Electronic Press Kit
Biography
StrawMan AKA Tom Bonner first started penning songs while at University in Galway in the mid-90s. He moved to Hungary in 2003 to work as an English tutor. While there, he wrote and recorded his debut album 'Some Belated Truths' under the moniker 'Urban Hermits'. This was released to a solid reception in 2007. Later that year, the band played the world-famous Cavern Club in Liverpool. Due to family commitments, Tom took a long break from music from 2008. ‘Fearless' (2020) is his second full release. It charts the journey from bleak despair through defiance and to ultimate redemption. Produced by Terry McGinty of Valley Music Studio, it doffs its cap at indie-rock, soulful ballad, minor blues and acoustic-driven pop, as is evident from the singles 'Cycle the Volcano', 'Wither' and 'I am Enough'. All 3 songs, along with his later single 'Drop Tools', got to number 1 on the prestigious website N1M (Number One Music). He currently has almost 35,000 plays on that site and is building a solid fanbase.
In April 2021, StrawMan was commissioned by Donegal ETB to compose a song for Roddy Doyle's novel 'Brilliant'. The end of the year saw 2 new releases including a Christmas single! He belatedly launched 'Fearless' in The Balor Arts Centre on December 10 with an excellent new band and received an amazing reception. Among his influences, Tom cites The National, The War on Drugs, Bruce Springsteen, PJ Harvey, Richard Ashcroft, Aimee Mann, Frightened Rabbit, Manchester Orchestra and REM.
He is currently organising dates for 2022 as well as recording an EP for a Spring release to be followed by a full album later in the year. 'Fearless' and StrawMan's other tracks can be found on iTunes, Spotify and YouTube.
BAND MEMBERS:
Tom Bonner (Guitar and Vocals)
Kevin Halpin (Bass Guitar and Keys)
Adrian Harkin (Drums)
Rhys McBride (Guitar)
Deborah Devenny (Vocals)
‘Tom Bonner, under the guise of ‘StrawMan’, brings a Donegal-earthiness to his second full album “Fearless’. Throughout this well-written and exquisitely-produced LP, there are elements of Gordon Lightfoot, John Martyn, REM, The Verve and Gerry Cinnamon… Recommended.’
— Danny McElhinney, ‘The Irish Mail on Sunday’
Music
‘Fearless is an impeccably-produced, emotionally-brave masterclass in songwriting from Donegal artist, Tom Bonner, AKA ‘Strawman’.
— Dara Waldron, Limerick
From the media, print and airwaves…
‘Fearless is an impeccably-produced, emotionally-brave masterclass in songwriting from Donegal artist, Tom Bonner, AKA ‘Strawman.’
— Dara Waldron, Limerick
‘Tom Bonner, under the guise of ‘StrawMan’, brings a Donegal-earthiness to his second full album “Fearless’. Throughout this well-written and exquisitely-produced LP, there are elements of Gordon Lightfoot, John Martyn, REM, The Verve and Gerry Cinnamon… Recommended.’
— Danny McElhinney, ‘The Irish Mail on Sunday’
‘A wonderfully-written and produced album. One of the best from a Donegal artist in years.’
— Billy Robinson, Grooveshack Studio, Co. Donegal
‘StrawMan’ has now replaced Tom Petty as the music currently blaring from my teenage daughter’s bedroom. There is no higher accolade I can bestow upon it.’
— Conor Porter, Maryland USA
‘A truly brilliant album.’
— Mickey Duffy, Finn Valley FM
‘Wither’ appeared on my Spotify shuffle yesterday. It’s such a gorgeous song. Every time I hear it, I’m in awe all over again. Get on this album. I guarantee you’ll listen to it often.’
— Margaret Gordon, Donegal
Radio stations that have featured Tom’s music: Highland Radio, Finn Valley FM, Wigwam UK, Strabane Radio Online, Athlone Community Radio, Belter-Radio.com, Nashville TN Country Music and Limerick Community Radio
“A wonderfully-written and produced album. One of the best from a Donegal artist in years.”
— Billy Robinson, Grooveshack Studio, Ramelton Co. Donegal.
Video
“A truly brilliant album.”
— Mickey Duffy, Finn Valley FM
Photographs
