fades.

On the flip side, “Sunday Morning” pays homage to the timeless tradition of finding solace and relaxation in the early hours of the weekend. Webber acknowledges the inspiration drawn from legendary bands like the Velvet Underground and Maroon 5, who have immortalised Sunday mornings in their music. With his own take on this theme, Webber captures the significance of these moments in our lives, offering a reprieve from the demands of the workweek. The song’s laid-back atmosphere, coupled with Webber’s smooth and soulful vocals, creates a soothing jam that invites listeners to “laze in bed” and embrace the tranquility of Sunday mornings.

At just 23 years old, Webber draws influence from a wide range of artists, including Nick Lowe, The Beatles, Arctic Monkeys and Jake Bugg. His musical palette reflects a blend of indie rock with bluesy undertones, resulting in a timeless and memorable sound. The craftsmanship of his songwriting and the infectious rhythm of his compositions resonate with audiences, capturing their attention and leaving them eager for more.

With a new publishing deal under his belt and a busy year ahead, the rest of 2023 holds great promise for Tom Webber. As he continues to write, record, and perform, his undeniable talent and passion shine through in every note. The release of “Lightning Strike of ’22 / Sunday Morning” further solidifies Webber’s position as a rising star in the singer-songwriter scene. His ability to craft meaningful and relatable songs, combined with his superb vocal work, sets him apart as an artist to watch. Keep an eye out for upcoming shows and announcements as Tom Webber’s journey unfolds, winning over listeners around the world with his timeless indie rock sound.

We caught up with Tom Webber to find out more about his inspirations, his new double single “Lightning Strike of ’22 / Sunday Morning” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Tom Webber below.

Hey Tom, how’s things?

Really well! I’ve been doing a lot of writing/ recording and playing shows. So quite busy, which is a very good thing!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I’ve always wanted to write music ever since picking up the guitar. I think my earliest songs were mostly blues inspired tunes around 12 or 13. Titles like “Caught Between the Deed and the Devil” and “Dead Rat Blues” are probably the only two I can recall without sieving through my old notebooks – whether I think they were any good is definitely up for debate!

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

Like a lot of people, The Beatles were the first big impact on me. Especially their early material when I was learning the guitar and starting to write more. I liked how they made perfect 3 minute guitar-pop songs which helped guide me in terms of structuring a song.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

There’s loads of contemporary artists / bands I take inspiration from. Anything Alex Turner does I’m instantly captivated. Especially his work with Miles Kane in the Last Shadow Puppets. Same with Michael Kiwanuka, I really admire how his sound has evolved over the years – “You Ain’t The Problem” is still to this day one of my most played songs on Spotify each month. I enjoy bands like Dr. Dog, Nude Party, and the Black Keys. They all share a similar sound of “new retro”. the Old-sounding-new stuff is an avenue I could go down for hours listening to.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Conversations are my biggest source of inspiration to songwriting other than music itself. I love listening. Talking with friends, and people you’ve never met before waiting for a train for example can enlighten you to a completely alien way of thinking and take you out of your normal comfort zone. I find it’s usually a phrase someone drops into conversation which stops me in my tracks and my ears prick up for a lyric or hook of a song.

What do you love about your local music scene?

My local music scene is very varied which means there’s always something for everyone. For example, one night you might see a folk artist quietly caressing a microphone, meanwhile next door will be the loudest, heavy metal band your eardrums have ever experienced. Coming from an area of lots of local towns only a bus ride away there’s also a sense of community and support for each other amongst all musicians.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I guess its a hard one to say as I personally enjoy changing my settings up from day to day when I discover new music. A lot of my songs capture different vibes from one another but if I had to say it would probably be driving on an open road through a sunset or walking through a busy street with headphones surrounded by hustle and bustle. Failing that – I’d say a comfy armchair enjoying a glass of something! But if it’s a live performance, any festival or club creates its own setting which makes the music speak one on one with the listener.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’d say I’m much more open to ideas and different styles of writing now than I perhaps was when I started out. Every time I record I don’t want to recreate the same song fifty times over with slight variation. I want everything to evolve from the last thing while maintaining a familiar sound. There’s definitely been more contemporary influences on my recent music than there was with my first releases, which makes experimenting in the studio more fun.

How did you find making your new singles “Lightning Strike of ’22” and “Sunday Morning”?

Making ‘Lightning Strike of ’22’ was great. It was the first time using a brass band on a track, and watching them warm up and joke around so casually before playing the song perfectly within two takes was a performance in itself.

I think because they’re both quite uplifting/ positive songs, we had a great time recording them at RAK Studios – it was a good atmosphere.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Positivity. They’re both quite optimistic songs (lyrically) in a sense they talk about appreciating the small things in life, and just enjoy what we have. ‘Lightning Strike’ is a narration after coming home from an evening of drinking in the pub with mates and seeing a thunderstorm with my brother! Essentially, they’re serious messages about reminding ourselves not to take life so seriously!

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

A mixed bag of music, old and new. The likes of J.J. Cale, James Hunter, Dan Auerbach and so on. I’ve also recently got into a new band, called ‘The Dream Machine’. They remind me of the Kinks, Cage The Elephant and the Coral mashed up in a psychedelic cocktail.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Before now, when I’ve finished a show, someone will come up to me feeling really good about themselves and uplifted after hearing my songs. Which is the biggest praise you could hope for really. I think it’s because my music is quite easy to digest and take in. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel or change the universe, I’ve always disliked that kind of way of creating.

You’ve recently played some great shows, what’s been your favourite live performance so far?

I did a show earlier this year in Reading, at the Rising Sun where a packed audience stood a meter or so from where I was Singing. The intimacy created an electric atmosphere. People singing (some belting) these songs back to me which I’ve written. It felt great to see a response from an audience first hand like that.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Dead or alive?

Alive would be Paul McCartney, Liam Gallagher and Madness. And it would be held at the cliffs of Brighton where they filmed the last scene of Quadrophenia.

If I had powers of resurrecting the dead I’d choose David Bowie, The Band and John Lennon to close the weekend.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

There’s probably countless books, podcasts and classes containing much more sound advice than I can! But all I’d say is just be passionate about what you do. Stay driven and keep motivated even when you might be having a down day. Believe in what you write and take every word of feedback as a gift.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

After Lightning Strike Of ’22 / Sunday Morning is released there will be more music to follow. Everything is recorded and sounding good. As well as writing/ recording new material in the meantime. I’m also involved in a film project about 1960s producer Joe Meek in which I have written lyrics/ vocal to a recently re-discovered backing track performed by the honeycombs. Which I have titled ‘Forbidden Love’. The film should hopefully be coming out next year. The film is called ‘The Unexpected Return Of Joe Meek’.

Listen to Lightning Strike of ’22 / Sunday Morning below