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

Hi Tom, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?

Music has always been a passion of mine, especially song writing. 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 my personal life experiences, mentoring, counseling, general story telling and poetic writings. 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!

Music is one of the best ways to make a connection with a person. Music can also become a path to share their story to inspire others as well. Example: “You Can Be Free” was written around the emotions/feelings of abuse countered with the hope that the scriptures provide from the Bible. I continue to look for ways to bring hope and encouragement through the songs the write and the stories behind the songs. 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. Usually expressing how the song lyrics seemly came at the right time and how they could feel a connection to the story of the song. Almost as if somehow, I knew their personal stories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

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 can’t, stay humble, believe in the bigger picture, and only you can define what your success looks like!

The biggest hurdle I have come across is getting air play. As a non-performing artist and independent songwriter, I knew it was going to be an uphill challenge to get the songs out to listeners. Some platforms need multiple permissions or wavers to even play the songs because of legal repercussions. Social Media platforms are great like “Facebook”, “YouTube”, “Apple Music”, and “Spotify”, etc.. as well as many others DSP which allow for listeners to find the music. There are some on-line independent music stations that will play your music as well.

Recently, I have been nominated for both an “ISSA” (International Singer/Songwriter Association) and “Josie Music Awards” for my songwriting. This year I was in Billboard’s 2023 Grammy Preview magazine’s for consideration of a Grammy nomination for the Album “Girl Singing the Blues” by Justine Blazer. This album introduced my first song released by an artist – “Bad Love” which Justine and I co-wrote. I also have had the privilege of being featured in numerous online magazines and write-ups.

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 one is the Avalon in Alpharetta were you can have a fun shopping experience as well as some amazing food places to choose from.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

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 (“Keep the fire burning for me”, Your friend I’ll always be” “You’ll always be here with me”, and “You can be Free”). From that initial introduction, Justine and her studio “Ten7Teen Studios” have 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 send her, to talking through ideas of how we think the song will be tracked, to the production of the finished song.

We continue work 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 Shell Bender

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