Meet the Artist: Tom Harrington

When did you start playing music?

Ah I was a bit of a latecomer, taught myself guitar in year 10 and then performed for the first time live at my high school assembly in year 12 (it was very bad)

Where was your first gig?

My first actual paid gig was in the cafeteria at La Trobe University where I was studying to become a teacher (a degree I have 0 intention of using)

What do you do when you’re not playing music?

I also work as a disability support worker. But there’s a lot more admin to being a touring artist then what people might think. Between emails, making demos and playing shows, my free time normally consists of coffees with mates

Who has been your biggest musical influence?

There’s sooo many and it has always evolved over the years, but Kim Churchill has probably created the career that I admire most. And The Dreggs boys have been the largest influence in helping me get my career to the point it’s at now.

When is your next song coming out?

One of the song in this session ‘When Time’s on our Side’ is ready to record next. I have 5 songs booked in to record this year in the next 3 months so hopefully one of those will be ready by around November!

Who has been your favourite artist to see live?

Matt Corby was mind blowing, Mumford & Suns have always been an almost spiritual experience watching live though. Oh and I was lucky enough o watch Ben Howard tour in 2015 with his first 2 albums (the best 2), that’s a show I’ll remember forever.

How many instruments do you play?

Guitar, Vocals, Drums (my first love), Banjo, Bass, Uke and a bit of Piano

Where do you go to get inspired to write music?

A lot of my lyrics/ideas tend to come when I’m driving or having trouble sleeping. The guitar ideas tend to come separately when I’m camping or if I pick up an old instrument I haven’t played in a while.