Tom Melsen Interview - He is the dark yet also comical songwriter 🔊 WhatsMusic.de

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Tom Melsen Interview – He is the dark yet also comical songwriter

written by Poetspotting and WhatsMusic.de

Poetspotting: Tom Melsen Interview – He is the dark yet also comical songwriter we’ve all been waiting for!

Poetspotting is the new and thrilling venture by renowned artist Tom Melsen, celebrated for his thought-provoking paintings and experimental theatrical and film music, a field he has dominated for the past fifteen years. Having received numerous international awards, Melsen could have easily cemented his status as a prominent painter. However, he chose to pursue his true passion: writing songs.

His new band, Poetspotting, embarks on an exciting adventure, drawing inspiration from the alternative music many of us grew up with. The debut EP offers a unique listening experience, blending post-punk, new wave, and even country music.

Categorizing Poetspotting is a challenge, especially with its darkly humorous songwriting and occasionally touching on LGBTQ+ themes. For instance, the song “Olivia Newton-John” isn’t about the Grease superstar but rather about his neighbor who impersonates her on stage: “Never would I have thought that my dressed-up neighbor could turn me on. Now I’m hopelessly devoted to my neighbor John”.
Another song that delves into LGBTQ+ themes and the pursuit of happiness is “Drive Tonight.” Notable lyrics include: “Our hearts have never been in a safe space, I think it’s time to leave this place. I need more cuddles, not more struggles. It’s best if we leave all behind.” Later in the song, the message of liberation continues: “If we stay, we’ll dream of what could be, but I’d rather wake up feeling free.”

Interview with Poetspotting

Tell us about yourself, who are you and where do you come from?

Hello, I’m Tom Melsen, and I’ve just been recording lots of music. Currently enjoying some free time off, while also trying to get my new music out there and create on big Poetspotting family… *laughs*

How was your passion for music born? Who are your idols?

I was very young when I started playing the piano, around six. Later, in my. teenage years, I’ve learned to play guitar and I recently started playing the ukelele. When I was a kid I used to watch a lot of MTV. It was the nineties and there were a lot of great bands on television. I remember being captivated by music videos from Radiohead, Marilyn Manson, Skunk Anansie, and many more. There was always music around. I don’t have idols anymore, but there are a lot of musicians I admire.

What kind of music do you do?

I don’t know how to describe the music. I used to record a lot of soundtracks, which was easy to describe as ‘film music’. Now, I guess it’s a blend of all the stuff I like and grew up listening to. Bands such as Echo and the Bunnymen, Jesus and the Mary Chain, The Cure… although I don’t think we sound alike at all.

What is the most important song for you? What message do you want to convey to the listener?

There is no message I want to tell with my music. I’m already happy if people actually listen to the songs. If people get anything out of it, that would be really cool, but I doubt that’s ever going to happen. I’m just an indie artist.

Why should a listener who doesn’t know you listen to your music?

I think Poetspotting’s music has a nostalgic feel to it, yet I think it’s also refreshing in a way. I feel like I can write about anything I want, there are no restrictions, and unlike most bands, not all the songs are about love or break-ups. I think we have a unique sound; I don’t even know how to describe our music.

What are your future projects? Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Probably have more songs out, and hopefully a lot more listeners around the world. Besides music, I’ve also been working on a poetry book for the last 3-4 years… I hope to have that bloody damn thing finished by then. It’s really beautiful but it’s the most difficult project I ever started.

Tell our readers a funny episode that happened in your career as an artist.

At the beginning of my career, as a painter, I was shocked by some of the people in the cultural world. I can’t really tell you any details, but let’s just say that there are a lot of crazy artists out there, and I’ve met a couple of them.

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