Folk Pop from Tom Tippin

Based in Nashville, Tom Tippin has always had music in his blood as the son of platinum-selling country artist Aaron Tippin, his earliest memories feature soundchecks, tour buses and enamoured crowds. From performing on stage with his father as a child to walking his own path on Nashville’s iconic Music Row, his artistic upbringing has shaped a sound that’s uniquely his own; a delicate fusion of tradition and forward-thinking songwriting.

At just sixteen, Tom was already collaborating with accomplished songwriters, developing his own sonic vision in the crucible of one of the world’s most competitive music scenes. Initially coming from the world of country, his style has since expanded, thanks in large part to the varied musical tastes of his mother, who introduced him to a spectrum of pop and rock influences. The result is a genre-bending approach that maintains the storytelling ethos of country while embracing the sonic stylings of indie, rock, folk and alternative pop.

He launched his solo career in earnest with the 2019 debut EP Teenage Heart, which opened the first window into his ability to channel youthful reflection into sharply crafted pop songs. That was followed by 2022’s Wasted Melodies, a record that saw him continue to go from strength to strength. After a short release break, he returned with a renewed energy last year, opening the next chapter of his musical journey with multiple well-received singles, his third EP, Imposter and live versions of his single “Nepo Baby” and a superb cover of Bleachers’ “Don’t Take The Money.”

Now he continues that momentum into 2025 with his latest release, bringing us his new single titled “100LL,” this time leaning into an alternative folk pop style. Marking the first release from his upcoming debut album Thoroughbred, the song was co-produced by Tom and Michael Guillot, taking inspiration from a profoudnly personal place; his relationship with his fiancé and their mutual love for flying. The title itself is a reference to aviation fuel, cleverly used as a metaphor for the emotional fuel that keeps a relationship soaring.

Setting a playful folk scene with the plucks of bright banjo, Tom’s expressive voice glides in to cast delicate melodic leads carrying picture painting lyrics before slipping into airy stretches of falsetto vocalisations that gently soar above. With the spacey shimmer of synth tones and deep bass textures, the song takes flight with memorable melodic flickers, immersive arrangement and elegant slide guitar touches.

Building up the energy with the rumbling patter of subtly lively drums and the misty buzz of synth elements, Tom’s voice stacks up to deliver stunning hooks, resulting in a dazzling sound of progressive folktronica that’s equally original and engaging. Once again showcasing his pure musical creativity and ability to frame his alluring songwriting in new and surprising ways, “100LL” sees Tom Tippin impress on a charming new single. With his highly anticipated debut full-length record on the horizon, he’s sure to delight both new and existing fans with what promises to be an incredible album.

Listen to 100LL below

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