Meet Tom Bender | Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Bender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what’s your definition for success?
First, believe in yourself, listen to advice, don’t be afraid to take chances, it’s ok to make mistakes and even fail, don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t, stay humble, believe in the bigger picture, and only you can define what your success looks like!

Second, staying true to what I wanted these songs to become, songs than can bring inspiration, hope and even some healing. When I begin to write a song, I start off with “the story behind the song” and then the music/lyrics which will develop the theme of how the song will be written.

Third, one of the most rewarding if not the best aspects of being a songwriter are the response emails, comments, and posts I get from listeners thanking me. Usually telling me how the song lyrics came at the right time and how they could feel a connection to the story of the song, as if somehow I knew their personal stories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ll take on two of these questions that I feel are the most important to me personally. “What I’m most proud or exited about” and “What do I want the world to know about my story”.

I have been involved in music since playing the saxophone in 3rd grade. So, music has always been a passion of mine, especially songwriting. Music has helped me get through some of my darkest times, and in turn, I wanted to be able to use the songs I write to bring others some of the same hope that music gave me. The songs I write are inspired by years of personal life experiences, mentoring, counseling, general storytelling, and poetic writing.

As a songwriter, my vision and mission is to write songs that are relatable in areas of life that are sometimes hard to have a conversation about. No song is ever just a song, there is so much more behind the meaning of a song. I use music as a way to connect with others, and the lyrics of the songs can also become a pathway to share their story to inspire others. So, I continue looking for ways to bring hope and encouragement through the songs I write and the stories behind the songs. I also want to be open and honest with my personal life experiences in the lyrics of the songs to allow listeners to hear the authenticity and vulnerability I am sharing. It is said that one of the best ways you can express your feelings is simply through listening to music. No matter what stage you are in your life, music will always have a special place that will spark emotions and memories!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to all my favorite Music spots. MadLife in Woodstock has an incredible music venue almost everyday of the week. Woodstock also offers up some great dinning experiences. Alpharetta has two great music spots, First one is in downtown Alpharetta on the green lawn at the square, were you can listen to live music and have some great food at the local restaurants, Second would be the Avalon in Alpharetta were you can have a fun shopping experience as well as some amazing food places to choose from. Third would be a boating day trip out on Lake Allatoona, with an evening dinner at Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q in Canton.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Justine Blazer: I was introduced to Justine Blazer back in late 2020. Justine took on 4 song projects I sent her to produce and provide the vocals for those releases. From that initial introduction, Justine has produced, and she has provided the vocals behind all of my releases. Justine has helped me every step of the way from the concept I provide her, to talking through ideas of how we think the song will be tracked, to the production of the finished song.

We continue working together on new song projects and have done more co-writing together. Justine has an incredible ability as a music producer to be a visionary. To hear concept song demo’s and turn them into amazing production songs for release. Justine also works with some of the best studio musicians in Nashville, who she brings in to do the music tracking sessions for the songs. With her years of experience in the music industry this makes her a wonderful mentor, and producer for those who are looking to get their careers started in the music business.

Website: https://www.tombendersongwriter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.bender.5099

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBtuJx-t_AGrTY9rRZr4Cng

Image Credits
Tom Bender
Michelle Bender