Rhiwbina Living 62

people
In The
Spotlight
Cardiff's Tom Auton is a rising star in the music industry.
Emma Kaler talks candidly to the man with the world at his feet
by Emma Kaler
The music industry has
dominated society for
centuries, uniting generations
and cultures around the world. It
can represent escapism, inspiring
people to get their creativity
flowing.
Cardiff has produced many famous
performers over the decades,
and I’ve recently had the pleasure
of chatting with Cardiff’s newest
emerging talent, whose latest
performance venues include
Cardiff’s Globe and the Norwegian
Church. Stepping out of the music
studio where he’s currently writing
his new album, Tom Auton explains
what he's currently crafting.
“I’m working on a six track EP,
which is due to be released at
the end of this year," the former
Whitchurch High School student
says. "I can’t wait to show people the
new songs.”
Tom is a high school friend of
mine. Our group would walk home
through Rhiwbina after music
6
lessons and stop at each other’s
houses along the way. A few of
us now work in the entertainment
industry. Whilst chatting about
these memories, he recalls:
“Cardiff, and Rhiwbina for that
matter, was an amazing place for
me growing up. I played football
when I was younger and would
spend lots of time in Caedelyn Park.
"Moving away for a while made me
realise how lovely my home was
and what fond memories I made in
Rhiwbina!"
Being a local boy, it’s not a shock
he got homesick. What stands out
during our conversation is how
grateful Tom is to have had access
to tutors and studio equipment
in Whitchurch High School, one
of Rhiwbina’s popular catchment
schools. He reflects on his time
there and how it has shaped him:
“When I was in school, music and
the arts had better funding than it
does now. I was lucky enough to
have access the school's Apple
Mac studio where I spent my
lunchtimes making music. The
music department was amazing
and still do lots to help students
pursue their music careers.”
I was interested to find out what
truly inspired Tom to pursue such
an unrelenting and competitive
career path, which many decide
they’re not cut out for. After years
gaining experience in the music
industry though, Tom seems to
have found his way very nicely.
I remember
the moment
music
became my
passion
“I remember the moment music
became my passion. My dad took
me to a Green Day show when I was
10 and I fell in love with watching
Billie Joe Armstrong (the lead
singer) perform. From then on, I
practised guitar religiously every
day.”
Tom began songwriting as a young
Main image: Ellis Thomas