to do workshops when I can. Education will always be important to me, but whilst I am singing and pursuing my dreams, I don’t think I’ll be going back to the classroom just yet. I hope I get to do this job for the rest of my life.
You also spoke fondly of your wife on stage, can you tell us a bit more about how and when you met? I absolutely adore her, she’s my absolute rock. We met 7 years ago (laughs), I must get that right or I’ll be in trouble. We met through online dating. I was in Uni at the end of 1st year, she was finishing college. It was funny as she grew up in the tiniest little village, but it was really close to my parents and we actually knew some of the same people. I even knew her sister. We met up and I very quickly realised she was someone I wanted to spend a lot of time with. This grew into wanting to spend the rest of my life with her. She’s an incredible inspiration. She’s a paediatric nurse and works for NHS. Her job is relentless but she is so dedicated and has actually just been promoted. She never stops, but equally whenever I need her, even if it’s just to bounce an idea around, she will stop everything for me.
It must have been hard in covid for you both? It was… she moved out; because of my diabetes and that making me high risk, and with her working in a hospital, she moved back in with her parents for about 6-7 months. It was very challenging, but that’s how dedicated and wonderful she is.
98
Have you faced any significant challenges in your musical career, and how did you overcome them? My biggest challenge is my Type 1 Diabetes. Some days it isn’t a challenge; some days are easier than others, but on show days it is. If my readings are too high then I can struggle to sing. It can be hard to keep them controlled, especially if I’m stressed or when I’m travelling. You know, you don’t eat as you normally do or as regularly, but I try hard to be vigilant. Afterall, I want to inspire others to go for their dreams no matter what.
How do you handle criticism or feedback about your music, and how do you use it to grow as an artist? As a teacher, I’m an advocate for criticism… or should we say advice. The word criticism has a lot of negative connotations. Let’s go with advice as it is always welcome. I just think, if there’s a chance of bettering yourself then that can only ever be a good thing right? But also remember, you can’t please absolutely everyone or you’ll die trying. At the end of the day, music is a collaboration and if you shut out advice then your music will never progress.
How do you balance your personal life with your career as a musician? That is the challenge! I’ve been much better this year, actually taking days where I turn off the phone and say no to social media. The first year after BGT, I didn’t take a single day off. It’s not great for your personal life. You must also take time out for yourself when you can. It can’t be healthy to constantly think of work.
You spoke about your career as a teacher with such passion during the show, do you miss teaching and do you think you’ll ever go back to it? I will always advocate for education and I have been fortunate enough to do this by bringing local choirs and also youth choirs onto the stage with me throughout my tour. I still go into schools
Obviously life has changed a lot for you, how are you handling the media attention? I don’t mind it. I’m incredibly proud of the fact that, whilst on BGT especially, I presented the authentic me. It’s been the same with all my media interactions so far, I’ve just been my true myself. (laughs), I mean maybe sometime down the line, there might be some controversy (laughs again), but that’s just a part of it all I guess. I just enjoy meeting people, I enjoy doing interviews and the media is something you have to embrace.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or collaborations that you're excited about? There’s a lot of talks at the moment. All I can say for now is this is not the end, it’s the beginning. Some things are 100% confirmed, others in the pipeline, all are really exciting and this is not just one album and one tour only, there is much more to come.
Your first single was released just a few weeks ago, how does that feel? I’m so excited, it’s an original song. Finally, it’s not a cover or an original song written by someone else. It’s my words, my song, it’s me the song writer Tom Ball.
What advice would you give to aspiring singers who are just starting their musical journey? Take every opportunity and be kind to absolutely everyone; even if it’s the person who sits at the door welcoming you into the theatre. You never know, they might be the next biggest music producer so be nice to them. People remember kindness.
Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from your music? My ultimate dream to have a human connection with audience; if I could sing just one song that makes them feel an emotion, whether that’s joy or sadness; whatever the emotion may be, then that’s a real achievement.
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
INTERVI EW TOM BAL L
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116
