Tom Neilson – Chasing Music, Community, and Connection
Fresh from opening the main stage at Airlie Beach Festival of Music for Pete Murray and the Screaming Jets, Sunshine Coast’s own Tom Neilson is showing how music can take you places – on stage, across borders, and into people’s hearts.
A past Queensland Music Award recipient, Tom is not just releasing his new single, Fool’s Gold, he’s creating something that celebrates clarity, connection, and gratitude.
“It’s about letting go of the things that glitter and holding onto what truly matters,” Tom says.
“We all chase our own version of fool’s gold, but it’s the simple, honest moments that stick.”
Fool’s Gold pulses with bright trumpet and trombone, a new direction inspired by Tom’s love for the anthemic lift of bands like Of Monsters and Men. After well over a decade exploring everything from hip hop to electronic music before eventually finding his home in folk storytelling, Tom felt drawn to experiment with bringing horns into his next releases.
“Those early years shaped how I write,” he says.
“They taught me to chase rhythm, honesty and momentum, no matter the genre.”
Off stage, Tom draws on more than a decade of work in the First Nations and mentoring space, channelling his energy into EPIC Pathways, an organisation he helped establish with a small group of founders committed to inspiring and uplifting the next generation of resilient Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders.
Through mentoring, storytelling and community collaboration, EPIC Pathways supports First Nations students across the country to finish high school and step confidently into further study, training and meaningful careers.
His work proves that music isn’t just about notes and chords, it’s about connection, empowerment, and leaving a legacy.
Tom heads next to the Woodford Folk Festival, with shows on 28th December and 1st January at Bob’s Bar, bringing high energy performances and a message of authenticity.
“Don’t try to be anything other than you,” he says.
“Lean into your voice, trust your instincts, and push the boundaries.”
With Fool’s Gold, Tom Neilson isn’t just sharing a song. He’s sparking conversations, inspiring action, and showing that music can transform lives, communities, and perspectives.