Tom Tippin Connects with Fans Through His Bold New Release "Thoroughbred" and Reveals the Story Behind It
- STAFF
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
By: Staff
“Thoroughbred” is a captivating masterpiece, raw, reflective, and a true testament to Tom Tippin’s artistry.
Tom Tippin is redefining his musical path with Thoroughbred, an album that pulls you deep into a world of vulnerability, soul-searching, and raw emotion. With seven tracks that blend folk, pop, and rock, this debut is a stunning departure from expectations, one that challenges both the artist and listener. We recently spoke with Tom about the making of this bold new project, diving into the stories and inspirations behind the album's most compelling moments.
From the opening track to the final note, Thoroughbred is about the journey of love, fear, and self-discovery. As Tom reveals, each song is a reflection of a life shaped by both family legacy and personal reinvention. The title itself carries weight, symbolizing not just his rich musical heritage but the urgency of pushing forward into uncharted territory. It's a narrative of breaking free and finding one's own voice amidst the echoes of the past.
As we explored deeper into the heart of this album, Tom spoke candidly about how he blends personal experience with universal themes, crafting lyrics that feel both intimate and universal. He opened up about the fear and uncertainty captured in "Uncertain Future," and the powerful sense of validation and growth conveyed in “Prove Myself.” Through these tracks, Tom reveals his true self, vulnerable, reflective, and eager to connect.
But it’s not just about the music; it’s about the message that resonates long after the last chord fades. Tom’s journey as an artist, the legacy he carries, and the evolution he continues to undergo make Thoroughbred not just an album, but a story.
Dive in with us as we explore the making of this exciting new chapter in Tom Tippin’s career.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Tom Tippin, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. What is the story behind the opening track on Thoroughbred? What was the inspiration behind it?
A. The opening track of this record is, “100LL”. This song was inspired by me and my fiancée’s love story. We’ve known each other since we were little kids and we both ended up getting our pilot’s license. 100LL refers to the type of fuel used in the planes we fly. It’s a playful metaphor about being young and full of “jet fuel” and finally realizing the love of your life has been in front of you this whole time.
Q. The album title Thoroughbred carries such a strong, layered meaning. Why did you decide on this name? What significance does it hold for you, both in relation to the album as a whole and to you as a person?
A. I decided on Thoroughbred for the name of the album because I sometimes feel like I’m bred to be a musician, coming from two musical parents who do this for a living as well. The fast-paced nature of the music industry often makes me feel like a thoroughbred racing toward the finish line. It also draws significance from my fiancée, who’s from the horse country of Kentucky, as this album has a lot to do with our relationship and how it has blossomed into what it is today.
Q. You’ve had such a unique upbringing, steeped in music and performance alongside your father. How do you balance honoring that legacy while still carving out your own distinct sound and identity as an artist?
A. I feel like I’m honoring his legacy just by making music in general. Of course there will be influences of him in there because it’s what I was raised around, it’s bound to come out of me in some way, shape, or form. At the same time, the many experiences I’ve had in life, seeing things from different viewpoints, and being influenced by so many different artists has given me the courage to carve my own path. That’s what brings out a distinct sound in me, one that just comes naturally.
Q. Your lyrics have such an intimate, reflective quality to them. How do you approach writing lyrics that feel so personal, yet universally relatable? Is it something you consciously work on, or does it come naturally to you?
A. It’s something I definitely have to be conscious of. When I first started writing, I was very general and afraid to truly express what I was feeling. Honestly, I’m not sure I even knew what I was feeling yet. When you’re young, you’re still experiencing life for the first time, going through so many things for the first time, and it takes growth to be able to speak candidly from the heart. Funny enough, that turns out to be the most relatable way you can write.
Q. The song “Never Knew Love” has such a beautiful sense of warmth and hope. Is that a reflection of your journey with your fiancée, and how has your relationship influenced your music?
A. That song is basically an exact description of our relationship and how we came to know each other. Our dads had been friends our whole lives, and it made me wonder, what if they had never met? What if we had never become friends because of that? When you find a love that strong, you can’t help but question whether you would’ve ever found anything close to it anywhere else in your life.
Q. Are these particular musical genres something you’ve always embraced from the very beginning of your journey, or has your sound evolved over time from different influences or genres you experimented with earlier on?
A. I’ve always loved the classic rock sounds of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, but country music has had the deepest and most profound effect on how I write. It’s what I think sets me apart from my peers. I have a real love for alternative indie music, but my roots in country give my writing a unique twist. I used to be afraid of that, but now I embrace it and it creates a kind of storytelling that feels completely my own.
Q. You’ve spent time with your father on the road, performing for huge audiences. What was it like stepping into that environment at such a young age, and how did those experiences shape your view on live performance and connecting with an audience?
A. Stepping into the environment of being on stage has shaped me in so many ways. It’s the reason I chose to be an artist and chase a career in music. The feeling of being in front of people and watching them respond to a song is unlike any other. That experience has brought me comfort and confidence on stage. And watching my dad perform for so many years has been such an inspiration, teaching me how to perform and give the best show possible for fans.
Q. There’s a lot of soul-searching in Thoroughbred, particularly around proving one’s worth. What would you say is the most significant lesson you’ve learned in your career so far about your own value as an artist and as a person?
A. Be careful about putting your worth in your art. Art is subjective. You’ll have both breakthroughs and roadblocks. Build who you are outside of the art, then write about it, not the other way around
Q. You’ve been creating music since you were 18, and in that time, it’s clear you’ve grown not just as an artist, but as a person. How do you feel you’ve evolved from your earlier EPs to Thoroughbred?
A. Yeah, I was 18 when I released my first EP, Teenage Heart. Since then, so much has changed in my life. I’ve discovered more about myself, and I think my writing has matured the most. My melodies have always been strong, and I’m proud of that, but it was the lyricism that had to grow up. Those early songs are beautiful in their own way, but there’s so much more depth in what I write now simply because I’ve lived more life. And that’s what’s exciting, the well is only getting deeper.
Q. Looking ahead, what excites you most about your journey as an artist? Are there any new directions or projects you’re thinking about that you’re eager to share, even if they’re still in the early stages?
A. Honestly, the future sometimes scares me. I worry about what’s next, about having to outdo the last thing I did. But truthfully, it’s best to just let it happen, to let whatever natural evolution I have come out in the form of new music and new songs. It’s that feeling of butterflies, part excitement, part anxiety about proving myself again. But now that I’m more self-aware, I think this next project will be really enjoyable. I’m going to work my hardest not to pressure myself, but to truly enjoy the process.
Tom Tippin, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview