We sat down with brave Maine native Tom P Buckley who has risen from suffocating pain to rise through the storms, as he shows us what true grit looks like. Munching through some mini wheat whilst making music from anywhere he can, we find a self-motivated creative who has realized recently that life is too short to waste.
Hello there Tom P Buckley. Thank you for your valuable time. What did you have for breakfast this morning and where in the world can we find you sitting today?
Tom: Hi Llewelyn, I had an exotic breakfast of Frosted Mini Wheats. I am in my hometown of Portland Maine.
Do you watch live music at all in your local area and if so, where would you recommend we go watch it?
Tom: The best place for live music is Sun Tiki Studios but I must confess I’ve haven’t ventured out much since the surgery.
Please tell us more about your new release and what it’s like to make music in your living room.
Tom: This record is amazing, I’ve written over 8,000 songs in my lifetime and these oddly enough are my best ones. I seem to be emboldened by my brush with death. This album combines alternative rock, dubstep, house, and indie in a layered textured way. To record it on my couch, and to get such powerful quality, has been a welcome surprise. This one’s pretty special.
What kind of mood do you have to be in to make music or does your creative process vary?
Tom: You know for me to make music I just need an empty room and a Pepsi. I can turn it on whenever I want and I realize of course how lucky that is. The best songs usually flow out of you effortlessly. Which is always a shock when the song is done.
Who or what are you most inspired by each day?
Tom: What really inspires me is people. I see someone else do something amazing and then suddenly I want to do something amazing myself. They inspire me and hopefully, I do the same.
Please tell our readers more about your 2 weeks of writing at least one complete song per day and mastering it mission?
Tom: After what happened with my surgery I became very motivated. I realized life is not guaranteed so you better kick some ass while you can. I recorded Ten the way I did because I knew I had it in me to record a full song each day. It was a bit challenging, but I don’t mind a challenge. If anything, that’s a better situation for any songwriter because it gives you a chance to shine. Rise to the moment if you will.
Last, what are your dreams and goals for the rest of the year?
Tom: My goal for the rest of the year is to release this record and not die during my next surgery. It’s a bit grim, but that’s really what I’m thinking about. I want to make as much great music as I can with the time I have left. I think my fans deserve it.
Follow the music on YouTube.
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Interview by Llewelyn Screen