We had a chat with super-talented Scottish lad Tommy Ashby about touring with Nina Nesbitt, touring the UK and connecting with his fans.
How would you describe your music for people who don’t know you?
Scottish roots pop.
You’ve just finished supporting Nina Nesbitt on her UK acoustic tour – how was it?
It’s been fantastic. Nina’s fans are so dedicated. Most of them arrive hours before doors open and so, as a support act, you get to play to a full room. And they’re super attentive. It’s ace!
You also played guitar with Nina during her set – which of Nina’s songs is your favourite to play live with her?
It changes every five minutes, but at the moment it’s Tough Luck. We normally play it with the band as a full on rock tune, but on this tour it’s been a much more intimate piano ballad. Nina’s voice is amazing on it and the sparse arrangement really brings out the emotion of the song. Plus I still get a guitar solo, so that’s fun!
What’s your favourite song to play live?
Waiting for the Fall, I think. I sat down with my guitar one day and the whole song came flooding out. It’s the quietest song in the set and the most dynamic, which both make it great to play live!
What’s the best thing about playing live?
Feeling a connection with people you’ve never met before and watching them get excited about your music. It’s totally brilliant.
Any plans for an official single or EP release?
My next track will be called Bruises and will be out at the start of next year.
Out of all your songs, which is your favourite and why?
I think the next single, Bruises, is a goodun. It mixes a happy pop song vibe with some pretty sinister lyrics, which is a contrast that I really like.
Which song do you wish you’d written?
Lover You Should’ve Come Over by Jeff Buckley. It just floors me.
Who’s your ultimate musical icon?
My dad. He gave me a guitar when I was five and it changed my life!
What are your hopes for next year?
Just to play a lot with a load of different musicians, keep on writing tunes and see where the year takes me. I’m just finishing a PhD and that should be done by January, so after that it’s full steam ahead with my music.
Have you got any advice for aspiring musicians?
Play with as many other musicians as you can. Don’t be shy. Just keep swimming. And have fun.
Describe yourself in three words?
Not good-with instructions.
