At age of six, Tom Tikka‘s fascination with music was ignited when the melodic strains of Paul Anka’s “Lonely Boy” filled his father’s old Chevrolet. This pivotal moment marked the inception of his musical journey, inspiring him to pick up the guitar and embark on a path that would shape his future.
From that point, Tikka’s connection with music only grew stronger. Guided by his uncle Timo “Oippa” Oinonen, he delved into the world of lead guitar, immersing himself in the timeless compositions of iconic bands like The Beatles and The Doors. This exposure nurtured his artistic spirit and laid the foundation for his creative endeavors.
As Tikka matured, he ventured into forming and disbanding numerous musical groups during his late teens and early twenties. However, it was a solo endeavor that marked his breakthrough. On his 21st birthday, Tikka inked his first recording contract under the alias Tom Spark with Olarin Musiikki, an independent label in Espoo, Finland. A three-song EP emerged from this collaboration, unfortunately fading into obscurity soon after its release, leaving Tikka back at square one without a band or a record deal.
Undeterred by this setback, Tikka momentarily stepped away from music. It wasn’t until his brother Lappe Holopainen suggested a collaborative songwriting venture that he found his way back. Lappe’s aspirations for his newly-formed group, Carmen Gray, ignited the creative spark within Tikka once more. Together, they composed the entirety of Carmen Gray’s discography, including radio hits like “Lost In My Mind Again,” “Gates Of Loneliness,” and “Life Can Be Beautiful.”
The trajectory of Tikka’s musical journey took another turn in 2013 when Carmen Gray disbanded. Teaming up with poet Antti Autio, he founded The Impersonators. In 2017, the duo signed with FBP, a German label situated in Frankfurt. Their album “Life Of Grant” garnered substantial radio attention and achieved chart success, with standout tracks like “Rodeo” and “Scarlett Hell” achieving remarkable milestones.
As 2020 rolled in, Tikka embarked on a solo career, releasing two critically acclaimed albums, “This Is My Happy Face” and “Better Man.” The latter earned him a nomination for the 2023 Album of The Year at the Josie Awards. Notably, hit singles such as “Doormat,” “With Eyes Closed,” “Done With Blues,” and “By 2022” dominated the charts, solidifying his solo prowess.
Tikka’s recent endeavors have expanded his reach across borders. His single “Something New” claimed a spot on the UK Top 100 Rock Chart, while his collaboration with the British group WILLJACK marked his first transatlantic hit, soaring to #3 on the Canadian Rock Chart and #51 on the UK Rock Chart.
Beyond his musical accomplishments, Tikka has garnered attention from esteemed publications including Huffington’s Thrive Global, Authority Magazine, Melody Maker Magazine, Ballroom Blitz, The Hollywood Digest, and VENTS Magazine. His music videos have been celebrated at international film festivals, showcasing his multifaceted artistic prowess.
Tikka’s achievements extend beyond the realm of music, as he proudly assumes the role of an author. His debut novel, “Perfect Reflections,” which was published on February 15, 2023, weaves an intricate tapestry of adventure, thrills, and detective intrigue. Drawing inspiration from his father’s merchant-marine diaries, the novel delves into the enigmatic life of its protagonist, Tom Sundell, navigating a journey through time and space to unravel dark secrets and enduring scars.
“Tom Tikka is among the best in music today.”
– HEADBANGERS NEWS
“It’s time we bring him into the mainstream.”
– INDIE MUSIC FLIX
“I don’t normally use the word genius for many musicians, however the cap fits with Tom Tikka.”
– TUNEDLOUD
“Power-pop exponent who should be way more better known than he currently is.”
– BALLROOM BLITZ’S MAN AT THE BACK
“Tikka has been at this a long time so I rue not discovering him sooner…”
– THE HOLLYWOOD DIGEST
“He is working at a higher level than many of his contemporaries.“
– CAMDEN MONTHLY
“He’s got charisma that I can’t get enough of, and if you check out his new record, you’re going to see exactly what I’m talking about.”
– VENTS MAGAZINE
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