Setting the tone with echoing keys and an immersive synth texture with dimensional bass and intricate percussion, Tom Jackson opens his new single, Is This It? with atmospheric vocals and poetic nuance.
The opus expands into a dream pop soundscape, and we are fully hypnotized. We also learn that Is This It? is the lead single from Tom Jackson‘s upcoming debut album!
Speaking on the meaning of Is This It?, Tom confesses, “It’s an existential mess of a song that I wrote about the experience of growing up. Falling in and out of love, experimenting, trying to find yourself along the way.”
The rising artist from Brisbane, Australia adds with reference to the production, “I wanted to fuse two contrasting sonic ideas resulting in the verses being almost fully electronic and the choruses being fully live.”
Elaborating on the creative process behind Is This It?, Tom tells us, “This single was recorded entirely in my bedroom. I handled the recording of everything with help from Eli Badger and Mitchell Watson on the live drums. Mitchell also played some additional guitar parts on the record. Liam McDonough tracked bass guitar and Joh Kotoda played the live drums. I handled all the production and sound design myself before sending it off to an artist called Yazhu for mixing. Riley Knapp who lives out in LA mastered the track for me.”
Tom Jackson cites The 1975, Harry Styles, 5SOS, Dayglow and an ambient fusion band called Sleep Token as his main influences, although it is clear that he is creating a universe of his own.
We appreciate the depth of Tom Jackson‘s artistry, along with the authenticity and soundscape of Is This It?, which we have added to our New Music Spotlight playlist, whilst we anticipate Tom’s debut album!