Bumble B. Boy (Tom Harden) is a failed children’s entertainer and weirdo-punk musical act that blends theatrical live performances, rhythmic post-punk music and fictional multimedia storytelling. Based in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, and originating from Australia, Bumble B. Boy and his revolving cast of on-stage characters have been captivating local audiences and building a significant buzz in just a few short months. With only a few shows under his belt, he's already about to tour the Netherlands nationwide for as a Never Mind the Hype Popronde 2022 talent, achieved 1st prize of De Roos van Nijmegen, and played Valkhof Festival with the likes of Tramhaus, Billy Nomates and Crack Cloud. Parents, tell your kids! Kids, tell your parents! The Bumble B. Boy show is coming to a city near you!
Upon hearing which record/artist/composer did you decide to become a musician?
Since I was a young child, my father and mother immersed me in a world of music. As I wasn't really allowed outside to play with other children, I instead spent most of my time listening to Engelbert Humperdinck records, and, of course, the complete Herb Alpert discography. I remember hearing that song, Spanish Flea, by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, and just thinking over and over to myself - I can do that!
Which record/artist has been a major influence in your career?
As I grew into my career as an unsuccessful children's entertainer, I spent a lot of my time researching the greats of children's entertainment - Bozo the Clown, The Wiggles, Pee-Wee Herman, Bill Cosby etc. The hit song Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car by The Wiggles still to this day informs a lot of my musical style, taste and output. A lot of people I've met recently have told me I remind them of other artists like Ween, or DEVO, but I'm not exactly sure who those people are, so I can't say for certain.
Which live concert impressed you the most?
I’m not sure if this counts- but I once went to the circus with my (recently deceased) uncle, and there I saw a monkey playing the drums. I guess they trained the monkey to do it, but seeing such a basic mammal forgo all its primal jungle urges to swing, climb and mate - for everyone’s amusement, showed me the beauty of entertainment. It inspires me, truly! As entertainers we often deprive ourselves of many things - money, time, food, shelter, social connections, parental love, and so on. But we happily do this to see smiles, laughter, joy. I remember I couldn't stop laughing at that stupid monkey playing the drums for days afterwards - and if I can make someone feel like that as well, then it's all worth it!
Which recently released record should we listen to? Or which new artist should we keep an eye on?
Nowadays, I'm so busy with the Bumble B. Boy music, live act, as well as creating a pilot episode of the Bumble B. Boy Show that I'm pitching to NPO, that I rarely have time to sit down and listen to anyone new. I have some big plans in the future to open up a Bumble B. Boy theme park, so because of that, I've spent a lot of my time listening to stock music that I could use for marketing purposes, and for when people are waiting in lines outside the Bumble B. Boy rides. I don't have any specific recommendations, but if you want to check out what I've been listening to recently, I highly recommend looking up PremiumBeat or AudioJungle - they always have good stuff coming out!
Website: https://linktr.ee/bumblebboy
