Tom Neilson is a singer-songwriter from Sunshine Coast, who reemerged onto the music scene last year with his debut solo EP, 'This Love I Know'.
The former frontman of Queensland Music Awards' winning band Standby Empire, Tom blends folk, roots and alt. country influences into his own compositions, inspired by the likes of Simon & Garfunkel, Ocie Elliott, Mumford & Sons and Regina Spektor.
The winner of Passport To Airlie 2024 competition, Tom and his band return to FNQ next month to play Airlie Beach Festival of Music. "Absolutely stoked to be back at Airlie Beach Festival of Music. Last year was a dream, but this year's gonna top it!"
Tom also recently wrapped up a studio session, with new music on the way. "Recording wrapped on the next two releases," he posted back in July.
"Huge thanks to the wonderful mix of talented musicians in these photos, each of whom brought so much to these songs - @juliabatesmusic @lawsonmackriell @evanosbornemusic @bbutch1 @calleditvincent - Massive thanks to producer @_joshbeattie_ for weaving it all together and giving life to these songs. Can't wait to share them with you all soon. :)"
I sound like... Tom Odell is one I get a lot and definitely an inspiration for me. The music I'm working on now also has a Of Monsters and Men feel about it too.
Our first gig was... I launched the Tom Neilson project with a live home recording in our little beach shack in Marcoola (Sunshine Coast). Supported by friends and family at home, it was the perfect way to launch the first release 'That Smile'.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... Neilson is actually my middle name so Tom Neilson came pretty easily. It's a simple way to put a different name to my solo act and gives a little nod to my Danish ancestors.
In the studio I usually... Put in full days that run from early to late. Josh Beattie does a superb job of recording and producing out of 4000 Studios and weaving the many and varied session artists into the mix.
If I could tour with anyone... Mumford & Sons would be something. They have had a huge influence on my songwriting and every time I have seen them live they just blow me away.
Social media... Shapes so much of how we see the world, but the world outside the screen is so much more interesting to explore and experience.
My favourite app at the moment is... The one that holds my photos and captures moments I want to remember.
To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time... Probably the moment we won the Passport To Airlie, and myself and the drummer were way down back amongst the punters. Josh (keys) and Neem (guitar) were up there far quicker than us. It was a surreal moment running through the crowd trying to get to the stage while the whole tent waited for us.
Life on the road is... Never dull. The guys are always up for a laugh, sharing stories or spontaneous jams.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Some cold lagers.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Lost in the New Mexican desert in my 4x4 and no phone signal. Somehow after a few hours of driving, I managed to find the main road I was looking for but for a while there I was properly lost in middle of nowhere.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band? Nick Cave. His music holds that raw emotion and feeling of spiritual reckoning that makes his songs undeniable.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Buenos Aires. I spent a month there some years back. I loved the chaotic and creativity of the place, and it's also close to my wife's home town of Santiago, so great to be a bit closer to the family over there.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... That's a hard one. I'd love to sit with Oliver Burkeman ('Four Thousand Weeks'), Mark Manson ('The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F...') and Brianna Wiest ('101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think'). These books have helped me gain a new perspectives on life and how to make the most of the time we have. Listening to their conversation would be something.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I'd probably go for a pasta marinara in a red sauce or a spaghetti bolognese. Can't beat a good pasta!
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Very much a lover! We have two beautiful border collies called Pacha and Cuzco that I love to walk along the beach every sunset. Dogs are the best friends and companions you could ever have.
My wife is also an animal rescuer, so we from time to time are looking after other little animals. Not long ago she nursed a little bat until it was ready to be released into the wild. I never knew bats could be so damn cute!
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Well my old man loved his Penfolds reds so let's go with that.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... It's been a minute. I live next to the beach and I love to get out on my SUP, have a paddle along the coast or head out for a long, long run. Pilates and futsal also in the weekly mix.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Can't say I love the cleaning the shower, but it's got to be done.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? My partner and I love working our home and gardening, so if I were ever to be in a reality TV show it would have to be some kind of home reno show. :)
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? While I can't say I prank my friends too often, from time to time I don't mind stepping into character whenever a scammer gives me a call and taking them on merry adventure.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Can't say there's much open at midnight on the Sunny Coast, but when it comes to food comas Indian is always a good choice.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Woody from 'Toy Story'. Purely for the eclectic and loveable group of friends, and his tendency for nostalgia.
Last show you binge-watched? 'The White Lotus'. How good was that ending?!
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 is on at venues across Airlie Beach 7-9 November.
Airlie Beach Festival Of Music 2025 Line-up
Jessica MauboyThe Screaming Jets
Diesel
The Black Sorrows
Choirboys
Bachelor Girl
Lloyd Spiegel
Jayne Denham
Hillbilly Goats
James Bennett
Andy Penkow
Bo’Ness Brothers
Matt Angell
Piper Butcher
Tom Neilson
Pete Murray
Tex Perkins
Matt Walker
David Flower
The Natural Culture
Matty Rogers
Tanya George
Dallas Steele
Kieran McCarthy
Zed Charles
Jolly Jingo
Bear Brewer
Jackson Dunn
Darren Griffis & The Jukejoint
Katie Richards Band
Lucy Gallant
The Gathering
Trilla
Tim Griffin
Karl S Williams & Sally Wiggins
The Humbuckin' Pickups
The Whiskeys
Is Man Kind
Rollercam
Viva Band
Sam McCann
Corey Legge
The Swine Club
Tammy Moxon
Sam Maddison
Matt Black
Tim Johnson
Rebelquin
Simon Briley
Scotty Wilson
Josiah Samuel
Tiffany Grace
Dave Helgi Johan
Off Tap
