Get ready, country music fans! On Monday, 20 January, Tom Curtain will drop his much-anticipated new single, Just Give It a Crack. Inspired by his personal motto, this uplifting anthem captures Tom’s signature positivity and determination—qualities that have won hearts across Australia. Currently touring Western Australia as part of his nationwide tour, which kicked off in October and has taken him through QLD, NSW, VIC, and SA, Tom is set to perform at the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival. The single launch will coincide with his show at the Longyard Hotel, before he returns to WA to continue his journey up the coast.
In a recent in-house chat, Tom shared the story behind the song, insights into his songwriting process, and how his years on the road have shaped his music. Here’s a glimpse into the journey of Just Give It a Crack—from its spark to its final release.
The Inspiration Behind the Song
The idea for Just Give It a Crack came to life during a casual conversation with Chris Matthews, Tom’s bandmate and close friend, after a gig in Broken Hill. “I needed one more song to write,” Tom recalls. “Chris just said, ‘What about your motto? Just give it a crack.’ At first, I wasn’t sure what he meant, but then he said, ‘That’s how you live your life—giving everything 100%.’”
That simple suggestion sparked a creative whirlwind. Tom began jotting down lyrics and humming a melody, which he later shared with Chris at another gig in Loxton. “Chris is an amazing musician,” Tom says. “He added this incredible finger-picking guitar style that brought the song to life. That’s when we knew we had something special.”
Themes of Positivity and Resilience
As a seasoned songwriter and performer, Tom draws on years of touring experiences and the people he meets along the way. “We’ve been touring for nine years now, performing around 70 shows a year. You meet all kinds of people—farmers, miners, oyster growers, you name it. Their stories often find a way into my songs.”
A recurring theme in Tom’s music is positivity. “I’ve been accused of being a glass-half-full kind of guy,” he laughs. “Life on the land is challenging, but I want my songs to uplift people, not weigh them down. There’s enough negativity out there, so if my music can bring a smile or inspire someone to keep going, then I’ve done my job.”
The Journey from Idea to Release
Creating Just Give It a Crack was no easy feat, but for Tom, the process was as rewarding as it was challenging. “A song often starts with a phrase or melody that pops into my head—sometimes while I’m driving a truck or riding a horse,” he shares. “I jot it down in my phone and let it percolate.”
From there, the real work begins. Tom collaborates with his producer, Garth Porter, and a talented team of musicians and engineers to shape the track. “Garth is incredible. He takes my rough ideas and builds them into something special. We go back and forth, bouncing ideas, and eventually bring in other musicians to add their creative touches.”
The final steps include recording, engineering, mastering, and preparing the song for digital platforms. “It’s a long process, but hearing your song on the radio for the first time makes it all worth it.”
Catch Tom Curtain on Tour
Fans can catch Tom performing Just Give It a Crack live during his current Australian tour. He’s travelling through Western Australia before heading to Tamworth for the Country Music Festival, where he’ll take the stage at the Longyard Hotel on 20 January to celebrate the single’s release.
With its uplifting message and catchy tune, Just Give It a Crack is set to be a crowd favourite. Make sure to listen on launch day and stay updated on Tom’s tour by following him on Spotify, YouTube, Facebook & Instagram. Don’t miss the chance to experience his infectious positivity live!