Tom Jay Williams

Last updated
Williams at Australian Fashion Week in 2023 AA1bCbOj.jpg
Williams at Australian Fashion Week in 2023
Tom Jay Williams
Birth nameThomas James Williams
Born (1992-05-14) May 14, 1992 (age 32)
Origin Adelaide, South Australia
Genres Pop
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • model
Instrument(s)Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Drums
Years active2008-present
Formerly ofAt Sunset, Darling Brando

Tom Jay Williams (born 14 May 1992) is an Australian pop singer and songwriter who was the youngest finalist on the Australian Idol series [1] placing 10th on Season 6 in 2008 at 16 years old. [2] [3] He subsequently signed to Sony Music Australia and released his debut single LOL in March 2010. His 2017 single 'Closure' led to a partnership with YouTube and reached number 2 on Japanese music charts.

Contents

2014–2016: At Sunset

In March 2014, Williams joined the band At Sunset [4] who were signed to Warner Music Australia the following year. At Sunset were best known as the winners of the Nova FM Fresh Discovery [5] [6] and MTV (Australia and New Zealand) Brand New [7] competitions, catching the attention of Zendaya [8] and singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran who personally mentored the band in 2015. [9] During his time with At Sunset, Williams co-wrote the bands successful 2015 single 'Every Little Thing' with Nash Overstreet from American pop rock band Hot Chelle Rae, [10] the band were also interviewed by Ryan Seacrest [11] and were selected by KIIS Sydney to support Miley Cyrus on the iHeart Music festival prior to its cancellation. [12] [13] [14] [15]

Williams and At Sunset also toured with Nickelodeon Slimefest alongside Boyce Avenue and The Veronicas [16] in September 2015, were the support act for American artists R5 and Jack & Jack in January 2016, [17] [18] supported UK band The Vamps on the Wake Up World Tour at Allphones Arena in Sydney in January 2016 [19] and were invited by Boyce Avenue to support them again at their arena show at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in The Philippines in February 2016. [20]

Williams and At Sunset were ambassadors for the Australian Football League team Port Adelaide Football Club [21]

2016–2018: "Closure" & "Figure It Out"

On 30 June 2016, At Sunset announced on their social media accounts that they were disbanding and Williams pursued a successful solo career with the release of his debut single 'Closure' in March 2017. [22] Written by Fredrik Häggstam, who co-wrote the song 'Paris' by American electronic music duo The Chainsmokers [23] and Gavin Jones who wrote for Little Mix on their 'DNA' album. [24] 'Closure' reached number 1 on the New Zealand and number 2 on the Japan streaming charts and was playlisted on the BBC. [25] [26] Williams released his second single 'Figure It Out' in November 2017. He debuted the single live at the Music Matters Festival in Singapore in 2017 [27] [28] [25] and was invited by YouTube's Global Head of Music, Lyor Cohen to join him onstage in a live mentoring session where a world first partnership between YouTube and Williams was announced. [29] [30] [31] Williams also performed with William Singe and Wesley Stromberg on the 'Cool For Summer' Festival in April 2017 [32] with Pnau drummer Commandeur [33] and was selected as a brand ambassador alongside Kelly Rowland for the launch of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar in Australia in June 2017. [34] [35]

2018–2021: Darling Brando

Williams is a founding member of Australian boyband Darling Brando, formed in 2018. [36] Darling Brando made their worldwide debut at the Music Matters Festival in Singapore in 2018 [37] and signed to Sony Music Australia in August 2019. [38] [39] They released their debut single 'Beat Up Guitar' in March 2019, [40] [41] co-written by Swedish songwriter and producer Johan Gustafsson (The Pussycat Dolls, Icona Pop) alongside Joleen Belle (Kelly Clarkson, Selena Gomez) [42] and Sebastian Lundberg (Lupe Fiasco, Dami Im, Samantha Jade). [43] 'Beat Up Guitar' debuted at number 2 on the Shazam discovery charts and peaked at number 36 on the Spotify Australia Viral 50 chart. [44] Darling Brando were attempting a new world record of performing 100 shows in 30 days in early 2020 [45] [39] which earned them the title of 'Australia's Hardest Working Boy Band', [46] however had to cancel their attempt after only 80 shows left [47] as Australia was locked down during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Darling Brando released their second single 'Nightlights' in August 2020, co-written by Jimmy Robbins (Day + Shay, Florida Georgia Line, Keith Urban) as well as Nash Overstreet and Ryan Follese from American pop-rock band Hot Chelle Rae whom Williams has collaborated with throughout his music career. Darling Brando released their third single 'Wild Eyes' in October 2020 which was co-written by Norwegian singer Ruben and Swedish songwriter David Björk (Armin van Buuren, HRVY). [48] Williams departed Darling Brando in February 2021. [49]

Concert tours

Headlining

Supporting (With At Sunset)

Supporting (solo career)

Joining

Awards and nominations

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2015Nova FM Fresh DiscoveryFresh DiscoveryAt SunsetWon
2015MTV Australia & New Zealand Brand NewBrand NewAt SunsetWon
2016 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards Favourite Pop Sensation AU/NZAt SunsetNominated

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References

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