What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

I was born into a musical family, and played and composed music from a young age. I was fortunate to win the BBC Young Composer competition in my teens, which let on to being published by several of the major music publishers. I have also always had an interest in music production, and these two elements conveniently intertwined when I began to compose and produce music both for commercial use, and for the concert hall.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

In the lockdown situation I am currently composing and releasing a series of singles exploring the links between human connection, healing and hope in troubled times. My most recent release is ‘Song Without Words’, which I was grateful to discover had been added to Spotify’s official ‘New Classical Releases’ playlist, which has allowed it to be heard instantly by a large number of listeners.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

I was classically trained in the first instance and I love music all types: particularly the delicacy of early music, the sweeping melody of 19th Century orchestral music and the crazy complexity of the avant garde. I also enjoy experimental contemporary music and sound design, and the emotional directness of film music. My own composition tends to always be emotionally direct, in an emotional idiom that is honest to my own sense of expression.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

I am obsessed with writing for the cello, and with writing music which sounds direct and yet is carefully constructed. I aim to write music which is emotionally mature and can tackle complex emotions, and has integrity despite its directness.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

– 3 albums: The Goldberg Variations – J.S. Bach (Murray Perahia), , Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles

– 3 movies: Cinema Paradiso, Vertigo, The Godfather

– 3 books: Anything by Tolstoy, 1984 – George Orwell, Something classic by Roald Dahl to entertain the children!

Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

There is nothing like the excitement of performing live, but I personally prefer the recording process. There is something about the habit of recording regularly in a studio that rubs off on musicians, and it becomes a fun and relaxed pursuit of perfection. The best session musicians are those who produce consistently effortless results every time, and are still able to find the sparkling excitement of the first take on take 21.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

When I was young I used to be able to imitate the sound and frequency of a fire alarm so accurately that it could be used to clear buildings. I once walked into the rabbit-warren of practice rooms in the Royal Academy of Music in London and sounded my ‘alarm’. Suddenly all the students stopped practicing and total silence ensued for about 30 seconds, before most of the famous concertos began again one by one from each of the rooms.

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

My piano piece ‘Silent Moon’ is dear to my heart because it won the BBC Young Composer competition when I was a teenager. Most recently, my track ‘Precipitation’ was used in a key emotional moment of a Turkish series ‘The Good Doctor’ on TV, and it has become very popular around the world.

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

I will hope to continue writing concert, commercial and choral music from my home studio. I’m so grateful for the wide listenership my music has reached so far, and I hope to continue expressing aspects of the human condition through music as long as I am able. And also collaborating with great performers and fellow creatives.

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

Q: How will the current pandemic affect the world of music?

A: I don’t think in the long term music as an artform will be hugely affected, as human beings throughout time have found ways to express themselves through music, and the arts are an essential part of our consciousness. In the short term, many musicians have found themselves without work, and many are finding new ways to collaborate (such as undertaking session work from home). Obviously many films and TV series have been postponed or delayed, but in general terms post-production is able to continue during lockdown. Perhaps 2021 might be a leaner year for the music industry, but I’m sure things will recover by 2022. However we mustn’t speak too soon!

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

Recommended listening:

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Connect with Thomas Hewitt Jones:

facebook.com/thomashewittjonesmusic

facebook.com/thomashewittjones

Twitter: @thewittjones

Insta: @thomashewittjones