Tom Hipps
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Tom Hipps

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Band Christian Singer/Songwriter

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"Then Went the Demons -review"

"Then Went The Demons" is the sophomore effort from Minneapolis-based Tom Hipps. His latest offering is a bit edgier than his debut record "Everybody & Their Brother" but, like its predecessor, remains true to Tom's folk rock essence and is steeped in melody, well-placed harmonies and deep lyrical passion. The album title, inspired by a stained glass window in a small-town Minnesota church, alludes to the pervasive theme of the album - fighting and conquering our demons through the blood of Christ.

With jangly guitars and a counter melody weaving through the wistful chorus, the first track "Take You Down" takes you back to a time when R.E.M. and Matthew Sweet were dominating the musical landscape of the times. Tom uses modern-day language and pop culture imagery to translate the messages of God's word to a culture full of distraction and passivity. In "Back To You", Tom symbolically uses physical fitness to illustrate the need to stay "spiritually fit" by emphasizing the Apostle Paul's comparison of life to an athletic event.

Tom uses his gifts to explore the condition of human life through the eyes of someone who's "been there and done that". By using the wisdom gained through difficult and trying times, he is able to demonstrate that the trials we experience in life ultimately produce a stronger, more beautiful version of what we once were. As Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith, experience is the vehicle by which it travels. Join Tom as he sings songs of and to the Savior and discover that, as Jesus died and was raised from the dead, "Then Went The Demons".

-Dave Coleman, Chrematizo Label Group
- Chrematizo Label Group


"Everybody & Their Brother -review"

"Everybody & Their Brother" is the first solo record by the popular Minneapolis singer/songwriter Tom Hipps. Tom has an extensive background in the music industry as a performer, writer and session vocalist. His songs appeared in the motion picture film "Staring At Headlights" and he has written music for Chicago's Second City Theater.

The album's upbeat ditty "Tears In A Bottle" sets a bright and cheery mood, but the subject matter belies the musical tone by dealing with the sadness in the world. Tom uses a sort of musical irony to leave the listener curious and wanting to dig deeper to root out truth. Although this is Christian music, it is refreshingly honest. As with most of Tom's folk rock musings, he offers hope in the midst of the trials and storms we all must endure in life. "11th Day of May" is a power-pop nugget with a driving drum loop groove that almost hides the fact that the author is wondering "who is God?" and "why does he live so far away?" Yet still the hope of heaven seems to be a thread that winds through much of his material and perhaps binds his faith together.

Raw, honest, and emotionally presented, this is a fine first effort by a unique talent. Step inside..."Everybody & Their Brother" is here.

-Dave Coleman, Chrematizo Label Group

- Chrematizo Label Group


"Quotes"

“Tom Hipps has released a great album… a real gem.”
Pete Waggoner, Patriot II Radio

"Tom Hipps has been blessed with strong songwriting skills and a voice of undeniable compassion and substance."
Loni Overing, ClearChannel Communications

“Whether he’s performing live, writing songs, or singing in the studio, Tom Hipps is an inspired artist and true professional.”
Michael Nelson, Compass Productions

"Tom Hipps invokes an enlightening message in his music with a contemporary style and vocal presence that reaches and touches all generations."
Gordon Neil, Permafrost Productions

“I really enjoyed it. A unique sound… it made me keep listening! The songs are solid.”
Jamie Statema, Go Fish

“Tom Hipps has been a welcome addition to our stage. His message shines through not only his smile & personality, but through his music. We always look forward to his next performance.”
Tara Roeckers, Northwestern Bookstores
- (various)


"Worldwide Attention (DJ's)"

Tony Bates, Highlands 100.7FM (Australia):
“A wonderful piece of rock music that channels its message well.
Very well produced and performed.”

William Zenner, Radio Lu (Luxembourg):
“Fans loved it!”

Erik Vande Voorde, Radio Beiaard (Belgium):
“Our listeners had good reactions to the songs. In a few days we will put the FULL ALBUM on our playlists.”

Vasja Ivanovski, 94.1 FM RADIO (Macedonia):
“Rewarding listening... Plenty of radio-friendly material which could bring Tom deserved exposure."

"A well-constructed collection of songs which present Tom's inner world of personal stuff beautifully transformed into music. His vocals complement every track with unobtrusive backing of seasoned musicians.”

Mark Muller, Coast FM
(Australia):
“Enjoyed this CD and the spirit that was evident in all the tracks. Great rhythmic feel throughout (reminiscent of early America, e.g. Horse With No Name).”

Matt Rhodes, The FREQ 107 (Pennsylvania, USA):
"Sounds great!"
- (various)


Discography

Tom is a featured lead vocalist on the Compass Records release (sold exclusively at Target stores) "Praise & Worship Christmas" which to date has sold 32,000 copies. He has released two of his own albums, "Everybody & Their Brother" (2002) and "Then Went the Demons" (2006).

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Bio

Tom's music is tuneful folk rock, culled from his tumultuous life experiences. He is a seasoned professional; upon graduating from high school, he worked in a factory for about a year, then realized he was meant to be out in the world playing his music. He (happily!) quit his job and hit the road, touring almost constantly for the next 9 years.

Life took many unexpected twists, most notably his developing chronic kidney disease, which resulted in a transplant in 1994. That experience turned him in another direction... he learned that life is not meant to be lived without a close relationship to our Creator. His faith (and expressing it through his music) became central to his existence. Tom has wonderful stories to tell... and with a dash of humor, weaves these stories into his performance, verbally and musically.

Musical influences are varied; Tom grew up in a household that was filled with the music of acts as varied as Johnny Cash, Elvis, The Beatles, The Stones, Elton John, The Carpenters, Tom Petty and U2. Tom's vocal influences are primarily early Elvis, Elton John Freddie Mercury, Bono and Paul McCartney.

Tom can play solo gigs with an acoustic guitar and piano, or as a duo, or full band... whatever lineup best suits the venue and type of event. The musicians that join him for select gigs are top-notch professionals with many years of experience in recording, touring and performing.

Tom's music has received airplay on dozens of radio stations in the US and around the world and has been featured in independent films, TV broadcasts... and advertising jingles! He has written original music for the renowned Second City Theater in Chicago and is the receipient of a Billboard Musical Achievement Award.

He has performed twice at the Sonshine Festival, a huge 3-day annual summer event which takes place in Wilmar, MN; He is an annual performer in the Crossroads Chapel at the MN State Fair; Has performed several times at Minneapolis' state-of-the-art Christian nightspot, Club 3 Degrees and also several of Minneapolis' hottest live music venues, including The Fine Line Music Cafe, The Platinum Room, O'Gara's Garage, the 7th Street Entry, and Red Wing's Treasure Island Casino. He has performed in 13 states and several places in Canada.