Tom Bio

Tom Milsom grew up in a leafy village just south of London. But that’s only partly true.

Where he really grew up is on the Internet, which provided him not only the means to reach an international fan base but also the subject for his first breakout hit, “The Internet Love Song” (2007). It has been viewed nearly seven hundred thousand times on YouTube and is featured on his first album, “Awkward Ballads for the Easily-Pleased” (2008). In many ways, the song epitomizes the Milsom touch: cleverly-rhymed lyrics, unexpected chord structure, and breezy, unforced vocals—all belying a deep anxiety over missed, tenuous, and broken connections, while holding fast to the hope of lasting love.

Milsom’s newest project is the release of his second solo album, “Painfully Mainstream” through DFTBA Records with production support from 19 Entertainment. In the new album, Milsom explores a broader palette of music styles and textures ranging from post-rock to anti-folk, from gypsy-punk to all-out thrash metal. Four of the eleven songs of the album are named for the seasons and serve as an emotional roadmap guiding listeners through the journey

While he is adept at the core instruments of rock—guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and synthesizer—Milsom frequently lightens his sound with the unexpected use of ukulele, accordion, kazoo, 8-bit GameBoy, and a Casiotone MT-100 that’s older than he is. In addition to these, “Painfuly Mainstream” features Milsom on banjo, mandolin, melodica, omnichord, organ, theremin, glockenspiel, slide whistle, and vocals.

In the three years since he decided to pursue music professionally, Tom Milsom has composed over seven hours of electronic and acoustic music (making most of it available online, for free download). In addition, has created live and animated videos for his songs that have been viewed more than two and a half million times. The versatile artist also writes, draws, and publishes both online and paper-based comics.

Milsom lists Dan Deacon, They Might Be Giants, Sufjan Stevens, and Deerhoof as key influences. His musical sensibilities are also informed by his classical piano training, with a special affinity for such twentieth century masters as Schoenberg, Berg, Cage, and Glass. It’s little wonder that he keeps pushing himself to expand his musical palette.

In 2009, Milsom affiliated with Chicago-based DFTBA Records, serving as a producer-arranger for two of their current releases (one of which he also co-wrote), contributing original songs to three compilation albums, and releasing two EPs of his original music.

For more information, contact.

UK: Lauren Berry, Left Field Media 01737  831822   Email: lauren@leftfieldmedia.co.uk

US Alan Lastufka, DFTBA Records+1 815.315.0346 Email:  alan@dftba.com

or visit www.tommilsom.com