Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Tom Goss
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I used to love being in the car with my mom singing to oldies with her. It wasn’t technical, just pure comfort and joy.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
When I was a teenager I started to understand music’s ability to help me process difficult emotions, healing me in ways I didn’t know possible. I would get lost in music in a way I couldn’t with anything else. It was calming and eye opening, slowly lowering my walls and cracking my heart wide open.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
This year was a year of creating subversive, joyful, and unapologetically queer art. With “Bear Soup,” “Gay Stuff,” Gay(er) Stuff,” and “Christmas With You” I wanted to help listeners disconnect from reality (which isn’t great in America right now) and tap into something carefree and joyful. Something to help people get through the day with a smile.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Honestly, it evolves. Right now I’m finishing up an Americana record. Last year I released projects that were pop, dance, house, and hip hop. For me, the story and the message behind the song are the most important. Generally, I would say I write up-tempo, positive, acoustic driven pop/rock/Americana. But, honestly, it’s hard to guess what I’ll release next…
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
I’ve learned to trust myself. I am not a trained musician. I never studied music, or singing. As a result, I have a lot of imposter syndrome. It’s taken me a long time to trust my instincts and hone that which makes my music and message powerful.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
During writing, a guitar or keyboard, my voice, the notes app on my phone, and potentially a collaborator. During production, pro-tools, a midi keyboard, Splice, Musiversal, and friends who have opinions I trust.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Monjuïc. Their first record is so beautiful. My only complaint is I want more!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My songs are stories. As a result, my personal experience is always coloring the way I see the world, and write songs. It’s impossible for me to dissect my perspective from the songs I write, and honestly, why would I want to?
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope it helps people embrace their authenticity and live a freer and happier life.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
How to feel. I have spent a lot of my life closed off to the emotions running through me. Music has helped me transcend these defense mechanisms.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Red Rocks.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Gosh, there are so many. I usually say Childish Gambino. I mean, that’s still true. It’d be such a treat to watch his mind work. He is brilliant in so many ways. I think The Beatles, or Keith Haring would also be completely mind opening. The way people work is often more interesting to me than the outcome of the work. I’m constantly trying to figure out how something is made. It’s an obsession. I love artists that create veraciously, minds constantly churning, figuring out new patterns, colors, combinations, and avenues of expression.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
You’ll find everything here: https://linktr.ee/tomgossmusic
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I’m writing and producing a ton. I just finished shooting a short film/music video in Mexico. It will be the lead single off my new Americana album. I’m very excited for the music that is releasing this year.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I’ve never thought about that. I guess I don’t concern myself with how I’m being discovered as much as I’m interested in how my music is helping people discover new things about themselves, or the world around them.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
I assume you want bear soup. Here you go!
