In this interview spotlight, I chat with Tom Pino about his latest project, challenges, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

So I’m originally from Staten Island, NY where surprisingly a lot of great musicians have come from (WuTang, Ingrid Michaelson, Joan Baez, etc.), but currently I am based in Los Angeles. So I write a lot for other artists in the pop and country genres, but my own music tends to lean more towards alt-rock/singer-songwriter. I also love guitar and that lo-fi sound so there’s a bit of indie rock to what I’m doing as well.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?

So I once saw an interview with Chris Stapleton where he said writing songs was an affliction, like something he just had to do. I feel that way about music too. I started when I was younger like many people, but where most people moved on from it, I just couldn’t. It always had a hold on me, but in a way where I always felt like I was supposed to do this with my life. Sounds crazy but I’m sure there’s a lot of people out there who can relate. It’s hard to keep going. You have these days where you wanna throw in the towel, but then you strum the right chord or hear an old song that you have a connection with and that all slips away and you’re back at it. It’s like being married to someone you’ve never met. I may be stealing a Leonard Cohen quote with that statement but it’s so true. 

How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?

So this is my first release as a solo artist. My previous ones were with my old band Ghosts of Eden. We were an edgy punk and grunge influenced rock band, like Foo Fighters. This solo release of mine is more in the realm of John Mayer, The Lumineers, The Replacements and Chris Stapleton. I think I’ll always have a little bit of my punk and rock influences shine through in my work, but my upcoming EP is heavily focused on the story telling, the guitar work, the vocals and the vibe. We wanted to create a cool indie rock vibe, but one that clearly pulls from my alt-country influences like Wilco, along with my singer-songwriter influences like John Mayer.

Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?

So I think the digital era has its pros and cons. Right now, its never been easier to just make your music accessible. However, that means it’s also much harder for people to find it. So now everyone has to do way more work than you had to 20 years ago, not even to make a living but just to be heard. In addition, with technology advancing, it’s so easy now to make your content visual as well. I know so many people who have music videos, and while that’s cool, there’s no more air of intrigue around an artist who has a music video anymore. That used to mean you were “legit” but now it just means you’re doing what you’re supposed to do. I try not to get wrapped up in that. My main game is still writing for other artists, which I’m incredibly passionate about. I love helping others bring their stories to life. I think of it as being in the service industry. However as an artist, my main focus is to just get good songs out there. Without good material, everything else is irrelevant.

What was the last song you listened to?

“If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell. I think that and “Whiskey and You” by Chris Stapleton might be the 2 best songs I’ve ever heard in my life. Beyond the vocal vulnerability, the clever story telling is just so brilliant. If I’m ever able to write something like that, I think I’ll be okay with whatever success or lack there of happens.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

 Vinyl all the way. Can’t beat it.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I’ll be honest. When someone tells me about music, I go to Spotify but it’s just because it’s become the “Band-Aid” of streaming services. They are a bit synonymous at this point. I don’t support everything going on perse and I do believe writers need to be better compensated, so I hope that keeps getting better over time. 

Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?

 I love chatting with people on Instagram or Facebook. I usually write back to everyone and really love engaging with the music community on there, both fans and writers.

Anything else before we sign off?

Nah, I just really appreciate your time and the interest you’ve taken in my journey. Thanks so much.