Indie Folk from Tom Hartman

Dutch singer-songwriter Tom Hartman has spent years following the road wherever it leads, both literally and creatively. Based in Holland but influenced by travels across the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland and wider Europe, he’s developed a songwriting voice that feels informed by different landscapes, traditions and various perspectives. Blending indie folk and blues with a storyteller’s flair, Tom pens songs that look beyond everyday experience, exploring psychology, perception and existential questions while remaining truly human.

That curiosity extends beyond the subjects he writes about; Tom has become known as a musical wanderer, absorbing influences wherever he goes and transforming them into songs that balance personal reflection with relatable observations. His work moves between contemplative context and philosophical exploration, encouraging listeners to consider the world from new and unexpected angles. On the stage, that same spirit of adventure defines his performances and by appearing as a one-man band, Tom combines acoustic guitar, harmonica, stomp-box and vocals with an improvisational energy that makes every show feel entirely unique.

Beneath the warmth and humour that often surface in his writing lies a fascination with life’s more elusive questions. Tom has a gift for pairing nihilism with wit, allowing philosophical themes to arise naturally through his storytelling. He first introduced his recorded work in 2020 with the debut EP Sails, which mapped out his origin style before stepping away for a creative hiatus. After returning with new material in 2024, he continued building momentum through a steady run of well-received singles that further showcased his ability to blend thoughtful lyricism with organic, carefully crafted production.

His work behind the mixing desk is equally significant. Having previously produced music for a variety of artists and projects, Tom now produces his own recordings, allowing him to bring to life his musical vision exactly as he sees it. As he prepares for a busy chapter filled with new singles and performances across Europe, Tom now unveils his latest release with the brand new single titled “High Tree Climb.”

Formed with acoustic guitar, harmonica, subtle synth textures and field recordings of birds, the song creates an immersive natural soundscape that feels at once intimate and transportive. Thematically, “High Tree Climb” embraces stillness, with its gentle pacing mirroring the quiet rhythms of the natural world, playing out like a slow walk beside a woodland creek. The blend of organic instrumentation and environmental recordings allows the song to breathe, encouraging listeners to settle into its atmosphere as opposed to rushing through it.

Brought in by the delicate flicker of acoustic guitar notes and soft sound of bird song, Tom’s gentle vocals glide in above the subtle bounce of the instrumental backing. With poignant lyricism carried by soothing melodies and tender delivery, his voice layers up to cast dreamy harmonies as the arrangement gathers energy and subtly swells with intensity before simmering with the playful flutter of harmonica tones. Above the lilting rhythmic sway of the guitar, Tom’s expressive vocals spin memorable melodic leads to deliver a compelling and thoroughly charming musical moment that’s impossible not to love.

In many ways, the single distils everything that flows through Tom Hartman’s artistic output, with his fascination with psychology and perspective, his love of storytelling, his connection to nature and his knack for creating immersive musical experiences all coalescing within one stunning composition. As he continues touring throughout the Netherlands and prepares further releases for the year ahead, “High Tree Climb” stands as a superb display of his songwriting talent and performance panache and we can’t wait to see what he’s got in store next.

Listen to High Tree Climb below

Photography Credit: Eline Verhoeven

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