Tom Knight - In the News

Live Wire: Tom Knight combines music and puppetry for young fans
excerpt: “I’ve always loved music. I can remember making up my own songs when I was walking to school and like third grade. I remember hearing some song on the radio when I was like 10 or something and I thought ‘I can write better lyrics than that,’” he said with a laugh.

"Children's music can seem cheesy when you're an adult, but I've rediscovered the goofy, uninhibited joy of dancing to kids' songs thanks to Tom Knight's new album Look Both Ways." - Clare Ellis, research editor, Woman's Day Magazine Jan/Feb. 2023

Daily Hampshire Gazette

New puppets, same puppeteer

As a performer and songwriter, he says he’s also become more conscious of gender in his material: “Is there any reason this character has to be a he, or a she?” As well, he’s retired some songs, like “Baa Baa Black Sheep,” from his repertoire because of any perceived racial overtones.

“It’s not about being politically correct,” he said. “It’s about being inclusive and making sure everyone feels a part of the show.”

https://www.gazettenet.com/Back-in-the-saddle-Children-s-musician-and-puppeteer-Tom-Knight-releases-first-new-album-since-2003-48739697

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Medium.com: Rising Music Star Tom Knight On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

Excerpt:
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

After college, I didn’t think I could make a living as a musician, so I started training to be an elementary school teacher, but it didn’t work out. I had too much trouble with “classroom management.” My hat goes off to all those teachers who know how to do that! When my brief teaching career fizzled in my 20s, I decided to focus on figuring out how to make money as a musician — busking at a farmer’s market, playing guitar in a pick-up contra dance band, singing original songs in a café. The café ended up being the best paid gig, because I got dinner out of it! The “a-ha moment” came when I was invited to play music for a puppet troop and 200 people showed up for a gig! We had to schedule a second show. I realized I had some talent as a children’s performer, and I really enjoyed it, and in that moment, I began to see a path forward to making it a real career.

A Geek Daddy.com: "Puppeteer returns to Kindie Rock Roots "

Excerpt:
“Wiggly Tooth” celebrates a universal rite of passage by combining country rock with a honky-tonk piano by Frank Shelton. On Look Both Ways, Tom’s acoustic folk song, “The Garbage Monster,” has transitioned to an R&B bop, showcasing some fantastic bass guitar playing from Daniel Yoong along with Tom Knight’s charming story-song performance. “Stone Soup,” inspired by the traditional folk tale, emerges with new lyrics highlighting community building and mutual aid, voiced as a country-folk bit of Americana featuring fiddle and banjo.