walesroad's Video Channel

<br /> Wales Road is named after the dirt road that led to a 213 acre dairy farm owned by Tommy Wales' parents in a small Pennsylvania town . As he often reflects from the stage: <br /> &quot;My daddy was a farmer, my momma was a preacher, I fell somewhere in between&quot;. <br /> The youngest of six siblings, Tommy often found himself wearing 'hand-me-down' clothes. There wasn't extra money around to buy instruments either. His parents wanted him to play his sister's trumpet. He hated it, so Tommy taught himself to play his older brother's right handed guitar, even though he's left handed! He fell in love with music at a early age, falling asleep at night listening to Johnny Cash albums spinning on the record player. <br /> Tommy gave his heart to Jesus when he was 8 , the Sunday School Piano teacher prayed<br /> 'The Sinner's Prayer' with him . <br /> <br /> Tommy grew up in a world of Christian Rock, listening to pioneering groups Resurrection Band, Daniel Band, Jerusalem, Servant , Barnabas and Petra, as well as Heavenly Metal acts Stryper, Saint, Bride, Barren Cross and Bloodgood. He embraced the new wave of Underground Christian Punk Rock. The influence of the albums The Lifesavors 'Us Kids' , The Altar Boys 'When You're A Rebel' and Daniel Amos 'The Alarma Chronicles' can be visibly heard in Wales Road's music. Other Wales Road influences range from the Alt Country Band The Lost Dogs, Alternative Rockers The 77's to the Emo Metal sounds of Evanescence. <br /> <br /> Tommy's first concert was sharing songs to inmates at Elmira Correctional Facility, where his mom taught a Bible Class. He formed his first rock band after taking a music class or two in Bible College. 'Redeemed Leather' knew three songs and played a talent show. <br /> An anonymous donor gave Tommy his first electric guitar, a red lightening bolt shaped Hondo with a note: 'This is yours from the Lord.' His parents bought him a Yamaha acoustic guitar from Big B Buzzo. Tommy plays a Gibson SG with Humbucker Pickups through a raw Marshall Amp.He believes God is the giver of ALL gifts, including the gift of rock music. <br /> <br /> After graduating from Elim Bible Institute with a degree in Biblical Studies, Tommy started performing and recording his own songs and discovered the 'Musicianary' calling. <br /> Tommy wears his heart on his sleeve in his lyrics, with the belief that if he is honest about his own struggles, he is able to communicate the Mercy of God. <br /> <br /> With a guitar slung over his shoulder and a song in his heart for his King, Tommy prays his music bless the ears and hearts of those who listen. He has a sign hanging up in his kitchen that says 'Bloom Where You Are Planted'. By God's Grace, he endeavors to share when ever and where ever the door opens. Although the Wales Road lineup has varied down through the years, one thing has remained consistent: Tommy Wales is a man who is passionate about reflecting his Faith in the midst of a Fallen World through his Audio Art. <br /> <br />