Hello, I’m Tom Sutherland. I grew up surrounded by music, from the vibrant rhythms of Notting Hill, London in the 70s and 80s to the rich, diverse sounds of the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 80s and 90s. My father ran the No Name Bar in Sausalito, a well-known jazz venue, which gave me a front-row seat to incredible musicians and a true taste of the jazz community. Those experiences sparked a lifelong love of music and a deep appreciation for the simple joy of listening.

Over the years, I’ve been inspired by music from every corner of the world: the cosmic, spiritual jazz of John Coltrane, the free-spirited playing of Jerry Garcia, and the sounds of reggae, disco, folk, world music, African rhythms, hip-hop, and electronica. These influences remind me that music can cross any border, connect people, and tell stories in endless ways.

In 1996, I moved to Hay-on-Wye, drawn by its peaceful countryside, its vibrant book culture, and its world-famous literature festival. In 1998, I opened my first record shop here, creating a place for people to come together, share stories, and explore music.

After closing the shop in 2012, I completed a history degree in Edinburgh in 2019 and worked at Selfridges’ bookshop in London, staying close to culture in a different way.

In 2022, I returned to Hay to re-open Tom’s Records, bringing the music back to where it belongs. I’m grateful to be part of this creative and inspiring community once again, sharing records and stories with anyone who wants to discover the endless magic of music.

At Tom’s Records, we invite you to celebrate music in all its forms and join us in exploring, enjoying, and sharing the joy it brings.