Early Life and Education
Thomas Peter Odell, known professionally as Tom Odell, was born on November 24, 1990, in Chichester, West Sussex, England. Raised in a musical household, Tom’s passion for music was evident from a young age. Odell grew up listening to Elton John. One of the first albums he listened to was Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973).
His mother was a primary school teacher, and his father was an airline pilot. Odell spent part of his childhood in New Zealand due to his father’s job, which exposed him to diverse musical influences. He attended Seaford College, a boarding school in West Sussex, where he began writing songs.
Odell went on to study at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute (BIMM) in Brighton. During his time at BIMM, he formed a band called Tom and the Tides but eventually decided to pursue a solo career.
Musical Career Beginnings
Tom Odell‘s career took off when he signed with In the Name Of, a record label owned by Lily Allen and a subsidiary of Columbia Records. His debut extended play (EP), “Songs from Another Love,” was released in October 2012. The EP received critical acclaim and won the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award in early 2013.
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Debut Album: Long Way Down
Odell’s debut studio album, “Long Way Down,” was released in June 2013. The album featured hit singles such as “Another Love” and “Hold Me,” which showcased his raw emotional vocal style and piano-driven melodies. “Long Way Down” debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, cementing Odell’s place in the music industry.
Subsequent Albums and Projects
- Wrong Crowd (2016): Odell’s second studio album, “Wrong Crowd,” was released in June 2016. The album marked a departure from his debut’s somber tone, incorporating more upbeat and diverse musical styles. It included singles like “Magnetised” and “Concrete.”
- Jubilee Road (2018): In October 2018, Odell released his third studio album, “Jubilee Road.” The album was inspired by his experiences living in a house on Jubilee Road in East London and featured tracks like “If You Wanna Love Somebody” and “Half as Good as You.”
- Monsters (2021): Tom Odell’s fourth studio album, “Monsters,” was released in July 2021. This album explored themes of mental health and personal struggles, with a more electronic and experimental sound. Notable tracks from the album include “Numb” and “Monster.”
Musical Style and Influences
Tom Odell‘s music is characterized by his emotive piano playing, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocal delivery. His style is often described as a blend of indie pop, alternative rock, and singer-songwriter traditions.
Influences range from Elton John and David Bowie to Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen.
He also cites Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, Arthur Russell, Leon Russell, Billy Joel, Randy Newman, Tom Waits, Rodríguez and Bruce Springsteen as influences. He is a fan of Arcade Fire, Adele, James Blake, Cat Power, Blur, Beach House, Radiohead, Coldplay and Ben Folds.
Awards and Recognition
Tom Odell has received numerous accolades, including an Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year in 2014. His work has been praised for its emotional depth and musical craftsmanship.
He was named the BRITs’ Critics’ Choice Award winner, previously won by artists such as Adele and Florence and the Machine and was the first male artist to win the award, and was interviewed alongside previous winner Emeli Sandé during the television ceremony in February 2013.
Odell’s music was featured in a Sony advert in 2016, with a cover of “True Colours” by Cyndi Lauper.
Personal Life
Tom Odell is known for being private about his personal life. He has spoken openly about his struggles with mental health, particularly anxiety, and how it has influenced his music. Odell continues to be an advocate for mental health awareness.
Recent Work and Future Projects
In addition to his studio albums, Tom Odell has contributed to various soundtracks and collaborations. He remains an active figure in the music industry, consistently working on new material and touring.
His journey from a young songwriter in West Sussex to an internationally acclaimed artist highlights his dedication to his craft and his ability to connect with audiences through his music.
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