Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Leighton.
Hi Tom, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My name is Tom Leighton. I’m 26 years old and I grew up in central Virginia. I started playing guitar at 11 and started singing and writing songs around 16. My father and older brother were in a gospel quartet and my sister is a very skilled pianist. Although I have been a musician since I was very young, I did not start gigging professionally until I was 25. In high school, I started making beats and recording songs with computer software. Around the same time, I fell in love with reggae music after my best friend at the time took me on a few cruises through the islands. I tried my hand at several jobs in my late teens and early 20s, from sales to cooking to warehouse work, but I was still making music on the side. It was very unfulfilling, so in 2022 I started gigging seriously as Righteous Roots. 2022 is also when I started to form a band. Since then, we’ve had the opportunity to play over 100 shows (including a few smaller festivals) throughout VA, MD, and NC. The project is still in its early stages, and we have a lot more ground to cover and progress to make but I’m very excited for the future!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It has been far from an easy road, but nothing worth having comes easy! It depends on how bad you want it. Some initial challenges were just getting venues to book me. I played several shows for no pay. I’ve had people short me. I’ve had people I trusted not pay me for shows. I’ve had venues cancel on me after driving hours to get there. I’ve had to let go of folks from the project in order to keep my peace and for the project to progress. I’ve been targeted and harassed by strangers and made out to be the “bad guy” by some of the same people who have done me wrong. I’ve witnessed a lot of folks gossip about me, attempt to slander my name, and even sabotage my livelihood (most of the time coming from fellow musicians). As an entrepreneur, a lot of obstacles are sent your way, but I think with each one I get stronger and wiser. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory. Not everyone wants to see you succeed, but I think it’s important to focus on those who do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I take pride in being able to record, produce, and mix all my music and put it out 100% by myself. I don’t have to pay for studio time. I don’t need anyone’s help. I don’t need interference from a label or middleman. I own 100% of my music. I think this sets me apart from a lot of musicians. It took me a long time to get to this point, but I think it has paid off. I also book shows, run social media, design merchandise, etc. My girlfriend has also started working for the project full-time as our manager. She helps with driving to shows, photography/videography and has done a great job with booking. She’s my “secret weapon.” Another thing I feel that sets me apart is that I try to cut back on things that musicians typically let destroy their career, including drugs, alcohol, smoking, and vaping. I quit inhaling substances for the sake of saving my lungs and vocal chords. It’s helped me sing better and recover from a bad case of pneumonia and chronic bronchitis last year.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I’ve only played in Baltimore a few times, but I want to play here a lot more. The vibe is very pleasant. The people are friendly and neighborly. Crowds are enthusiastic. It’s refreshing because I don’t always get the same energy back home in Virginia. I don’t think I’ve experienced enough of Baltimore to say what I like least. I’m typically not a “city boy” but that’s nothing against Baltimore in particular.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/righteousroots
- Instagram: instagram.com/righteousrootsmusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/righteousrootsmusic
Image Credits
Sam Walker
