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Featured Artist: Tom Volpato
Featured Artist: Tom Volpato
Towards the end of the '21-'22 school year, Tom Volpato went to a New Jersey recording studio and recorded one of his original songs. Tom played acoustic guitars and recorded all vocals. Drums, bass, piano, and additional layers were recorded that same day by professional musicians.
Click on the link to the left to listen on YouTube. It is also available where you stream your music.
Music and lyrics by Tom Volpato.
The 566 Featured Interview: Tom Volpato
The 566 Featured Interview: Tom Volpato
What was the behind-the-scenes process for this featured music? How did you create it?
This was my first opportunity to record at a professional studio with professional musicians. It was amazing to experience how they help bring my song to life. I recorded a different version of this song on my own, so it was special and unique to see how these musicians reacted and changed the song for the better. I played the acoustic guitars and did the singing, and the other musicians recorded everything else, some live with me, and some overdubs.
How long have you been writing music and what instruments do you play?
I have been writing songs for 4 years. I play the guitar, piano, drums, and sing.
What was the last song you heard that you wished you'd written?
"All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun" by Elizabeth Fraser and Jeff Buckley
Who are three (or four!) artists you recommend for everyone to listen to?
Bjork, Joao Gilberto, and Little Simz
Featured Artist: Tom Volpato '23
Featured Artist: Tom Volpato '23
Click the album cover to access Tom's album, Young Fascinations, currently on Spotify.
You can also access it on other streaming platforms here.
All music composed, performed, and produced by Tom Volpato '23 (with special guest vocals by Lily Ventura '23 on "For Once")
The 566 Featured Interview: Tom Volpato '23
The 566 Featured Interview: Tom Volpato '23
What was the behind-the-scenes process for this featured music? How did you create it?
Besides participating in multiple bands before, I didn't have any experience recording songs and using software, so I had to learn everything from scratch. It took me two years and a lot of encouragement, both in and out of School, to feel comfortable enough with my production process to share it with other people. Everything came together
naturally, and I feel like, since the beginning, my thoughts about discovering my identity grew until I started turning them into music. It is a way I found to say something to myself first, and it has always been like this, and I believe that everyone has something to take away from other people's self-discoveries. I wanted to create the most genuine expression of myself with this process, so I would never forget who I am or where I've come from. In other words, I tried to condense my emotions into something I was proud of and this is how I created this album.
How long have you been writing music, and what instruments do you play?
I have been writing music since eighth grade, and I've been writing this album since then. My primary instrument is drums, but I decided not to put drums in this album to make it sound emotionally raw and intimate. I learned how to play the guitar and piano throughout these two years. I also learned to improve my vocals. The album was built around layering the guitar and vocals.
What was the last song you heard that you wished you’d written?
I wish I'd written "I Know the End" by Phoebe Bridgers. I have a very personal connection to it, as it is part of some of my best memories. The song feels like a relief from all the emotions that are portrayed throughout the rest of the album; however, it doesn't shy away from the fact that it is a part of the experience. The apocalyptic vibe of the lyrics contrasts with the gorgeous instrumentals to create a very unsettling, but also gratifying experience. In my opinion, "I Know the End" ends the album perfectly, and that is why I wish I'd written it.
Who are three (or six!) artists you recommend for everyone to listen to?
Adrienne Lenker, Sufjan Stevens, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, The Microphones, and Phoebe Bridgers
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