Rising star Tom Hickox uses the SH-201

Tom Hickox released his debut single The Pretty Pride of Russia last week and is surely set for unbelievable success.

His operatic vocals, heart-rending melodies and penchant for the unusual have already singled him out as a unique talent in the UK music scene. Rumour has it, even David Bowie is a big fan and you can’t argue with that.

We spoke to Tom In the run up to the release of his new single to get his thoughts on making music and the SH-201, which he has just used for a Black Cab Session.

Hi Tom. For those who have never heard your music, how would you describe yourself?
Well, I’ve been described as a cross between Leonard Cohen and Anthony and the Johnsons, which isn’t a bad thing. If I can be as successful as either of them, that would be great.

Your music is an odd mix of melancholy and euphoria, was it a conscious decision to have an uplifting undertone to contrast the dark lyrics and moody tone?
Not at all. I try and write different music and I am interested in the darker side of life, macabre and grotesque, the things people don’t really want to talk about. That’s my passion lyrically.

I do, however, want to make beautiful music that I would want to listen to. So I guess that’s where the contrast comes from. I think there can be a really interesting contrast in the lyrics and the music.

You recently did a Black Cab Session. How was it and how did you find the Roland SH-201 synth?
The guys from the black cab session started following me on Twitter! They got in touch to do a session just after my set at the Big Chill Festival, which I said I would love to do.

You only get one take and there was no starting again, so I had the keyboard sliding all over my lap! It was a pretty surreal experience but they capture something that’s really interesting. Its not easy finding a small keyboard that has decent sounds and we got a brilliant take, so I was very happy with the SH-201.

How do you go about writing a song on the piano, do you start with chords and a melody?
More and more these days I start with lyrics. Sometimes I start by writing a piece on the piano, but really there is no formula, no routine. Sorry!

You have an element of electronica in some of the songs. Where did this come from?
I love dance music, I mean, I’m not a clubber, but I was a big fan of the Bristol scene in the 90s, with Tricky, Massive Attack and Portishead. It really opened my eyes to a new musical world. So I’ve always been really interested in what’s happening in the dance and electronic scene.

You’re about to try the new Roland V-Piano soon. Thoughts?
I’m very much looking forward to it! I had a little look on the website and it looks like a super instrument. I look forward to reporting fully very soon!

Find out more about the incredible SH-201 here, and watch Tom using it in his Black Cab Session here.

For more from Tom and his thoughts on writing music – check out the full interview on the Roland website.

For more on Tom, check out his MySpace.

Tags: SH-201, Synth, V-Piano

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