Tom Butler

Tom Butler is an American singer-songwriter whose work is rooted in folk and acoustic songwriting. He is born in Seattle and later lives in London, and his music reflects a path shaped by early family influence, self-taught development and a move between scenes in the United States and the UK.

Early life and musical development

Butler grows up in a music-filled household, listening to a wide range of artists including the Beach Boys, the Beastie Boys, the Backstreet Boys, Garth Brooks, the Dixie Chicks, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G. and Santana. He begins writing his own songs at the age of ten. After early attempts to learn drums and piano, he takes up guitar in his mid-teens and finds his voice as a songwriter and performer.

He gives his first public performance in 2006 at Kilby Court in Salt Lake City, when he is 16. Soon after, he records his first EP and forms the Tom Butler Band. The group becomes an opening act on the Salt Lake music scene, including for Fictionist.

Move to London and early releases

After two years spent doing voluntary work, Butler returns to Salt Lake City and is talent-spotted by Sony music producer Rich Parkinson. They spend several months writing songs together before Butler moves to London at the end of 2012 to work and continue his music career. In London, he builds on the folk and indie direction of his writing.

His debut professional EP, On the Line, is produced by Ben Parker. The release includes the title track On the Line and the acoustic song Boats. His songs are described through their emotional contrast, ranging from stronger, fuller arrangements to quieter acoustic material.

Songwriting style and influences

Butler cites Mason Jennings, William Fitzsimmons, Mumford and Sons, Iron and Wine and Laura Marling among his key influences. His approach combines melodic songwriting with lyrics he presents as honest and direct. Much of his writing uses religious symbolism and draws on themes of faith, serenity, restlessness, heartache, regret, shame, desire, work and struggle.

He compares his sound to the darker acoustic side of Dave Matthews and to the love songs and ballads of John Mayer.

Personal outlook

Butler presents his work as rooted in authenticity and says he does not try to adopt a false persona. He also describes London as a place he values for its history, architecture and the variety of people he meets there.