Formula Indie Sessions : Interview with Thomas Middleton

What is your earliest memory connected to music? 

I’d probably have to say nursery rhymes, I’m pretty sure that’s the first music I remember listening to. The first time I was inspired by music would’ve been listening to in the car with my dad listening to his CDs, artists like Prodigy, Prince and Blur. 

How did your passion for creating music begin? 

It began in year 6 when I wrote some songs for fun, but what really started it off was when I got an 8- track recorder from my mum and dad one Christmas a few years later, I spend hours recording and writing songs on there. It allowed me to finally put my ideas together and make some full tracks. 

What’s the story behind your current music project? 

I like to write as I go, keeping everything current with my life. As a collective, I try to use my music as a soundtrack to my life. My latest song, Change For 

You, is about empowering yourself to be who you want to be, leading the life you want to rather than changing yourself to align with somebody else. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before? 

Bringing back the sounds of ’80s pop with a modern twist. Catchy choruses with unforgettable melodies that’ll be in your head on repeat. Imagine if Sombr was born in the ’80s, that’s how my music sounds. Other similar artists include: The 1975, Charlie Puth, 

Prince. 

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music? 

I couldn’t put it down to one thing, for me, making music is a journey, always learning, progressing, practising and finding new ways to be better. One thing I am working on currently is realising that less. is more. Rather than reaching for a new instrument to fill out a soundscape, focus on taking what you already have and use expression to let it tell the 

story. 

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process? 

My songs usually start as an idea that I record on my phone which I’ll move onto my computer when the time is right. I try to record as many real instruments as possible, only using software instruments when necessary. One of the coolest instruments I use in almost every song is my Korg NTS-1, a synthesiser not much bigger than the palm of my hand. It has an incredible arpeggiator function that I use for texture. 

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now? 

There’s a band called Aqualine that are doing some really unique stuff. They’ve recently released an EP called Tripwire, they play around with some crazy sounds, definitely worth checking out. Shout out to their drummer, Sam, one of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet. 

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision? 

Almost everything I write is in some way inspired by my experiences. Whether it be past relationships or the beginnings of new ones, everything I write 

comes from expressing events that are playing on my mind. 

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work? 

Each song is written to invoke a different emotion. Musically, my songs are written to spark empowerment, however lyrically, I usually write about the theme of longing. 

What’s the most important lesson music has taught 

you so far? 

There’s no need to get caught up in the little things, always make sure to think about the bigger picture. 

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at? 

I’ve always wanted to perform at the O2 in London, it 

was where I went to see my first proper concert. It inspired me in a way I’ve never been inspired before. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why? 

Can I choose two answers? My number one choice would be Prince, I’d have loved to have seen him in his element and watch his entire process, learning everything I possibly could from him. However, I think that I’d make a great record in collaboration with Sombr if the opportunity was to arise. 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links) 

You can find me on Spotify under the name Thomas Middleton, or on instagram @thomas_middleton_music. 

Hyperfollow page: https://distrokid.com/ hyperfollow/thomas middleton/change-for-you/ 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/ 

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ 

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Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey? 

I hope to start playing more shows, supporting artists at bigger gigs than I am at the moment. I’m also in the process of getting together a music video for my latest song, so I’m hoping to portray myself more on the visual side of things. 

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? 

That’s for you all to find out… 

If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 

I have a music video coming out in the near future (when I actually record it), but for now here’s a YouTube link to the song, feel free to give me a follow, it’d mean so much to me!