Winner Of Gather.com's “FIRST TRACKS” Competition
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After winning Gather’s “First Tracks” competition in late-April 2008, Los Angeles native Tommy Wallach began recording what would become his first major label debut. His four-song, self-titled EP will be available at all online retailers including i-Tunes and Amazon December 16th on Decca.
Out of the thousands of entries, Tommy was chosen as one of five finalists that flew to New York City to showcase select songs at The Living Room for executives at Decca Label Group. Also serving as official judges were Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Paula Cole and producer Bobby Colomby. Wallach wowed the crowd with his eloquent piano playing and vocals reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright, who he considers a major inspiration. After the showcase, it was up to the Gather community to vote for the ultimate winner. Although the race was close, Tommy received the highest number of final-round votes for his song "Elodie".
Mr. Wallach has been playing music since he was seven years old, when his mother bought the baby grand that he plays to this day. Even though music is his main focus, at just 25, Wallach has also dabbled in other mediums of the arts including musical theater and writing for the prestigious literary journals- McSweeney's and Tin House. In addition to his prowess on piano and vocals, Wallach is also adept at guitar, mandolin and melodica. Already having enchanted audiences from NYC to Seattle to Dublin with his playful melodies, he has finally found a home at Decca Label Group. Wallach was quoted on the Huffington Post blog as saying; “Now I stand on the precipice of success, shielding my eyes from the brutal rays of fame, looking down on the valley of... something. Honestly, I have no idea what's going to happen from here, but this is every musician's dream.”
“We are so excited to have Tommy Wallach as the newest addition to our label family,” says Decca Label Group GM, Paul Foley. “At his live performance in New York City he displayed a vibrancy and originality that made him a clear front-runner. He fits perfectly in our distinctly eclectic roster.” 12/5/2008
Out of the thousands of entries, Tommy was chosen as one of five finalists that flew to New York City to showcase select songs at The Living Room for executives at Decca Label Group. Also serving as official judges were Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Paula Cole and producer Bobby Colomby. Wallach wowed the crowd with his eloquent piano playing and vocals reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright, who he considers a major inspiration. After the showcase, it was up to the Gather community to vote for the ultimate winner. Although the race was close, Tommy received the highest number of final-round votes for his song "Elodie".
Mr. Wallach has been playing music since he was seven years old, when his mother bought the baby grand that he plays to this day. Even though music is his main focus, at just 25, Wallach has also dabbled in other mediums of the arts including musical theater and writing for the prestigious literary journals- McSweeney's and Tin House. In addition to his prowess on piano and vocals, Wallach is also adept at guitar, mandolin and melodica. Already having enchanted audiences from NYC to Seattle to Dublin with his playful melodies, he has finally found a home at Decca Label Group. Wallach was quoted on the Huffington Post blog as saying; “Now I stand on the precipice of success, shielding my eyes from the brutal rays of fame, looking down on the valley of... something. Honestly, I have no idea what's going to happen from here, but this is every musician's dream.”
“We are so excited to have Tommy Wallach as the newest addition to our label family,” says Decca Label Group GM, Paul Foley. “At his live performance in New York City he displayed a vibrancy and originality that made him a clear front-runner. He fits perfectly in our distinctly eclectic roster.” 12/5/2008
