Daily Inspiration: Meet Tommy Senter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tommy Senter

Hi Tommy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Paradise Vultures is a project that has taken many forms. What started as a four-piece quickly got whittled down to a three-piece out of necessity, and, in late 2023, we finally found our footing as a two-piece. To say that finding Matty (my better half, and the best drummer this side of the Mississippi) was kismet is an understatement. Once we started dialing in our current bass-and-drums duo setup, we never looked back. It’s so beautiful and liberating being onstage, just the two of us. He’s my best friend and I’ve never felt so safe and comfortable with anyone else I’ve ever played music with. There are iterations of Paradise Vultures that existed before the two-piece, even before Matty was in the band, but I don’t think we really found our footing until it was just a furious explosion of one, big, angry rhythm section onstage. We fluently speak each other’s language. It’s an absolute joy.
With that being said, we are releasing music off our finished full-length record at the moment, with two more singles coming out this year followed by the release of the LP. It’s a record that was incredibly emotional to create and has run into some significant roadblocks and setbacks regarding release, but it’s coming this year and we can’t wait for everyone to take the existential rollercoaster ride that is “Born to Lose.” We have two more albums worth of demos ready to go, as well, which will signify a significant sonic step forward from our previously released material. We live to play live music and have written this whole new batch of songs that will quickly follow up the release of “Born to Lose” from the perspective of “What do we like playing live.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but I have few complaints. It’s all a matter of perspective. Difficulties, challenges, heartbreak, and setbacks are opportunities for growth, in my opinion. That’s life. If it was all puppy dogs and rainbows it would be incredibly boring. I mean, one doesn’t have to view it in that light, but the only outcome of the inverse is bitterness and resentment. Life’s too short to be a grouch about the struggles. I’m just grateful that I get to do what I love with my best friend; improving, learning, and growing every day. It’s a struggle and a grind, but we love it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a multi-instrumentalist and a songwriter. I write, I practice, I perform. Lather, rinse, repeat. I think if I were to categorize something I specialize in as the frontman of a band I would say putting on a show that is going to stick with you. If I’m not physically and mentally exhausted after a show, I feel I’ve done a disservice to the people who dedicated time and money to come out to a show. If I don’t deliver the best possible performance both in the studio and onstage, I have done people a disservice. I love getting to know an audience. It’s a connection that is unlike anything else, primarily because it’s so transient and fleeting. Every performance is a unique experience. I pride myself on cherishing and nourishing that new experience every time we’re onstage. Also, I’m proud of my proficiency as a songwriter, singer, bassist, and performer; all honed skills that I have spent years improving upon. I’m proud of my effort and my passion.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
It’s a grind, but if you love it, stick with it. Do what satisfies that deep, primordial creative urge in your soul. Make art for yourself, first and foremost. Sometimes it will resonate with people, sometimes it won’t, and that’s completely fine. In fact, that is to be expected. The most important thing, in my opinion, is making art that makes you happy; making art that you love and are proud of. Authenticity is key. You may not like our genre or our style, but there’s no way you’re going to think we’re faking what we do, faking our passion for what we do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://paradisevultures.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/paradisevultures/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paradisevultures
• Other: Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5wA55lEXpOBcQ4iy1oO7Sw?si=BFnLFHmGRtax_dI12uyZww

Image Credits
Photos 1-5: Michelle Shiers
Photo 6: Desert Grizzly
Photo 7: self shot