Tom Nethersole: Greater Shepparton artist’s first ever headline show

Around this time last year, I sat in Tom Nethersole’s backyard in Ardmona to chat about his first-ever song, Build A Bear, being released.

The local thespian had decided to make the switch from productions to making his own music, and was on the cusp of taking a giant leap to chase his dream in the city.

Tom gave us a little house tour, displaying how he recorded the song in his bedroom and shot the promotional photos for the single in his makeshift home photo studio.

Now, five single releases and a lot of hard work later, he’s about to perform in his first-ever headline show.

Tom is still just as independent and resourceful as ever.

“I just think it’s sort of the new era of independent artists,” Tom said.

“There’s sometimes a misconception that all these different people handle the behind-the-scenes stuff, and the artist just has to show up and perform.

“We’re kind of like our own PR team; I’ve been doing all the promotions and all of the social media stuff for the show.

“I feel lucky that I happen to be good at things like content creation and editing, and I enjoy doing them.”

If you’re like me and have little to no knowledge of the music industry outside of your Spotify playlist, you might not even know what a headline show is.

Tom has performed in front of people before.

He was a part of Shepparton’s OUTintheOPEN festival and even performed in Federation Square, Melbourne.

But this time, Tom isn’t opening for another artist, and he isn’t just one of many artists with a limited set list at a festival.

This time, he is the main event.

“It’s different because they’re (the people coming to the show) coming for me, I’m not just a support act or sort of distraction,” Tom said.

“It does make it more intimate because, hopefully, the people coming are already familiar with my music.”

Tom is being supported by fellow Melbourne artists Adam Noviello and Cynta.

He linked up with both through the power of the internet, making a connection through his social media pages.

Tom said he was excited to blend the two artists’ distinct styles and his own diverse music, with feel-good “pop bangers” alongside more profound and intimate songs coming together to create a cohesive show.

The show is also a launch party for his new single, Baby I’m Sorry.

Tom said the new song was about trying to make his listeners feel as confident as he felt while recording it.

It’s been a stressful few weeks, but with the show around the corner, Tom said he was trying to take some time and reflect and enjoy the process instead of worrying so much about the outcome.

For Tom, it’s a landmark moment, and if all goes well, he hopes to use the show as evidence of his impact to sell himself to festivals in the future and open up even more opportunities for himself.

“It feels like an accumulation of everything I’ve been working towards,” he said.

“From sitting in the back of class making beats and not really paying attention, the start of last year when I didn’t even have a song out on Spotify, to now headlining my first ever show.

“I’ve put in a lot of work, and now I just want to share it and connect with people.

“It’s going to be a great night, I’m looking forward to exchanging energy with the crowd and just really enjoying the moment.”