BUSK 2017: Tom Bedlam

Name
Tom Bedlam

Genre
Folk singer songwriter 

Hometown
Porthcawl, Wales, uk.

Age
25

Your first contact with music?
My dad is a professional singer, as long as I can remember I’ve always been around music.  I wanted to learn the guitar as soon as I was old enough to know what it was.

What do like about playing music on the street?
The flexibility it gives you and the freedom to travel with it.  I’ve been travelling for nearly 3 years now paying for it entirely through music, mainly busking.  Busking has completely changed my life and taken me all over the world.

Which artist or concert impressed you particularly and why?
Passenger is my biggest inspiration. He’s my favourite artist and I’ve seen him live many times.  He started as a busker travelling around the world and inspired me to do the same. Because of him I decided to spend 6 months busking across Australia and New Zealand which is probably the best thing I’ve ever done.

The soundtrack of your current life?
Passenger’ albums – Whispers 1 & 2.

What does it mean to be a musician?
Living a life I always wanted but never thought actually possible.

What does your family think of your choice to be a musician?
It was difficult at first. I think they were worried about me as most family members would be. But now they can see I’m doing well they’re very supportive. 

Dream concert – impossible concert: who would you like to hear?
I’d love to have seen Simon and Garfunkel at their peak. They’re another huge inspiration of mine.

Best or worse experience of your musical career?
Getting the chance to sing across New Zealand was pretty special. No one thing sticks out but it’s my favourite country I’ve ever been to and busking got me there.

Contact
facebook.com/tombedlammusic
soundcloud.com/tom-bedlam-music/the-seas-of-old-porthcawl-wav
m.soundcloud.com/tom-bedlam-music/roadworn
m.soundcloud.com/tom-bedlam-music/rockstar/s-oawK8

For more information on the call for the BUSK Singer Songwriter Festival Meran|o 2017, click here.