Tim Hassall

Tim Hassall

Tim Hassall is an independent solo artist and performer whose work draws on a life spent travelling across several countries. He grows up in Papua New Guinea and Brunei before moving to Palmerston North in New Zealand at the age of seven, then later moves to Dubai. His early life also includes periods in the United Kingdom and the United States.

Early life and musical beginnings

Hassall begins writing songs at the age of 12, and forms his first band, Ryde, with Grayson Gilmour. Ryde is a jazz quartet, but its repertoire also includes material by Radiohead, Rage Against the Machine and Cake, alongside Herbie Hancock and Dave Brubeck. At 13, he moves to Dubai, where he continues developing his songwriting and also plays fly-half for the Arabian Gulf at international rugby tournaments.

While at high school, he records his first full-length album with the nu-metal band Secondhand Saviour, featuring Greg Cargopolas of the Dubai band Absolace. He also develops his acoustic guitar playing during trips to Jebel Ali and Oman.

University and early releases

Hassall’s university years are split between the UK and the USA. He is enrolled to study Modern History and Politics at London University, but instead studies Studio Engineering and Theatre at the University of California, San Diego. In California, he records a folk EP under the name Dogs On Leash, titled Lions In The Shade, featuring Jesse Ray of the San Francisco band Soul Pie.

Solo career

Hassall builds a reputation as a solo artist with tours across much of Europe, including the UK, Germany, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Austria. He also road-trips across the American South and releases an album of field recordings titled Somewhere Between Exhaustion and Euphoria.

In 2010, he releases his first full-length solo LP, Oh Restless Heart, which is recorded in Dubai. The music video for the single Marilyn Monroe appears on MTV Arabia, and the song Price To Be Paid features in the soundtrack to the film City Of Life.

Style

Hassall’s lyrics are narrative and observational, often shaped by his travel experiences. His music draws on a wide range of styles, including indie-rock, hard funk, world music, Cajun, alt-pop, acoustic, progressive, instrumental hip hop and country.