Biography

Singer/Songwriter Tom Cashman still believes in the simple power of a story. Tom’s smooth, emotional voice coupled with the warmness of his trusty Martin guitar commands listeners to take a break from their crazy lives and to just slow it down, to give in to the waves of emotion, and to enjoy being in their own human form.

Tom was born in 1975 in the Lawndale section of Philadelphia. As the youngest of James and Mary’s 13 children, Tom was immersed into music at a very early age, having shared many rooms with brothers who always had music playing – and usually pretty loudly. By the 1st grade, Tom fell in love with rock n’ roll.
Although a drummer by trade, Tom has always self-taught himself many instruments including piano, bass and acoustic guitar.

Tom’s first song (D.A.F – Dead, Alone, and Forgotten) was published in 1994, with the band, Quote Unquote. He played drums on the track and sang background vocals.
Tom’s creative output was supercharged in 2007 after quitting his job and giving time back to himself. Songs like “Lawndale” and “Just My Dream” were written during this time.
While playing drums for Lost Pint, a modern rock cover band, Tom courted his bandmate and best friends’ sister and wrote a song for her called, “Wait For Me”. Not until they started dating did Tom reveal that the song was about her.

In 2011, Tom started an original band called The Tom Cashman Experience, consisting mostly of his Lost Pint colleagues. In April 2011, the band released “528”
“528” was recorded, mixed and mastered by Pier Giacalone, a twenty-year veteran from NYC. Pier has mastered over 150 CD’s, has mixed venues such as Radio City Music Hall, The Beacon Theater and The Royal Swedish Opera, and has credits with Regina Spektor, Sloan Wainwright, and local legend, Stephan Hayes. Pier owns and operates Hopetown Sound in Doylestown, PA.

The overall result is an amazing debut of seven messages, each carrying with it a sense of self-triumph and personal freedom. The influence of the musical styles of Radiohead, Nirvana and U2 are evident throughout the CD. From heavy distortion to acoustic sounds, each song channels every band member’s style; and complements Tom’s original vision of them.
Tom included his sweetheart on the album's third track, "This Way", to create the sonic canvas on which the message of “528” would be painted. During a performance of this song with his girl, Tom proposed in the middle of the song – and she said yes. They were married in September 2012.

In June of 2012, Tom opened for Jeffrey Gaines at a sold out show at Puck in Doylestown, PA. He asked his best friend and his eventual best man to help on the guitar. A huge triumph for a couple of Lawndale boys.
In November of 2012, Tom was told he was about to become a father – and his world changed for the best. Having a new sense of self-worth and purpose, Tom wrote a new batch of songs, including “See You Soon”, recalling the long 9-month wait to meet his son, James, who was born in July 2013.

Tom recorded his new EP, “Phoenix Legacy”, in April 2014 and released the CD in November 2014, once again pairing up with Pier at Hopetown, who lent his talents on lead guitar, bass, and keys. Tom called on drummer Jim Hines (Brian Wilson’s Drummer) to lay the perfect backbone for these songs. For this EP, Tom re-recorded “Lawndale” and “Just My Dream” as a way to complete the circle, to state - musically - that he knows that legacy means everything – to keep the story going – for James and his soon to be born brother.

“Just as the phoenix rises from the ashes of its predecessor, may this be my legacy”
-Tom Cashman

Links:
Website: www.tomcashman.com
Twitter: @tomcashman528
Facebook: TCEXP
“Phoenix Legacy” and “528” are available at tomcashman.com or your favorite online music retailer.