Tom "The Suit" Forst Waited Almost 60 Years to Live His Musical Dream. It Was Worth It

Next time you get frustrated because your artistic career isn't taking off as fast as you'd like, or you have to sacrifice band practices for working shifts, take a leaf out of Tom "The Suit" Forst's book. The 57-year-old American blues composer and performer waited almost an entire lifetime before pursuing his dreams of being a fulltime musician, working for 20 years in the advertising industry, and before that, at a primary school teaching to support his family.

Though music had been a passion for the American since a very young age, he had let it take a back seat to his other endeavors. Now, however, he comes to give Beijing a taste of his first solo album On Fire, a sweet reward for the superhuman patience he displayed in bringing his life-long passion to fruition. We asked Forst a few questions ahead of his DDC show on Saturday, Dec 1. Including, the question on everyone's lips: why of why "The Suit"?

Can you tell about how you first began to play?
I always knew I was going to be a musician. I wanted to be like Elvis. From an early age, I realized there were women around if you were a musician, and I liked that. As soon as I graduated college, I was in a band and went on the road for a few years. When I got back I decided to get married and had three children. Then I thought 'Well now I really need to make money.' So I went on to become a school teacher; I taught first and second grade. It is quite a rare profession amongst men.

Eventually, I realized there was not enough money [in primary teaching] to raise kids, and started working in TV advertising. Ten years ago, almost to the day, I quit. I was 57 years old then. We paid out the last tuition payment for our kids' college and so I didn't have to work anymore.

It all seems very rational and thought through.
I am half an artist and half a businessman.

Tell us about your first solo album, On Fire.
I have released a few albums with the other bands before, but this is the first solo. Everyone does their first album DIY. I didn't do that. I contacted a Grammy-winning producer who agreed to work with me. I think like a businessman: I have my area of expertise and where I am not proficient enough, I simply find someone who is.

What did you listen to growing up?
Growing up in the '50s you would listen to whatever was on FM and AM. So it was blues, rock, psychedelic music, everything! It was the most beautiful time for music. I was and still am very eclectic.

What are you bringing on tour?
We are doing a mix of covers and originals.

And finally, why the suit?
I worked in a corporate world and started wearing it to shows. I wish I didn't have to now but it stuck with me. I wish it was Tom 'Speedo' Forst. It gets very hot at summer festivals.

Hear Tom Forst's own strain of blues at DDC on Dec 1. He shares the bill with Shenzhen-based band Lips McKenzie. Get more info and tickets here. 

Never miss a gig: click here for a huge list of live shows in the city, updated daily.

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Email: tautviledaugelaite@thebeijinger.com

Images: Bands Near Me, Factory Underground Studio, YouTube