Tommy’s ready to sound off in Perth

Aug 14 2009 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

IT was a heavy-eyed Tommy Reilly, Scotland’s fast-rising singer-songwriter, who dropped in to Perth this week on his road back home after three days – and nights – at the Tartan Heart festival at Belladrum.

But those eyes lit up when this talented new kid on the scene started talking about his music, his love of playing live and writing songs, and a future which surely has a rosy hue.

Almost-a-Weigie Tommy – he’s from Torrance in East Dunbartonshire – was in Perth for the first time in his 20 years, making a brief visit to check out Perth Concert Hall, where he brings his fresh new sound to his burgeoning number of fans on September 22.

Just down the road from Perth at Balado, it was T in the Park a few years ago which sowed the seeds for Tommy’s ambition to be a full-time musician, and which at his mega T in the Park gig last month marked a milestone in that journey.

“It was the best show of my life,” he enthused with a likeable modesty. “They had to shut the tent. That was great, but at the same time I felt really bad because a lot of my mates couldn’t get in.”

Rewind a few years to Tommy’s early teens: “I saw Oasis at T in the Park and it blew my mind. It was the first band I loved. The next day a mate lent me a copy of (What’s The Story?) Morning Glory and I pinched my dad’s old acoustic guitar.

“I decided to learn how to play all the songs on that album. I had a few guitar lessons but mainly I would just lock myself up in my room and sit up all night practising. I did that for a long time!”

The hard graft paid off last summer. Tommy entered the Orange Unsigned Act contest, competing against 50 other acts to clinch the main prize – a record deal with A&M, which lists Duffy and Courteeners among its artists.

But Tommy has a shrewd head on his shoulders, and he was wary of the implications of signing his name on the dotted line.

Happily there was no smothering of his creative output when Tommy recorded his debut album, Words on the Floor, due for release on the A&M label on September 21.

“I was given lots of freedom and the label were extremely supportive,” he says.

The album was produced by Bernard Butler, who also played instruments on the recording.

Butler’s preferred studio was Edwyn Collins’ West Heath Yard in north-west London.

“Bernard was an unbelievable guy to work with, and Edwyn Collins made me really welcome and let me use his guitars and stuff.

“I really hope people like the album, but if things don’t work out at least I know it is MY album.”

Tommy takes the same down-to-earth attitude about his career in general.

He’s having a ball touring and writing songs, and knows he’s giving it all his best shot.

He reflects again on his T Break Stage set as the sun was setting on Sunday’s Balado bonanza: “T in the Park had been so exciting for me through the day, being part of the backstage scene. It was all great until just before my slot then I realised it could be a total nightmare.

“I started thinking of all the things which could go wrong, and I was dreading that no one would turn up. It could have been my career was over just as it was getting started.”

Fast forward a lightening quick 30 minutes and it was an over-the-moon Tommy who made a triumphant stage departure.

“That was how I dreamed a gig would go,” he told the PA. “I really hope they [T in the Park organisers] let me come back.”

Tommy’s acoustic pop sound hit the high notes in July when his single, Jackets, soared to number one in the Scots singles chart – Take That were number two!

It’s a sound now augmented by his band: “It’s great how it’s worked out.

“I played on my own for years and it’s been great fun, but it’s quite tough and can be a challenge.

“Now with the band I can go musically where I really want and having the other guys on stage with me takes a bit off the pressure off. It’s really nice to be on stage and look round and see someone there!”.

“We’re all great mates, including our roadie who I’ve known since I was four.”

Life on the road is certainly no drag for this troupe of modern-day minstrels: “Britain’s amazing – I’ve been here for 20 years and didn’t realise how many cool thing are in it!”

Back home, Tommy’s happy for now to stay in the family nest.

“I’m planning to put a wee studio in the garage. It will be like me going to work in the office! Though I’ll probably still do most of my writing in my bedroom.”

Tommy says of his writing “everything is quite personal”, and he candidly admits it’s improving with time! “My first tune was a heinous piece of music. It was boring, vague, cheesy and nonsensical.

“I've got more used to being dead honest with myself and I’m happy with the way I’m going with my writing, and that I’ve got more time to spend on it.”

Tommy Reilly fans – and those keen to check out this musician on the cusp of the big time – can get tickets for his Perth Concert Hall gig from the box office, telephone 01738 621031 or online www.horsecross.co.uk