Meet Tom Bender | Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tom Bender and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tom, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
My main goal is best summed up in this quote; “When it comes to music, if it’s something you love to do – never quit. No matter what the naysayers may say, if you can just touch one person through music, you have done your job. It’s not about fame, awards, etc. You have to love what you do first and foremost. Music can heal, bond, and unite people around the world. THAT is what it’s about and what we are about. Coming together for the common love of music is so important, signed to a label or not, YOU are putting out music that you love and that others can enjoy and that makes you successful”.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Music has always been a passion of mine, especially song writing. The songs I write are inspired by years of mentoring, counseling, general story telling and poetic writings. No song is ever just a song, there is so much more behind the meaning of a song. Music has helped me get through some of my darkest times, and in turn I wanted to be able to use the songs I write to bring others some of the same hope that music gave me. The songs I write are inspired by years of my personal life experiences, mentoring, counseling, general story telling and poetic writings. One of the best ways you can express your feelings is simply through listening to music. No matter what stage you are in your life, music will always have a special place that will spark emotions and memories!

The biggest hurdle I have come across is getting air play. As a non-performing artist and independent songwriter, I knew it was going to be an uphill challenge to get the songs out to listeners. Some platforms need multiple permissions or wavers to even play the songs because of legal repercussions. Social Media platforms are great like “Facebook”, “YouTube”, “Apple Music”, and “Spotify”, etc.. as well as many others DSP which allow for listeners to find the music. There are some on-line independent music stations that will play your music as well.

My best advice I would give to others who want to be in the music industry: Believe in yourself, listen to advice, don’t be afraid to take chances, it’s ok to make mistakes and even fail, don’t let anyone tell you can’t, stay humble, believe in the bigger picture, and only you can define what your success looks like!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to all my favorite Music spots. MadLife in Woodstock has an incredible music venue almost everyday of the week. Woodstock also offers up some great dinning experiences. Alpharetta has two great music spots, First one is in downtown Alpharetta on the green lawn at the square, were you can listen to live music and have some great food at the local restaurants, Second one is the Avalon in Alpharetta were you can have a fun shopping experience as well as some amazing food places to choose from. And lastly before leaving the area would have to make a stop at my two favorite shops Righteous Guitars and Comeback Vinyl.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Justine Blazer: I was introduced to Justine Blazer back in late 2020. Justine took on 4 song projects I sent her to produce and provide the vocals for those releases. From that initial introduction, Justine and her studio “Ten7Teen Studios” has produced, and she has provided the vocals behind all of my releases. Justine has helped me every step of the way from the concept I send her, to talking through ideas of how we think the song will be tracked, to the production of the finished song.

We continue work together on new song projects and have done more co-writing together. Justine has an incredible ability as a music producer to be a visionary. To hear concept song demo’s and turn them into amazing production songs for release. Justine also works with some of the best studio musicians in Nashville, who she brings in to do the music tracking sessions for the songs. With her years of experience in the music industry this makes her a wonderful mentor, and producer for those who are looking to get their careers started in the music business.

Website: www.tombendersongwriter.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.bender.5099

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBtuJx-t_AGrTY9rRZr4Cng

Image Credits
Tom Bender Michelle Bender