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Interview: Tom Maroon
April 8, 2023
Tom Maroon is an indie singer-songwriter and producer based in Albany, NY. As a solo artist, he has performed professionally on the East Coast and Midwest since 2010. His energetic music combines rock, punk and musical theater influences into his uniquely cinematic and lyric-focused style. He has produced his two solo albums and released his self, playing all instruments on both records.
Tom’s third album ‘Lowflyers’ (first release on Mint 400 Records) features his most colorful production and storytelling to date. Across his 10 tracks, he has more of his 70s glam than the lo-fi of his past work His folk his rock and soundtracks provides a chorus that But his love of bubbly, carefree pop rock still shines through on singles like “Minnesota.” Throughout the album, the propulsive rock instrumentation hits as hard as the detailed and theatrical portraits of characters in Tom’s lyrics.
Q: What do you think are the essential qualities of a “good songwriter”?
A: I think it’s important to think about how your music makes other people feel. When a stranger hears your song, they are you going to remove it? Is it going to make their day better? Releasing her art to the public is basically asking random people to take valuable time out of her day and take that time for herself. So you better make sure you have something to say!
Q: What is your rationale for writing music that grabs attention in 2023?
That’s a million dollar question! I think you need to find the reason why you are different and do your best to achieve it. It helps you familiarize yourself with the current state of pop music and think about what is missing. Are you listening to lyrics that make you think? Write lyrics that make you think. Trust yourself and your instincts.
Q: What was it like working with an independent record label instead of working on your own?
A: I’ve always dreamed of going on tour and working with Mint 400 has finally made it possible. The Philadelphia/New Jersey area has started to feel like my second home because of the people and venues I’ve connected with over the past year.
Q: Can you identify a specific song or songwriter that changed the way you write music?
A: When I first heard Dan Byrne, everything about how I write music changed. I had never heard her, at 17, such an unfiltered, stream-of-consciousness approach to lyricism. He’s hilarious on one song, deadly serious on the next, and somehow makes it all work. When I first heard his album Fifty Eggs, I wrote three new songs. John Darnielle (The Mountain Goats) was also a big influence. I feel like I’m always trying to recreate the magic he puts into the songs “Old College Try” and “Oceanographer’s Choice.” Diving into the music of Tom Waits and Regina Spektor made my songs more theatrical. I love how it conveys the drama of musical theater while maintaining an experimental edge.
Q: Do you find it difficult to be inspired by artists younger than you, or are you inspired by their energy? What new artist names inspire you?
A: I am inspired by most artists who experiment, blend genres and push boundaries. And you can find countless young people doing it. Especially if you’re willing to sift through the deep, dark corners of the internet. I love how PinkPantheress brings back her classic UK drums and basses, while giving them her own modern twist. Tierra Wak is one of her most creative artists. period. Lucy Dacus also comes to mind for her, but not necessarily for blending genres, but for her great writing. If we don’t listen to our children, how can we create new things ourselves?
Q: What inspired the new album’s lyrical content, album title and overall vibe?
A: “Lowflyers” is about learning to take responsibility for your actions through a series of mistakes, disasters, and attempts to escape problems. The first half of the album is from the perspective of a young, naive person who only looks at his appearance and blames others for his problems. That attitude sends their lives downhill, and they become struggling, lonely “low-flyers” who can’t seem to get their act together.
Ultimately, they are forced to look within themselves and learn to take control of their lives and their well-being. I will give it to you.
Q: Do you find yourself pondering writing songs and holding onto them for a long time before including them on a record, or do you prefer to write them, release them and be done with it? Would you like to visit again?
A: Chronic overthinking, I’ve been holding onto songs for years before they see the light of day. But when I tell myself that the song is done, that’s it. No rewriting.
Q: What did you learn from the Lowflyers writing and recording process that you can apply to your next project?
A: Of course. Lowflyers is a very lyrical endeavor, all about internal and interpersonal struggles. I don’t want to make the same album twice. Next time we will focus more on experimenting with sounds, production techniques and unique arrangements. I would like to write about the state of the world on a larger scale than just the trials and tribulations of one person.
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