Tom Harrison embraces a darker blues-rock sound on debut album Blood on the Moon

Queensland blues and roots singer-songwriter Tom Harrison has released his debut solo album, Blood on the Moon, a ten-track collection that trades the gentler folk influences of his earlier work for gritty guitars, driving rhythms and stories of hardship, relationships and resilience.

For Queensland musician Tom Harrison, the blues has always been at the heart of his songwriting. But with the release of his debut solo album, Blood on the Moon, he's finally had the opportunity to explore the heavier, guitar-driven sound he's been wanting to create for years.

Released on 26 October, the ten-track album marks a new chapter for Harrison, bringing together blues-rock, country, folk and rock'n'roll in a collection that explores both the darker and more hopeful sides of everyday life.

It's a noticeable shift from his 2024 debut EP, Old Growth, which leaned towards a gentler, folk-influenced sound. This time, Harrison has turned up the guitars and embraced a rawer musical direction without abandoning the storytelling that has shaped his work.

'I've always wanted to make a blues rock record', Harrison explains. 'I've dabbled with mixing genres from the blues to rock, and folk, but this time I had a clear goal of making an upbeat dirty blues-rock record with one or two folk songs to even things out.'

That balance runs throughout Blood on the Moon, with driving blues-rock arrangements sitting alongside country-influenced songwriting and more reflective acoustic moments.

The album's earlier singles, ‘Peace With Me’, ‘Run’ and ‘Nightingale’, have already introduced listeners to different sides of Harrison's musical approach, receiving extensive radio airplay ahead of the full release. In particular, ‘Peace With Me’ signalled a turning point. Its heavier blues-rock sound marked a departure from the softer material on Old Growth, allowing Harrison to explore a more forceful side of his songwriting.

The track also earned him a nomination for Best Blues/Roots Artist at the 2026 Queensland Music Awards, an important milestone as he continues to establish himself as a solo performer. Recorded at his home base, So-So Silver Studios, Blood on the Moon was created with an intentionally stripped-back production approach, leaving space for the musicianship and performances to carry the songs.

Harrison enlisted a group of local musicians for the project, including Paul Bain on drums, Sean Power on guitar and Tim Kemp on bass.

The album was mixed by Levi Russell and Nell Forster, with mastering handled by Paul Blakey. The result is a record grounded in the blues tradition while drawing on the energy of early rock'n'roll and the narrative qualities of country music.

For Harrison, the release follows several years of developing his own musical identity after branching out from his work with Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers.

His debut solo EP, Old Growth, arrived in 2024 and helped introduce his songwriting to a wider audience.

The single ‘Miles Away’ went on to surpass 100,000 streams, while ‘Start Again’ received strong support from ABC Radio and was included in Rhythm magazine's Nashville sampler collection. The accompanying music video also gained international exposure through America's Country Music Channel, while the song reached number 53 in Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ's Hot 100.

Harrison's songwriting had previously attracted recognition in 2023, when he received a nomination for Listen Up's Songwriter of the Year award. His live career has continued to develop alongside those recordings, with appearances at festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest, Blues on Broadbeach, Agnes Blues Roots & Rock Festival and Gympie Music Muster.

The combination of festival performances, radio support and industry recognition has made 2026 a particularly significant year for the Queensland artist. His latest project has also received support from the City of Moreton Bay through its Regional Arts Development Fund Creative City grant, helping Harrison bring the album to completion.

With Blood on the Moon now released, Harrison is preparing for a series of performances around Brisbane and surrounding areas, with further touring plans taking shape for 2027.

For an artist whose music has always moved between blues, country and folk, the album represents an opportunity to bring those influences together with a renewed sense of purpose. It's a record that embraces the rough edges of blues-rock while leaving room for the quieter moments, showing that Harrison's musical roots remain firmly in place even as his sound continues to evolve.

Blood on the Moon is available from today 26 October 2026