Tomi describes his style as ‘alt indie folk music with a psychedelic bent’ taking inspiration from the likes of Nick Cave, Beck, Father John Misty and Bon Iver. Keep an eye on him this year – his goal for 2025 is to release a new song on the first Sunday of each month.
When did you first start making music? And how long have you been in the industry for?
I picked up drumsticks when I was five, the guitar when I was 13 and started singing at 18. I’ve been in bands since I was 14 and I’ve been making a living off music alone since I was 25.
What did you expect the Gold Coast music industry to be like before you became part of it? Has it met your expectations?
The Gold Coast is a tourist destination so there can be a “play ‘Wonderwall’!” type of energy from transient audiences. There are also many places that nurture original and unique music and art here as well – it’s just about finding your rooms.
What is your ultimate goal as a musician?
Goals are funny because they always look different as soon as you get close to them. For now, I want to release a lot of music and extend my audience. I ultimately just want to share what I create with others. I’m putting out new music on the first Sunday of every month this year.
What has been your biggest learning to date?
Bob Marley was trying to tell me, but I never wanted to listen: “Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.” Don’t agonise over what might be up ahead or we’ll just miss the ride.
What has been the biggest peak of your career so far? And how about the ‘pit’ (low point)?
Touring Europe, the UK and Ireland was amazing. Having a book published was a rush, and being interviewed by John Foreman was an honour. Hosting the Gold Coast Music Awards was fun! Getting asked to play the male lead in the show at Dracula’s Cabaret this year has been a great learning curve, and one I’ll forever remember. There’s always something to be excited about.
Do you think the Gold Coast is a good place for young or up and coming musicians?
It’s a double-edged sword. Places like Melbourne have more opportunities in terms of places to play and industry located there, but also, it’s not as great of a place to live as the Gold Coast – that affects your creative output. You can write great music in prison though, so it just depends on what you want. Maybe it’s too nice here? I do believe that Australia in general has a bit of a ‘wait and see’ policy. We don’t like to take too many chances on unique original artists, but as soon as someone from here breaks overseas we’ll be the first to claim them as one of our own. We could work more on being bold in this country.
What would you change or improve about our local music scene?
Get rid of the TAB screens behind your musos. Stop treating music like it’s an entrée to the footy game. If we want to cultivate a diverse and eclectic arts scene, we need to value it. Give your artists a stage, not the corner of a bistro with no foldback (speaker). The council does great stuff with funding and grants so I think we’re moving in the right direction, but give your muso the chance to play their own songs. I know ‘Horses’ pays the bills, but something new and fresh might stoke the soul. If you’re only interested in watching the same movie over and over again, ask yourself why that is? If you’re scared, start off with some gentle non-offensive blues. We’ll be okay.
What kinds of opportunities are here for local musicians? Are there enough?
When in doubt, busking amps and street corners are always an option.
In your experience, what do you think it takes to ‘make it’?
I’m still trying to figure out what ‘it’ is. If you’re happy doing what you’re doing, then you’ve made it. If that’s playing guitar in your room? Great. If that’s working at a job site and doing the odd gig with your band on weekends for beers? Awesome. If that’s making a living playing covers to drunken tourists and giving them a hell of a time? Sick! It’s good to always have something to work towards, but also important to take stock of where we actually are and appreciate that we have music and art in our lives at all. I used to think it owed me something, but it really doesn’t. I owe it. Everything that I have.
Any final thoughts?
Go see a band. Go watch a comedian. Go to the theatre. Touch a puppet. Wink at a book. Sing a song you don’t know the words to. Things will be better if you do.
