Interview with Tom Killner

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?  

I’ve always been around music from a young age. It's been engraved into me, with my parents record collection and my dad playing bass it’s had an influence on what I do. But if it wasn’t music I’d probably be cooking.  

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I’ve got a few interests and it’s only really the last few years where music hasn’t been my soul interest. Model railways, LEGO and my big love of Star Wars collection. I wouldn't say that they particularly influence my creativity, but they’re escapes totally separate from the music industry and that's enough for me to come back feeling refreshed.  

How long has your band been around?  

I’ve been playing near on 18 years now, but the band was started in 2012

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

I come from a town, Rotherham, near the city of Sheffield. It’s known for its industrial past with steel and coal. I write about its people and what I see around me.  

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Thats easy, it's my name...

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

There's a few that will stick with me but the last tour of Spain there were so many good times on and off stage.  

What is your favourite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already? 

Recently I played one of the venues that's been on my list for quite a while The Holmfirth Picturedrome that was a big moment for me. Probably by the time you read this I would have played the legendary The 100 Club in London which has also been on my radar for quite a while. But another venue that I'd love to play would be the Hammersmith Odeon.  

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Marcus King, Warren Haynes, Blackberry Smoke would be top of the list.  

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Practice, practice and more practice and do what you love doing.  

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Just keep going! Sometimes this industry is incredibly tough, and people can be difficult but keep on going and eventually you’ll find the right people fighting in your corner.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

‘Working Man’, It’s a song about life in and around my hometown and having the heart ripped out of the place and the after-effects on people.

Which songs are your favourite to play and which get requested the most?

My favourite would have to be ‘On The Other Side’ - it’s been in the set as long as I can remember and it’s just a good time rock and roll song.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Generally a line or a riff might pop in my head and I'll sit down and write or record the idea on my phone then, I’ll take it to the band and see where it goes from there. Inspiration comes from all around from how i’m feeling to everyday people in the street to total fantasy and taking the listener on a little journey.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I tend to like people to come to their own conclusions about what songs are about. I feel if I say ‘it’s about this or the meaning is this…’ it takes away what the listener is feeling. That’s very much what I want folk to take away from my new album ‘Borrowed Time’ which comes out April 12.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

It’s rare that this happens but if anything does come up you talk about it and come up with a solution.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I’m looking forward to the new album ‘Borrowed Time’ coming out April 12 and the tour that kicks off too with a load of dates and festivals in the UK, it’s our busiest year so far! We’ll also be on the road with USA bands Hush Money in May and Preacher Stone in July, tickets and album are all on my website:

https://www.tomkillner.com/