Article from Heritage High School Student Voice Local Musician Hitting All the Right Notes by Sherry Lankford Student Voice Entertainment Editor 2003-2004 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ In East Tennessee there are many local musicians trying to catch a break. One of them is Tom Wiesner, a local Christian artist who recently recorded an album. He found out first hand, like many others, that it isn’t as easy as it looks. When I first met Tom Wiesner I was slightly intimidated by his uniquely charming good looks, but as we talked I realized that there was more to him than presented outwardly. Though he is a Christian artist, his songs are not forcing in the manner of religion; they can be applied to many things in life. Wiesner is a recent UT graduate and plans to pursue a career in nursing. “Primarily, I am a nurse. I feel that God has called me to this position in life,” he commented. “This is the only job that I found in which I truly felt personal satisfaction and enjoyment from. I love helping others, and what better way than to comfort them in their time of need.” Though a nurse he is also a blossoming musician, having just recorded his debut album, the likes of you. “I admit, I did feel like a rock’n’roll star while in the studio. I had seen it before, but it was a whole new world when I was actually the one doing the recording,” he confessed. “Overall, I felt like a kid in a candy store.” Wiesner also realized other things about recording, “My friends that came with me each gained a greater appreciation for the recording/producing process. The most common perception is that everyone just comes in and plays a song together and it’s done. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many things go into the recording process. First, finding a place to record and then funding the project… on average you are probably looking at four to five thousand dollars,” Wiesner commented. “Then there is selecting the right songs, and the recording itself. I would say that the most important prerequisite for recording is the passion for your music and wanting to share it with others,’” he shared. After the whole CD is finished then begins the process of marketing yourself, “selling a product.” That is what Wiesner did Friday, May 9, at his CD release party. It was held on the ‘Dock’ at Providence Church. When I walked in he was in the middle of “Unworthy,” a great track. He looked over and gave that familiar wink. His mother sat in the back beaming. She later commented with pride about a song on the CD, “Thank You,” that Wiesner dedicated to his parents. After the show Wiesner and guitarist Eric Hawkins autographed the new CD. It contains 9 tracks, composed of 3 ballads and 6 upbeat songs. One track is “Calling,” a charming song with a really great sound. “Well, of course I would say that it rocks, but we’ll let you draw that or another conclusion.” There is definitely more to Tom Wiesner and his fellow musicians than just pretty boys with guitars. They have that certain something a lot of new artists possess, like a breath of fresh air to the musical world. Even though they are not superstars, the album sounds great and is a true success. Wiesner’s CD is available at www.CDBaby.com, www.catholicsound.com , www.awarestore.com or you can contact him directly to purchase or for information about any of his shows, tom@tomwiesner.com. |