Rhiwbina Living 62
Summer 2024 Summer 2024
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
teen and began performing at local charity events, including Sepsis UK. You can imagine the jolt of panic that rushes through a parent’s mind when their child dreams of working in the entertainment industry. However, Tom’s parents (refreshingly) never questioned his aspirations. Instead, they happily encouraged him to pursue his ambition as a musician. “They’ve instilled the attitude of if you love it, do it. That is invaluable to me. "I decided to get into music production as a way of developing communication with the producers who were working on my music. “Making demos was where I started and before long, I got a job at Oliver Studios in Gloucester. My first job was making the tea and the coffee for the producers but then I got involved with setting up the studio equipment. Before long, I was taking sessions there myself and I’ve been learning ever since." Tom's steep learning curve has meant that his output is already of a professional standard. "Producing my own songs can be stressful at times. There’s a lot of pressure because I demand high standards, mostly from myself, but also from those that I work with. "But that makes it all the more satisfying when it does come together. Learning is the key to producing a better song next time and that part is really fun." Although the industry requires talent and determination, it’s important to retain a realistic view. “Financially, being a musician is Image: Andrew Dowling Tom's diligent work on his craft has already brought him success tough,” he explains. “You need to find the balance between earning enough money and investing in your passion.” And his proudest moment to date? "That'd be when myself and my band supported Feeder at Tredegar Park in Newport. “It was the first show back in Wales after Covid and it was a big moment for us. With a few thousand audience members, everyone was up for a good time - and it was!” Excited for him myself, I ask what’s in the pipeline. He reveals he is due to play at Cardiff Castle for the ‘Depot in the Castle’ event this summer, alongside acts such as Anne Marie, Tom Walker, and Jax Jones. “This is the closest to feeling like I’ve made it in my chosen career. I’m so excited.” Catch Tom Auton at Depot in the Castle on the 27th July. Tickets available online. Image: Andrew Dowling Tom appearing at The Globe in Cardiff 7
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teen and began performing at local<br />
charity events, including Sepsis UK.<br />
You can imagine the jolt of panic<br />
that rushes through a parent’s<br />
mind when their child dreams<br />
of working in the entertainment<br />
industry. However, Tom’s parents<br />
(refreshingly) never questioned his<br />
aspirations. Instead, they happily<br />
encouraged him to pursue his<br />
ambition as a musician.<br />
“They’ve instilled the attitude of if<br />
you love it, do it. That is invaluable<br />
to me.<br />
"I decided to get into music<br />
production as a way of developing<br />
communication with the producers<br />
who were working on my music.<br />
“Making demos was where I<br />
started and before long, I got a job<br />
at Oliver Studios in Gloucester. My<br />
first job was making the tea and the<br />
coffee for the producers but then<br />
I got involved with setting up the<br />
studio equipment. Before long, I<br />
was taking sessions there myself<br />
and I’ve been learning ever since."<br />
Tom's steep learning curve has<br />
meant that his output is already of a<br />
professional standard.<br />
"Producing my own songs can be<br />
stressful at times. There’s a lot of<br />
pressure because I demand high<br />
standards, mostly from myself, but<br />
also from those that I work with.<br />
"But that makes it all the more<br />
satisfying when it does come<br />
together. Learning is the key to<br />
producing a better song next time<br />
and that part is really fun."<br />
Although the industry requires<br />
talent and determination, it’s<br />
important to retain a realistic view.<br />
“Financially, being a musician is<br />
Image: Andrew Dowling<br />
Tom's diligent work on his craft has already brought him success<br />
tough,” he explains. “You need to<br />
find the balance between earning<br />
enough money and investing in<br />
your passion.”<br />
And his proudest moment to date?<br />
"That'd be when myself and my<br />
band supported Feeder at Tredegar<br />
Park in Newport.<br />
“It was the first show back in Wales<br />
after Covid and it was a big moment<br />
for us. With a few thousand<br />
audience members, everyone was<br />
up for a good time - and it was!”<br />
Excited for him myself, I ask what’s<br />
in the pipeline. He reveals he is<br />
due to play at Cardiff Castle for<br />
the ‘Depot in the Castle’ event this<br />
summer, alongside acts such as<br />
Anne Marie, Tom Walker, and Jax<br />
Jones.<br />
“This is the closest to feeling like<br />
I’ve made it in my chosen career. I’m<br />
so excited.”<br />
Catch Tom Auton at Depot in the<br />
Castle on the 27th July. Tickets<br />
available online.<br />
Image: Andrew Dowling<br />
Tom appearing at The Globe in Cardiff<br />
7
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