A Q&A with Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals
Coastal vibes and folk-rock flares, from Cornwall…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
Our latest release is ‘Chrysalis,’ and it means a lot to me personally. It’s about that feeling of being in-between stages in life—where you’re not quite who you were, but also not quite who you’re going to be yet. It’s hopeful but a little vulnerable, too. For the band, it represents our growth and where we’re headed as a collective.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
Honestly, the hardest part was capturing that live energy we bring to shows. We wanted the track to feel big and expansive, like you’re hearing it at a festival or on a long drive with the windows down. It took some experimenting in the studio to make sure it had that magic, but once we nailed it, it felt like a breakthrough.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
‘Chrysalis’ was produced by Josiah Manning, and honestly, he just got us straight away. He brought this incredible mix of vintage and modern sounds to the track. He even put a towel over the drum kit to get that retro vibe we were after. It was little things like that which made the recording process feel special. He knew exactly how to make us sound like us.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
I want listeners to feel like they’ve been on a journey—whether it’s a road trip, a personal transformation, or just a moment of escape. Our music is about storytelling, so if someone walks away feeling like they’ve connected with the story or even seen their own life reflected in it, that’s a win.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
It usually starts with me bringing an idea—sometimes it’s just a lyric or a melody—and we build it from there. Jordan’s guitar might come in next, followed by Tadhg’s bass, Cal’s drums, and of course, Dan’s sax, which somehow always manages to make things sound even cooler. It’s collaborative. I bring the bones of the song, and then we all add our flavour to it.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen, The Eagles—those are the big ones. They’ve all mastered the art of storytelling through music, and their sound is timeless. I also love modern artists like Sam Fender for his raw, real lyrics. It’s that balance of old-school and too cool for school that really shapes us.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
I’d love to tour the U.S. and hit iconic venues like Red Rocks in Colorado—that’s the dream! There’s something about the idea of playing outside, under the stars, surrounded by natural beauty. It feels like the perfect fit for our sound. And of course, I’d love to take The Locals across Europe too. There’s a lot of ground we want to cover!
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
I’d say ‘Chrysalis.’ It’s got everything that represents where we are right now as a band—the storytelling, the big sound, the energy. Plus, there’s a sax solo. Who doesn’t love a good sax solo? But the next track…wait till you get a load of that! It’s a vibe.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Honestly, we want to keep growing—both musically and in terms of reaching more people. We’ve got dreams of touring globally, playing iconic venues, and releasing an album that really represents who we are. But at the heart of it, the ambition is simple: to keep making music that we’re proud of and that connects with people.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
“I’ve been Bailey, they’ve been The Locals, and you’ve been awesome! See you at the merch stand!”
For more info about Bailey Tomkinson, visit baileytomkinson.com
Images: Megan Hemsworth
