LIFE ON THE ROAD: Inside a TOURING MUSICIAN’s Journey

Blakgraz

In a world where most musicians dream of touring with a full band, Tom Sweeney of Blakgraz has carved out his own unique path. Operating as a one-man powerhouse with his wife as his marketing genius, Tom has been living on the road since June 2023, bringing his original music to venues across America from the comfort of their camper, affectionately named Rufus.

From Church Choir to Vegas Show Band

Tom's musical journey began in Athens, Ohio, where his parents introduced him to a diverse range of music. His father, an Irish tenor who paid his way through college by singing at weddings, and his mother, who exposed young Tom to everything from Japanese koto drummers to Billy Idol concerts, laid the foundation for his eclectic musical taste.

His professional career took an unexpected turn when he answered an ad for a bass player in a Vegas-style show band. Despite being primarily a guitarist at the time, Tom took the plunge. "It was baptism by fire," he recalls, describing how he practiced until his fingers bled, surviving on one meal a day at Waffle House while learning complex bass lines for songs like Gloria Estefan's "1-2-3."

The Birth of Blakgraz

The name Blakgraz represents the fusion of various musical styles - from rock (black) to bluegrass and beyond. With over 114 songs across 11 genres, Tom's music defies traditional categorization. His latest venture includes adding Zydeco to his repertoire, having recently written three Zydeco songs for a show at Cajun Steamer in Alabama.

A Unique Approach to Original Music

What sets Blakgraz apart is Tom's ability to perform three to four hours of original music while keeping audiences engaged. His secret? Creating original songs that feel familiar by incorporating elements from various musical styles and arrangements that audiences naturally respond to. "People are literally going 'why does this sound familiar, but it's not the same?'" Tom explains.

The Road Life

Since August 2023, Tom and his wife have been living in their camper, trading hotel stays for a more sustainable touring lifestyle. Every day brings new adventures and challenges, from oil changes at truck stops to carefully planned show schedules. "If Rufus doesn't roll, I don't get paid," Tom jokes, highlighting the reality of life as a touring musician.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Musicians

Tom emphasizes three key elements for success as a touring musician:

1. Health - "If you can't put on a good show, you should not step on stage."
2. Skill - "Practice your craft and be good at it."
3. Organization - "Nobody's going to believe in you until you believe in yourself."

Links and Social Media:

• Website: blakgraz.com
• Facebook: Blakgraz
• Instagram: Blakgraz
• LinkedIn: Blakgraz
• TikTok: Blakgraz
• Available on all major streaming platforms

Notable achievements:

• 2 million streams on a single song
• Viral video with 93,500+ views
• 109 published songs across 11 different styles
• Continuous touring schedule across the United States

For booking information and tour dates, visit https://blakgraz.com.

Season: 2 | Episode: 21

Episode on YouTube