Lawrence Tome revisits the world of his debut album 'King of the River 'with a fresh perspective, unveiling a new music video for standout track 'Swamp Thing' alongside the album’s first-ever vinyl release. Since its initial arrival in 2025, the record has quietly gathered a devoted audience, drawn to Tome’s ability to weave mythic storytelling with deeply human emotion.
Now, with 'Swamp Thing' stepping back into the spotlight, he expands that universe even further, bringing its themes of transformation, identity, and emotional distance into a vivid visual form.
So with the new video out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I had an arranged marriage with the Piano at an early age. We got acquainted over supervised visits with Mrs. Schepper. I learned an etiquette of technique: how to cross one finger over another, how to stretch my left hand to grasp an interval, how to see the right notes as dictated by the holy text. While our relationship grew in complexity,This did not lead to love. I left the Piano.
Years later, the Piano and I were reacquainted. With all expectations behind us, I began to realize her beauty. When we were alone, I could share my heart's desire. Eventually, I fell in Love with the Piano.
Our relationship was not exclusive. I knew the Piano had many lovers. I would not be tormented by envy; rather, I sought to learn the ways others loved her. I began to listen and emulate the patterns, the moves, the shapes of other lovers.
I am still discovering something new each day with the Piano, and I know our love will last till death do us part.
All the songs on King of the River were written on guitar.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up on The Beatles and The Beach Boys. Burt Bacharach. David Bowie. Ben Folds was a big part of my return to Piano. My horizon broadened in the limewire age. Friends introduced me to Sufjan Stevens, The Flaming Lips, Of Montreal, and Radiohead.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first vinyl record I ever hunted down was Grace Slick & The Great Society. I love the meandering psychedelic guitar and the haunting power of Grace's voice. There are many doors into wonderland, and 'White Rabbit' is one.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I can only write my songs, but I would love to realize something like 'Changes' by Phil Ochs. 'Sit by my side, come as close as you can. Share in a memory of grey, and wander in my words. Dream about the pictures that I play: of changes." I hope this invitation is felt in my own performances. We are always in the midst of the shifting sands of time; yet, when enraptured by a good melody and an honest lyric, the changes of time taper down to the present moment.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Where does a song come from? The Greeks believed every human has an individual instance of divine nature called their 'Genius.' Every creative work comes not from the artist. We can only be a conduit through which the divine flows, so every song begins with a prayer of sorts.
I often begin with my hands on the guitar or piano. Sometimes I begin with an idea in mind. Swamp Thing began this way. I wanted to write a song about reconciling yourself to transformation. I had some of the verses for two years before I found the chorus. I needed to make it personal, and it took time for my voice to find that.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I've been listening to Timber Timbre a lot. RIP. I'm sad I never got to see him live.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would love to open for Patrick Watson. He has always been an inspiration of mine, and it would be a great honor to share the stage.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
One of the most rewarding parts of being a musician is to know a language of human connection that transcends spoken word. While music has followed many paths and traditions, the essence of music is universal among humans.
I recently performed an improvised piece on piano with a pipa player in China. The pipa is the traditional 'guitar' of China with its first mention in texts dating back to the 2nd century. The piano was invented in 1700 continuing the development of keyboard instruments from the organ-like hydraulis in 3rd century Greece. Across history, in every part of the world, music has flowed in different streams of thought and articulation, but the source is the same: human experience. When I played with the pipa performer it was magic. We created a new piece of music springing from opposite sides of the world, from east and west, but from one humanity. I am honored to be but one droplet in a river of music that has been flowing for thousands of years.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I am frustrated that the 'real' value of music does not coincide with the financial value. There is a great imbalance. It has been a struggle my whole adult life to balance 'other work' with my dream of bringing music into the world. I work to pay bills and to pay for studio time knowing I will see little to no return monetarily. Every musician I know faces this same challenge. I am proud of the musicians who are organizing, but we need more help. We need listeners to join the fight to pay musicians fairly, to keep small venues alive, to build a better future for the next generation of musicians.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Let your taste always be beyond your capacity.
Listen to music you dream to play one day. It may always be out of reach, but if you continue to pick up the guitar or sit at the piano, you will only get closer, never farther away.
Get out of the bedroom and play with other people! A band can make music greater than the sum of its parts. Go to the jam. Go to the open mic. Music is about community. You're not alone in this.
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Lawrence Tome's new single 'Swamp Thing' is out now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.