I was driving home one evening from a show in Exeter recently and I heard a song being played on Radio 2 by Brad Paisley. He was talking about the artist and said that she was from St Ives in Cornwall, as soon as I got in, I looked her up and thought I’d drop her a line to see if she’s be happy to run an interview feature on the site, she was!

We chatted about a whole bunch of topics including her early days, getting a recording contract and guilty pleasures, read on to see how we got on….

Hi Bailey, you’re a 20 year old country singer songwriter currently living in St Ives Cornwall, please tell me something about you that not many people would know?

Ha! I came 3rd in the Celtic Cup at Stand-Up Paddle boarding this summer!

When did you first realise your talent?

I’ve always written, sang and played music - I guess when I was 11 and had my first full song solo in the school play, I had secretly been listening to some of the parents conversations and heard them saying they cried at my solo - so I guess then, haha. In all seriousness though, I think it’s a process rather than a ‘eureka’ moment, little words of encouragement here and there, audiences going silent at open mics to listen to me sing, that sort of thing.

Do you remember the first record/CD that you ever bought? 

Oh I should probably lie and say something cool like The Stones or something but it was probably Lindsey Lohan! That said, 7 year old me was taught her first chords on the guitar by Emmy Kate Montrose from Kenickie which is probably a bit more Rock and Roll!

I was driving home last week when I heard your track ‘Movie Scene’ played on Radio 2 by Brad Paisley, how did it feel to hear yourself on national radio, going out to a few million people?

It’s crazy! To have Brad Paisley play my song and say such lovely things about me is just an absolute honour. I’m so grateful to him and the amazing people at BBC Radio 2 who made that happen.

You’re a British country music singer songwriter, how buoyant do you think the country scene is in Britain right now? 

Honestly…I don’t really think about ‘scenes’, I just do my own thing and hopefully people like it. I’m not really tribal in that way, I listen to a whole bunch of different genres and so does everyone I know. I think there are a bunch of people talking up a ‘movement’ but ultimately it’s all about the song. Good songs and good acts will attract an audience, the rest is just marketing talk.

Do you think that British country artists are taken seriously by American artists and fans?

It depends on the artist. Country music is three chords and the truth right? Well, for a British artist that surely means it has to be a British truth. if you’re from say Falmouth then I think writing about bar brawls in Texan Honky Tonks makes you sound like some sort of impersonator or tribute act. I can’t see how that’s going to be taken seriously.

I’d guess the American Country Industry and labels would love to crack the UK market beyond the occasional one-off hit or novelty record but I think they’ll need a a UK act to really open that door. It’s a two-way street, there’s a reason that our charts aren’t full of American Country acts too. There’s no reason why it can’t happen.

I see that you’re playing at the O2 Islington Academy on 18th January with your band, how did that come about? 

So I played there in September and the set went down really well so we were asked to come back and headline! It’s pretty surreal as some artists I really admire have played there like Paramore and KISS!

Do you often play with your band or solo?

When I’m gigging in Cornwall I tend to do more solo sets however when I come to perform in London I play with my band as they’re London based.  

Which do you prefer and why? 

Well my parents often say to me that I can do with my voice and acoustic guitar what it takes 6 men and a wall of noise to achieve but I think they might be biased! I tend to write songs intended for a band so I guess if push came to shove I prefer playing with my band, I can get closer to the studio sound and experiment a bit with longer solos and work on my sound. I’m lucky to be working with such a talented band too, they’re amazing musicians. They make me feel like I can put on more of a show!

Are you planning on making an appearance at the 2020 C2C (Country 2 Country) event?

Well, I’ve only really been a recording artist for 18 months, so I’ve got to be a little bit patient I suppose. There aren’t many UK artists that sell more records than me in the Country genre so I just concentrate on moving forward and hopefully at some point that’ll attract the attention of the right people.

How does Bailey Tomkinson relax?

Ha ha, I live next to my favourite beach. I love nothing more than being there and in the sea, maybe a surf or going paddle boarding. Truth be told though, if I’m not playing music, I’m listening to it!

Any guilty pleasures we should be aware of? (Love Island, Housewives of Cheshire etc…)

I did watch Love Island this year, my sister loves it so it was on every night. Also Lucie from Cornwall was on this year and I have a couple of friends who are mates with her so I wanted to support. I am also currently enjoying what is probably my fourth binge of One Tree Hill!

Is your music your full time job?

Music is my full time job, which is really cool as it’s my favourite thing to do, I am extremely lucky! I was offered a place at Uni to study music but the record deal came along at the same time and I couldn’t really get past the thought that not many great songs are written in the classroom! I’d rather learn by doing.

Have you found living in Cornwall has an effect on you trying to get gigs etc? Which local venues have helped you in the past?

It makes it harder to get gigs in London but Cornwall has such rich musical heritage and there are still loads of great live music venues, especially here in St Ives, there’s music most nights. I’ve learned my craft playing in pubs with bands like The Amigos! I love playing venues like The Golden Lion, The Sloop and The Union in St Ives, they have all been so supportive.

You’re 20 years old so have the world at your feet, where do you see yourself in 5 years time

I think a lot can be achieved in 5 years. I’d love to play stadiums but as long I’m performing on a stage to a room full of people who know the words to my songs, i’ll be pretty content.

Where can people find out more about you and access your music? 

My website www.baileytomkinson.com has pretty much everything you need to know! Including links to my social media, access to my music and a ticket link for my O2 Academy Islington gig!

Lastly, there are MILLIONS of artists and bands out there, now’s your chance to mention a few that you love and help to spread the word about them….

Regarding new artists - I think Sam Fender is fantastic! And one of my personal favourites Maggie Rogers (She’s one of my influences) Lastly Ferris & Sylvester and The Kris Barras Band are two acts I’ve seen recently and they’re awesome.

We’d like to thank Bailey for sparing the time to chat to us and we wish her every success in the future. You can keep up to date with her whereabouts via the social media links below and don’t forget that she’s playing in London at the O2 Islington Academy on 18th January, tickets are available NOW so why not pick up a couple as a Christmas gift for a loved one?

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