(Thom Swift. Photo by Mark Hemmings.)
Thom Swift established himself on the east coast music scene as one-third of jazz/blues/roots trio Hot Toddy. The acclaimed Fredericton, N.B.-based group, featuring Swift on guitar/dobro/vocals along with Joel Leblanc (guitar/harmonica/vocals) and Tom Easley (double bass/vocals), won numerous awards over the years and wowed audiences across the country.
In 2007, Swift branched out with his first solo record, Into The Dirt, getting into down and dirty blues and folk. Since then, his solo career has taken off. Toddy released another album in 2008, Trio, but the band is inactive at the moment. Easley is teaching full time and LeBlanc is performing in a variety of jazz projects.
Swift, based out of Halifax now, is back with his sophomore solo effort, Blue Sky Day, released last month, and it’s been garnering rave reviews.
Produced by Charles Austin, the album features 11 original tracks along with a cover of the Carter Family’s No Depression in Heaven. Guests on the album include J.P. Cormier, Matt Andersen, Geoff Arsenault, Brian Bourne and more.
Swift took time out of his schedule this week to answer some questions for us below prior to his slate of east coast tour dates, which you’ll also find below.
1. What are you up to these days, musically or otherwise? (Feel free to plug whatever you’ve got coming up.)
I just released a new album blue sky day on Feb. 16th on Groundswell Music/Warner Music Canada. This year, I performed at the Olympics in Vancouver, Folk Alliance in Memphis, ECMAs in Sydney, Canadian Music Week in Toronto and Ontario dates with JP Cormier. I’m really looking forward to these up-and-coming full-band CD release shows on the east coast. Dates are as follows:
Mar. 19 – Fredericton @ The Playhouse
Mar. 20 – New Glasgow @ Glasgow Square
Mar. 25 – Riverview @ Riverview Arts Centre
Mar. 26 – Saint John @ The Blue Olive
Mar. 27 – Charlottetown @ The MacKenzie Theatre
Mar. 31 – Halifax @ Casino Nova Scotia’s Compass Room
2. How did you get into the music business and what was the first major lesson you learned once you got your feet wet?
Got into the music industry early. I did my first gig when I was 12 years old. I made $100. Have been playing guitar since I was three years old. The first major lesson I learned was to be organized and prepared. I follow the five Ps of the music industry: proper/preparation/prevents/poor/performance.
3. What song or album have you been listening to most lately?
I’ve been listening to a song off Gordie Sampson’s latest CD called “Davy Jones.” It’s a powerful/well crafted song!! Love it. Also, I love anything by Tom Waits and Neil Young.
4. What’s your favourite way to waste time or relax?
I like hangin’ out in the sun near water with my family! I love a day at the beach!!
5. Are there any east coast musicians you have your eyes and ears on right now? Who stands out in the crowd?
We are blessed on the east coast with wonderful talent in many musical genres. I have traveled all over the world and have found that nowhere is the musical community more strong and vibrant than right here! I am a fan of all artists working hard in their field. They all make me very proud of where I’m from!!
6. If you weren’t in the music industry in some capacity, what would you be doing today?
Wishing I was in the music industry!! 
7. What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned recently, musically or otherwise?
If our baby is crying always change his diaper!
8. If you could hit the “delete” button on anything related to music (a song, artist, trend, whatever), what would it be?
Lady Gaga.
9. What’s your favourite thing to drink (alcoholic or otherwise)?
Picaroons Bitter; I love their beer! It’s a microbrewery out of New Brunswick.
10. Finish the sentence below and please elaborate on what you mean:
The east coast music scene is … rumbling under our feet! There is world class talent here and I’m very proud to say I’m a part of it! Watch out world!
11. What’s the next thing you want to accomplish, musically or otherwise?
Continue performing and branching out in Canada/United States/Europe/Australia, etc.
12. How is the solo career versus working in a band?
I love performing solo. It allows me to be self-sufficient as an artist! It sometimes can be lonely but I love having the responsibility solely resting on my shoulders to get my songs across to the listener! It can be scary as well but I love the challenge!
I also love playing with my (solo) band The El Caminos. When we are on stage together there is approximately 150 years experience playing professionally. That in itself is a serious rush! We all may have our issues in life but while on stage we are most comfortable!! The five of us were meant to play music!!!! It’s a joy! Plain and simple!!!!
Check back to EastCoastNoise.com next Friday for a chat with: Uncooperative Death’s Daniel Cormier
