New on the music scene in Vancouver is a gifted young singer songwriter, Tom Howie.
Tom has just put out his first solo EP, Stepping Stones, to rave reviews. Recorded, produced and mixed over the summer of 2005 with producer Josh Bluman, it has 4 great songs on it, and there are plenty more where they came from.
Tom combines haunting lyrics with simple, catchy melodies, forming heartfelt songs about love, hate, and the mysteries of life. He has a steady head, great hands on the guitar, and a magnetic personality. For him, it’s just all about the music, which keeps it simple. His gift isn’t just for melodies, he has a genius for hearing all kinds of musical parts behind the main tune. He has the sense and the ambition to go far.
Press
Here is what Youthink had to say in its glowing review of his CD release performance on October 14, 2005, at a Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert Tom played:
“The ability to spin out four tracks that have yet to be boring, complete with lyrics that are startlingly affecting, isn’t just dumb luck. Howie’s observations about life and its joys and sorrows, combined with his acoustic, mellow sound, build a strong sample of what he has yet to give.”
“It’s one thing…to be good on a mastered and mixed CD, but it’s an entirely different thing to get up on stage and match the expectations of your audience.”
“It’s that sort of charisma, combined with an awareness of the world that will take this local boy wherever he wants to go.”
- Madison Daman-Willems – Youthink Magazine
Shows
It’s a great live show, whether Tom is singing solo with his acoustic guitar, or accompanied by his band.
He has attracted some great musicians to back him up for his live act. The band (cello, bass, lead guitar, drums and occasional keyboards), has added excitement and depth to Tom’s songs, a nice contrast with his more soulful, beautiful solo numbers, where Tom shines with his singing and guitar. The guys love playing together, which makes for a charismatic and exciting performance.
Tom has played such prominent Vancouver venues as The Roxy, The Buffalo Club, The Media Club, and The Backstage Lounge. He has also done many other all ages shows at various venues.
Radio Play
Tom appeared on Vancouver radio station 102.7FM, co-op radio, on November 24th, 2005. He chatted and answered questions for about half an hour with hosts and they played two tracks, “Stepping Stones”, and “Another Kind of Foolishness” from the EP, Stepping Stones.
He also receives play on CHET 94.5, a radio station in Chetwynd, B.C. He is also number 20 on the Top 30 Charts of CFBX 92.5 FM in Kamloops, B.C.
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