British singer Tom Andrews, the newest artist to join Greyson Chance on Ellen DeGeneres' eleveneleven label, chatted exclusively with J-14 about his upcoming album, the inspiration behind his music, and his love of Lady Gaga.
You can check out Tom's music on YouTube and download his first single "Carry Me On" on iTunes now!
J-14: You're currently working on your debut album. What's the process like?
Tom Andrews: I'm writing about what's happening in my life and all the things that are going on because I think I've been having a pretty eventful few years. There's been a lot going on. Working with Ellen DeGeneres and coming to LA for 6 weeks was great for writing - it gave me loads of inspiration. That's where "Carry Me On" came from, which is the most important song to me.
J-14: What is it like working with Ellen DeGeneres?
Tom: It's really incredible. She's such a great person. She's so supportive and it's just really amazing being able to work with someone like that.
J-14: Most people think stars are born overnight, but that's not usually the case. What has your journey been like?
Tom: There have been lots of times when things haven't gone as planned and it's been really difficult. Looking back on it, everything happens for a reason. I entered the X-Factor in England when I was 14 and I didn't even get through to the judges. It was the worst day of my life.
J-14: How do you cope with failure?
Tom: I just pick myself up, dust myself off, and make sure I do better next time to prove myself. I guess there have been lots of failures, but they've just pushed me in the right direction to where I'm supposed to go. I think that mentality always helped me because no matter how many times I was knocked back, I always just picked myself up again and went forward with it. I'd rather do what I'm doing now than what I thought I wanted to do then.
J-14: You're a big fan of Lady Gaga. What do you like about her as an artist?
Tom: She's what a pop star should be. She's talented because she writes her own songs and plays piano like a genius. When I saw her doing an acoustic set, I became slightly obsessed. And whenever there's an award show, it's interesting to watch what she's going to do -- If she's going to wear a meat dress or come out in an egg!
Photo: Courtesy of Bill Silva Management
