South Wales singer/songwriter Tom Auton’s new single Victim of the Groove will be released on Friday 26 February on all major streaming/download platforms.
Infusing rock with disco, Victim of the Groove explores the thoughts that rage inside you when you have a mental block. The track is self-produced by Tom at Longwave Studios and mastered by Robin Schmitd whose previous work has included collaborations with Liam Gallagher, The 1975 and Nothing But Thieves.
The addiction to the groove for Tom Auton started in 2016 when he received a dreadful mix of a previous single. The control freak within him spiralled out of control and started aggressively buying microphones, mixing plug ins and a laptop.
Fast forward 4 years to the present day and Tom is living the true rock and roll dream; producing his own Rock and Blues records at the age of 21 from his own studio ‘The Syncopation Station’ aka his parent’s living room! Tom has so far produced and co-written with several artists including Dan Owen, John Adams, Amber Leigh Irish and The Voice’s Chanel Yates & Jake O’Neil.
Here, Tom reveals his Music DNA inspirations and influences to Andy Howells
What was the first song that made an impact on you?
Green Day – Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), I saw it live at the NEC (Birmingham) when I was 10. This is a questionable move by any parent, taking their 10-year-old child to a punk rock gig when every 5th word the band say is ****. However, this one paid off for my dad, as it ended up being the ‘moment’ where I decided I wanted to become a musician (after I became a fireman, astronaut and a basketball player for the wildcats – the basketball team in High School Musical).
What was the first single you bought?
I had an interesting choice of music at a young age…
Hannah Montana – Best of Both Worlds. I stand by this purchase, what a tune. Normally when you have a younger sister, they’re the one that gets YOU into Hannah Montana. However, this is not the case with me. I very proudly introduced my younger sister to watching Hannah Montana, High School Musical and an array of 2000’s TV shows.
What was the first album you owned?
Green Day American Idiot. I remember bringing the lyric book that came with it into school, then crying my eyes out when I dropped it in a puddle. Rough times. I loved that album, but never really understood the meaning of their song ‘American Idiot’. Then the 2016 US elections happened, and it hit the nail on the head for me 😉
What is your constant go to track?
Typhoons – Royal Blood
I think I let out a small, but audible, scream when I first heard this track, BELTER of a song. FUN FACT, this track mainly consists of the original demo recordings that Royal Blood made, making it a self-produced record! I can get behind that as I also produce all my own songs, including my new track Victim of The Groove. Nothing funny on the end of this question, just the mandatory plug of my new song 🙂
What is your constant go to album?
How Did We Get So Dark? – Royal Blood. This contains one of my favourite songs I Only Lie When I Love You. It was the first track that introduced ‘groove’ into rock music, for me.
I am SOOOO excited for their new album to come out in April. I am fully prepared to have my face melted with new heavy, dirty riffs.
Who is your latest music discovery?
Chris Buck. One word, which I’m not sure is an actual word, DAUYM. Maaaaaan this bloke is insanely good on guitar. I want him to play guitar at my funeral, there’s a high chance he could resurrect me with a guitar solo. Plus, he’s also Welsh.
What’s your own track that best defines you as an artist?
My newest track, Victim of The Groove. It’s packed with every bit of musical knowledge I have learnt over the last 10 years. Influences for this song include: Royal Blood, Nothing But Thieves, John Mayer and if you listen REEEEAAAALLLLY close… Our lord and saviour, Hannah Montana!
- Visit Tom Auton’s official website.