PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Tommy Lorente (TL): My very latest project was covering in French a great song from Paul Collins (Si Longtemps/It’s Gonna Be a Long Time) as I did few years back with a classic tune from my friend Dom Mariani (Ne Parle Pas de Nous/Don’t talk about Us). However my last big project is my 10 songs album « Un Cruel Manque de Tendresse » The feedback has been great from the beginning, airwaves on several countries all around the globe, Japan sells ! some gigs in European places. It could not have been better.
The Recording Process: There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
TL: My full album « Un Cruel Manque de Tendresse » came into the world last year and not before, because I was passing a six-years Contemporary Art Degree. So I spent years working on the songs, and let them age like good French wine.
As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
TL: Times are changing, it’s easier to record music and broadcast it all over the world, but also easier to be lost in the incessant flow of music to which I sure belong.
Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?
TL: I consume music as I did 10 years ago, I still buy Cd’s from artist I like and I just love holding a Cd or Vinyl in my hands. This relation with recorded music is important to me, unfortunately we all know physical supports won’t last.
We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them? Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
TL: I always have several projects in the same time, and I am definitely working on a new full album to come, but as Tom Petty sang, the waiting is the hardest part, so digital process allows me to frequently release Singles and EPs for the fans.
Okay – time for some light humor! Spinal Tap Moment: dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us!
TL:: Many years ago, I was playing the guitar in a kind of night-club-surf-bar, during the set the bar-tender turn the Tv-on with surf contest on it. Every customer turn their back on me to look at the Tv screen. At the time, I was still thinking surfers were all rock’n’roll lovers and educated people!
Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
TL: I’ve been lucky enough to meet Nick Lowe few years back, he’s one of my favorite songwriters and a very kind person. His music evolved through the years and without compromise. Who would not want to collaborate with the Jesus of Cool ?!
Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust us!)
TL: To me, « Top-Albums » can be quite different than « Top-Artists » in which I could put Big Country, Alice Cooper, The Ramones, Dinosaur Jr or many others. Here we’re talking about albums I like from the first track to the last so here we go (no particular order) :
Warren Zevon – « Mutineer » Nick Lowe – « Abominable Showman » Weezer – « The Blue Album » Tom petty – « Full moon Fever » The Move – « The Move » Bonus ! : The Connells – « Ring »
We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?
TL: I’ve always loved looking for hidden Powerpop in all kind of music ! Few years ago, Ghost B.C amazed me by Tobias Forge’s incredible sense of melody (his former band « Subvision » is a great power pop gem). In the same time, The Smashing Pumpkins reminded me how Billy Corgan knew how to write pure powerful pop songs with their two last albums. As J Mascis did with his recent bunch of Dinosaur Jr records. Closer to me, in France, the band Les Wampas, still make french language rock !
Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’
TL: I’m graduated with a Master’s degree in contemporary Art. And after having teached in Art School, I fully live out my two passions, Graphic design and music.
Okay, last question: Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
TL: Feel free to follow my activities and new releases on www.tommylorente.bandcamp.com, www.tommylorente.fr and www.facebook.com/tommylorente
