Dutch singer-songwriter Tom Hartman may hail from the Netherlands, but his latest single, High Tree Climb, (which we recently reviewed as part of a round-up review on folk music) carries the timeless, rustic charm of the British folk scene. Read on to find out more about Tom and his music!
By Jane Howkins
You have a brand new single out called High Tree Climb. What can you tell us about the track and what does the title refer to?
High Tree Climb is probably the closest I’ve come to writing from the perspective of an old soul. The title refers to looking at life from a higher vantage point – not physically, but spiritually.
The song isn’t about escaping the world. It’s about appreciating it. I wanted it to feel like sitting beside a creek in the woods, looking out over life and quietly wondering whether someone else sees the same beauty. In that sense, it’s less a traditional love song and more an invitation to shared perception.
How has the reception to High Tree Climb been so far? Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
The response has been really encouraging. People seem to connect with the atmosphere and feeling of the song, and it has already found its way onto several Spotify playlists. It has also been great to see listeners saving the song as one of their favourites.
Yes, there are more singles on the way. I’m expecting to release three more songs in 2026 and I’m currently working on the next release campaign. The next chapter moves from the woods towards the sea.
Your last EP release was Sails in 2020. What can you tell us about the record?
Sails was made during a very experimental period in my life. I was dealing with depression at the time, and I made the record primarily for myself. It became a way of exploring hope while dealing with difficult mental spaces.
The experimentation in the recordings reflects that process of trying to find a way through that period. Some people really connected with the record, especially because of its unusual and experimental nature.
How do you think your songwriting has progressed since Sails? How come you’ve not released any more EPs or albums since then?
A lot has changed in my musicality since Sails. Before that record, I had already recorded four albums – three of which were never released digitally – and one with the band I was part of at the time, Rempejek.
Sails was the last piece of work I felt I absolutely had to make for myself. It was the last record that felt like therapy.
Since then, my motivation has shifted. I want to create music that tells a story and connects with other people, rather than only creating as an escape. That change in mindset also changed my approach: I started focusing on singles and giving each song the space and attention it deserves.
Do you have any plans to release a full-length album or EP anytime soon?
Not this year. Maybe next year I’ll move towards an EP again, but at the moment I really enjoy the single strategy. It creates momentum and keeps me connected with listeners.
I’m already writing for future releases, which could potentially become an EP released one song at a time.
Who/what would you say are your main musical influences and what have you been listening to recently?
Some of my main influences are The Tallest Man on Earth, especially for his guitar work, and Bob Dylan for his approach of ‘showing, but not saying’ in his lyrics.
Recently I’ve been listening a lot to Tinariwen and other African artists. I love their grooves and how much of the story is carried by the rhythm itself. That influence is already finding its way into the new material I’m writing.
You’re based in Rotterdam. What is the city like in terms of music presence? Are there any local acts or venues that you can recommend to our readers?
I actually live in Dordrecht, a city of around 120,000 inhabitants only about 10 km from Rotterdam. It’s a very cultural ‘island’ surrounded by three rivers, with a strong identity and many great musical events.
The city has a very Dutch character and is known for its festivals, where many talented local acts perform. It’s a smaller scene than Rotterdam, but there is a lot of creativity there.
You’ve spent the past few years travelling across Europe. How have your travels informed your music style and do you have any good stories you can tell us?
My travels have had a big influence on my playing, especially my Celtic influences from spending time in Ireland and Scotland. One thing that always struck me was seeing musicians busking in places like Grafton Street in Dublin. People literally queue to get a spot there, while in my hometown in the Netherlands I might see only two street musicians in an entire year. That difference in musical culture really stayed with me.
Do you ever tour? Are there any plans to head to the UK to play any shows?
The plan was actually to play in Scotland this summer, but unfortunately that was cancelled. I’m now starting a small tour through different cities in the Netherlands and I’m hoping to do a small international tour next year.
A tour through the UK is definitely still on my list. It would be wonderful to bring the music there next summer.
Any last words for the fans?
Look me up and get in touch. I’d love to hear from people who connect with the music.
I’m also always interested in collaborations with other artists, especially visual storytellers. I would love to work with someone who can create visual worlds and build something together.
Social media: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok