Crystal Wise
Tom Sless’ music encapsulates topics that unite us all. He touches on love, pain, identity, and death through smooth vocals, soulful melodies, and a familiar, yet fresh sound. “My style is definitely true to my roots,” says Sless. “My first love was classic rock, so I think that’s definitely where it begins for me.”
Until a few years ago, Sless worked full time as a corporate accountant in Los Angeles. He started dabbling in open mics in his mid-20s, and before long, he quit his job to go all-in on music.
Crystal Wise
Sless released his first album, California Dream, in March of 2020 — right as the world shut down. “Doing that record release with no fanfare, no album release show, was actually really cathartic,” he says. “I started thinking about what I really wanted out of being a musician.” This period of reflection inspired Sless to sell most of his belongings, buy a transit van, and head to friendly Fort Worth. His vehicle, which he named The VanHudson, became his new home.
When he arrived in DFW, Sless dove headfirst into the music circuit, playing as many shows and meeting as many people as possible. His last few years in Texas culminated in the making of his upcoming record, Heartland Ballerina, which is set for release in 2024. Produced by Dallas-based artist Timlightyear, the album involves almost exclusively artists from the metroplex and will be distributed by Sony Music’s The Orchard.
According to Sless, California Dream was an autobiographical exploration of stepping into his identity as a musician. Heartland Ballerina, on the other hand, is about stewardship and helping others see themselves. “I went through an identity crisis, and now I feel really secure in the meaning I found in my pursuit of music,” he says. “I want to help others see how much they’re capable of.”
Sless will be taking full advantage of living in The VanHudson to promote his new record, touring all over the country for the better part of next year. When choosing locations for his tours, Sless is drawn to small towns that aren’t on anyone’s radar. “I’ve gotten to see a little slice of life in these places, and that’s what’s informed this whole stewardship thing,” he says. “I want to be a force of change for these specific people I’m meeting.”
Whether he’s performing at The Kessler Theater in Dallas or a small-town farmers market at 9 a.m., Sless treats every show exactly the same. “If there’s only one person listening, I’m still 1,000% invested,” he says. “I always try to connect with whoever is there and make them walk away feeling 1% better about themselves.”
Sless hopes, as any artist would, that his new album garners an influx of streams and turns agents’ heads. But at the end of the day, he takes the most pride in the path he’s forged for himself and the connections he’s made along the way. “A big part of this new record is the exploration of what can help us all see ourselves in one another,” he says. “I think if we bet on ourselves and lead with love, then we can really go a long way.”
Check out Sless’ first single from Heartland Ballerina, “Empty Seat,” on all streaming platforms now.
FROM THE FEED
Heather Miller
1-2. Playing a backyard show in Michigan for “super fans.”
Heather Miller
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Tom Sless
3. Performing in Alaska last June.
Sean Mathis
4. Performing at 04 Center in Austin.
Zach Moffatt
Zach Moffatt
5-6. Behind the scenes at a studio session for Heartland Ballerina. Photo by Zach Moffatt.
Heather Miller
7. Back in Michigan, this neighborhood is feeling the rhythm.
