SBN: What do Lighting Engineers prefer to be called in the industry? Is Lampie endearing or belittling?
TC: There are plenty of worse terms for a Lighting Designer. I call myself a Lampie so I would not be offended if some one called me that. Personally I HATE light jockey!!
SBN: Was there a defining moment in your life that was like BOOM this is what I want to do?
TC: I was lucky in the fact my school had an amazing theatre. I quickly realised that I could miss sport and lessons if I did the school plays. It wasn’t until I went to my first gig (Muse) that I realized thats what I wanted to do. That was well over 15 years ago now.
SBN: What does it take to become a lighting engineer?
TC: Patience, being able to sit behind a lighting console during a long programming session. A good eye and a creative brain to overcome problems and achieve original looks and productions.
SBN: Prior to the Katy B tour what shows have you worked in the last year?
TC: Zane Lowe(DJ) Crossfaith, a metal/dance band from Japan, ,Devil Sold His Soul, a metal band from London and Anna Calvi, a guitarist from the UK. So withKaty it’s a nice mix of genres.
SBN: How much preparation goes into a tour on your end before the tour?
TC: Well for me as soon as I get the nod I’m doing the tour I’m already planning the rig and show. During the tour I am constantly updating and changing the show to tweet and get it perfect, this is something I never really finish doing.
SBN: What’s going on In your brain when your mapping out the lighting design for a show?
TC: If someone can tell me that I’ll give them $1000
SBN: How do you come up with a design for a venue you’ve never worked in before ?
TC: It’s a difficult one. If it’s a particularly tricky venue I will try and do a site visit. My last show of the year in December was in a church which wasn’t usually used for concerts so all the way back in August I went and visited the place to get a feel for the venue.
SBN: How do you feel lighting engineers are treated in the industry?
TC: Incredibly well, bearing in mind all we really do is flash lights at bands! Its not just LD’s that are looked after well, most artists will always look after their crew, which is nice.
SBN: What’s the biggest challenge for your job?
TC: Being away from home for 8 or more months of the year is pretty tough. I personally find the job a pleasure to do, you get to see some cool places and meet some amazing people.
SBN: What do you do with your down time on tour and off?
TC: Usually working on paperwork for the next one, very occasionally making some music of my own.
By: Mary Rhoden (SBN)
SBN: Walk us through the highlights of the Katy B tour.
TC: After the first show being happy with the production, which is rare for me, and at the end of the tour having Katy herself saying ‘the lights were emotional, Thanks!!!’and giving me a big hug!
BIO: After graduating with a triple distinction in Technical Theatre in 2007, Tom went on to tour on theatrical productions including the Cabaret UK Tour as Deputy Electrician and Blood Brothers UK tour, Jekyll and Hyde UK tour, Rock and Roll Heaven UK tour, The King and I UK tour and the Evita International Tour as Chief Electrician (including re-lighing the show for every venue) before turning his attention to concert lighting worldwide. Tom has worked with Katy B, 65daysofstatic, Anna Calvi, Crossfaith, Devil Sold His Soul, Jessie Ware, Lonely the Brave, Pure Love, Rolo Tomassi, Saint Etienne, Say Lou Lou, SikTh, The Family Rain, Zane Low, and ESO to name a few.
Contact: tom@tclightingdesign.co.uk
