Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals are steadily carving out their own niche in the music scene with a sound that merges storytelling folk-rock and soft-rock energy. Known for their engaging live performances and a style that draws comparisons to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, the band has been gaining momentum. Their latest single, Chrysalis, showcases this growth and highlights the tight-knit chemistry that defines their music.
While the band has drawn praise for their unique dynamic and potential, they’re still navigating the early stages of their journey. Their music is rooted in a blend of personal experiences and influences, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and contemporary. In this interview, they discuss the inspiration behind Chrysalis, their creative process, and what it means to bring their live energy into the studio.
Your new single Chrysalis has been described as a song about rebirth and transformation. Can you share more about the inspiration behind the track and how it reflects the band’s evolution?
Chrysalis is all about emerging and breaking free, much like how we’re evolving as a band. It’s the first song we’ve released that truly captures the band’s live energy and personality. Our folk-rock sound, influenced by music from an era you might have heard at Woodstock or at a pool party in Laurel Canyon, reflects our clear vision of where we’re headed and what we sound like. It’s taken some time to reach this level of clarity, and I feel like this record marks the beginning of a new era for us. I like to think of it as a song you could have heard on the Almost Famous soundtrack.
You’ve mentioned that playing Chrysalis live on tour was a special moment for the band. How does the energy of your live performances shape your music, and what’s your approach to translating that into the studio?
Although it’s financially hard, and getting harder, touring is an essential part of a song’s journey. As a band, you only get tighter by playing the song over and over again until it’s ingrained, to the point where new ideas can even form. You definitely feed off the crowd, and you can feel that extra heat coming off the crowd that tells when you’ve got something. It feels like magic! For me, it’s about reading people’s faces and seeing how they relate to or vibe with the song. Chrysalis is so easy to dance to, and I love bringing that energy to a crowd.
We have such a collaborative dynamic, and that’s what I want to translate into our records. Every member has something special to offer. I’ll write the songs and work with Jord on editing, while the rest of the band brings them to life.
Working with producer Josiah Manning and co-writer Ian Barter, who has worked with Amy Winehouse, must have been an exciting experience. How did their input influence the sound and direction of Chrysalis?
When I started writing with Ian, I already had some lyrical ideas that I wanted to explore. He helped me shape them around a catchy melody—he’s great at writing pop hooks. We put our minds together and had a finished song by the end of the afternoon. It’s a magical feeling when you know you’re on the same page; it’s like riding a wave.
After the initial session, I brought the song to the band, and we worked on the arrangement before heading to the studio. One of my favourite parts of the song is Dan’s saxophone solo at the end—it gives me Bruce Springsteen vibes. Josiah was a dream to work with and really understood our vision. We made a playlist of our biggest influences, from The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac to Midland and America. We wanted the track to feel nostalgic but also fresh and different, and most importantly, to capture our live sound, which is one of the hardest things to do. When we walked into the studio, Josiah had already put a towel on the drum kit to replicate a retro sound, and we knew the record was going to sound authentically “us”.
Your band has a unique dynamic, with your partner Jordan Lee Collins on guitar and other close-knit band members. How does this closeness impact your creative process and the chemistry on stage?
I’m really lucky to be in a band with my friends and my partner. The only reason we ever argue is about music—*cough* creative differences—but I think it comes down to trust. You’re not afraid to be vulnerable with each other, which is so important when making music. If people are going to connect with your music, it has to be relatable, and that means letting your guard down. We genuinely have so much fun, whether we’re playing in a bar or a huge venue. We know how lucky we are to be doing what we love with people we care about.
You’ve played alongside acts like Simple Minds and Keane, as well as at festivals like Boardmasters and The Great Escape. How have these experiences shaped your growth as a band, and what have been the most memorable moments so far?
We’ve been really fortunate! The crowds at these support slots and festivals have been game-changers for us. They give us the chance to perform for thousands of potential new fans, which is incredibly exciting. Even just watching these artists prepare for the stage is inspiring. Recently, we performed at The Long Road festival and got to watch The Red Clay Strays from backstage (they were all really lovely too!). Both Jordan and I left feeling motivated and inspired—it set a new bar for us to reach.
One memorable moment was hearing Keane warm up and practice harmonies for “Somewhere Only We Know” in the dressing room next to ours. That was pretty surreal.
Being based in St. Ives and part of the Kernowfornia scene, how does your Cornish background influence your music, and what’s it like being part of that local community?
All of us in the band grew up attending local gigs and performing wherever we could. From a young age, we all had a clear idea of what we wanted to do. In St. Ives, I was sitting in jam sessions with older musicians who played James Taylor and The Eagles. I was about 14, and they taught me a lot about music and collaboration. My friend Charlie is in his 70s and would come over to my house and teach me 1970s songs. Cornwall has a big folk scene, so much of the music we grew up playing was influenced by singer-songwriters like Neil Young and traditional Cornish music. Dan, our sax player, is especially passionate about the latter.
Your previous solo success with ‘Astronaut’ saw you praised by Brad Paisley. How did transitioning from a solo artist to leading a band affect your musical style and approach?
The transition was actually very natural. When Jordan and I started dating five years ago, we would casually play music together. When I had a big show in London and needed a guitarist, it made sense to ask Jordan—he’s a great guitarist, and we were already in sync musically. It was risky, but we share the same taste in bands and have a lot of mutual respect, so we quickly realized we make a great team. Over the years, we’ve had different people play in the band, but last year we found a solid group of musicians who share our dreams and drive. That’s why we named the group “The Locals”—because they’ve become such a big part of the music, and we’re all in this together.
You’re gearing up for a London show at The Slaughtered Lamb on September 25th. What can fans expect from this performance, and how does it feel to perform in such an intimate venue after playing larger shows and festivals?
We’re so stoked about this show! Live Nation is presenting it, which is really exciting. We love performing in London, and this show will be special because we’ll be playing new music. I love intimate shows—the room feels packed, and the energy is intense. Everyone’s in it together, and the experience feels more personal. Of course, playing larger venues and festivals is also a lot of fun, and we never turn down those opportunities. A few nights ago, we supported Tenille Arts at The Lafayette, and it was a real out-of-body experience with that many eyes on you. The time flies by, and the whole experience is incredibly freeing.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for Bailey Tomkinson & The Locals as you continue to grow as a band? Are there any new projects, collaborations, or tours that you’re particularly excited about?
Our main goal is to keep making music that fulfills us and connects with our audience. At the end of the day, it’s all about the music. We’re currently working on a body of material that sounds distinctively like us, drawing from all the eras of music that raised us. Next year is going to be a defining one. We’re planning a new EP in the spring and an Album later in the year. We’d love to do a big UK tour, but our dream is to eventually tour around the world! One day, we hope to play a venue like Red Rocks or tour with someone like Stevie Nicks, but for now, it’s about building our team, as we’re still independent, and putting in the hard yards. Nobody is going to outwork us!
