Who is Tom Oliver?
I am a dude from Brisbane. I’m a singer and an actor. I love meeting new people, laughing and traveling. Is this a blind date? Who are you?
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I think I have one of the best jobs in the world. I get paid to play. I don’t know if I could do something else? If I didn’t have to do my washing every week that’d be pretty great…
Who inspires you and why?
I have so many inspiring people in my life. I’m really lucky. My parents are two of the most hard working, passionate and caring people. They have taught me (among other things) how to work hard for the things I’m passionate about and follow my dreams. Artistically a few names pop into my head as inspirational – Wes Carr, Naomi Price & Ross Balbuziente are 3 people (among many) who I look up to in the Arts industry. They are all so good at what they do creatively. They have also taken their career into their own hands. A lot of performers graduate from school, get an agent and sit by the phone waiting for a big break. These 3 people (who I’m lucky enough to call friends) have taken their career into their own hands and built an empire of success for themselves and other people. They write shows, they produce entertainment, they manage themselves and they make their own decisions. I’m so lucky to have mentors like them at this stage of my performing career.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’m pretty good at recycling? I would do a lot of things if I had the money! Maybe find a way to stop conflict? War is such a horrible situation for everyone involved and it really frustrates me that in 2016 there is still so much conflict in the world. I would love to find a way to stop that.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
This is a tough question. I don’t think I’ve found my favourite place yet. There’s still so much of the world to explore. I looooove North Queensland. I had a great weekend on Fitzroy Island on the Great Barrier Reef last year. Such great weather! My girlfriend and I had a cabin on the beach. We snorkeled with turtles, climbed the summit and relaxed by the beach.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Which town? Melbourne – Alleyways and café’s. Sydney – The Rocks, Brisbane – Southbank or Moreton Bay.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading the script of Rolling Thunder Vietnam. So many lines and songs to learn. We opened at The Palais recently, and it’s awesome!
What are you currently listening to?
Marvin Gaye – What’s Goin On.
Happiness is?
Smiling.
What does the future hold for you?
I’ve just released my debut EP – HEY (which is produced/co-written by Wes Carr and totes available on iTunes) so I’ll be focusing on promoting that. I’ve got a few exciting projects in the pipeline which will be announced very shortly! You can keep up to date at: www.tomoliver.com.au
Following performances in Melbourne, Sydney, Wollongong, and the Gold Coast, Tom can be seen in Rolling Thunder Vietnam, which has performances in Canberra (10 – 11 August), Newcastle (13 August) and Perth (17 – 20 August). For more information, visit: www.rollingthundervietnam.com for details.
Image: Tom Oliver – photo by Dylan Evans Photography