From lively après-ski crowds in Val d’Isère to turning chairs on The Voice of Germany, Tom Bushin has plenty of stories to tell. Since auditioning for Après Ski Bands in Bristol in 2025, he’s joined us for winter and summer tours in the French Alps, playing everything from intimate hotel gigs to a memorable show at Cocorico.
His decision to audition for The Voice was deeply personal. Following the loss of his mum, his biggest supporter, Tom decided to take a leap towards the music career she had always encouraged him to pursue. His performance of “Skinny Love”, a song she loved, earned him two chair turns and a place on Shirin David’s team.
With his first full winter season in the Alps ahead and new original music on the way, we caught up with Tom to talk about the audition, the moments that have stayed with him, and how playing to après-ski crowds helped prepare him for the television stage.
How did you first get involved with Après Ski Bands, and what have been some of your favourite gigs or memories from playing in the Alps?
I first got involved with Après Ski Bands in 2025, when I auditioned in Bristol. I played a short set of some of my favourite cover songs for Richard and Elz. We had a great chat afterwards about my availability and goals, and I instantly felt a connection with them.
Since my audition, I’ve had two tours booked in the French Alps — one winter tour and one shorter summer tour, both brilliant in their own way. The winter tour was particularly special because you know the crowds are going to be lively and ready to party at every gig.
There were so many “pinch me” moments throughout that tour! One of the craziest moments was getting the opportunity to play at Cocorico in Val d’Isère. It’s such a big, lively venue that normally only bands play there, so when I got my chance, I really wanted to put on a great performance. I remember the whole venue coming alive as soon as I started singing — people dancing on tables, others sitting on their friends’ shoulders… the place was absolutely alive!
I also really love the smaller, more intimate shows. I’ve been booked to play in various hotel restaurants, which gives me the chance to sing some of the slower, more chilled songs that I really enjoy. Having the opportunity to perform in two completely different environments is something I really love. It keeps every tour varied and gives me the chance to experience different sides of performing.
What made you decide to audition for The Voice of Germany, and how did the opportunity come about?
I decided to audition for The Voice of Germany after my mother sadly passed away from cancer early last year. She was my biggest supporter and was always behind my dream of pursuing music. After losing her, I felt like I had been holding myself back from following that dream.
With the encouragement and help of my family in Germany, I decided it was time to take that leap. I signed up, sent in a few videos, and, to my surprise, managed to get an audition!The process was quite long, with lots of pre-interviews and a big selection process along the way, but eventually, I made it through and got my place on the show.
It was an incredibly special moment for me, knowing that I was finally taking a step towards the dream that my mum had always supported.
What was going through your mind before you walked on stage, and what do you remember about the moment the chairs turned?
I honestly can’t remember what was going through my mind before I walked on stage. I do remember being super nervous and having the worst dry mouth, though… haha!
But as soon as I got to the mic and looked out at the crowd, I instantly felt at ease. I sang as though the judges weren’t even there because, for me, that wasn’t what it was about. I just wanted to feel like it was my own show and that I wasn’t trying to impress anyone. The first chair turned halfway through my performance.
I must admit, I felt relieved at that point because I knew I was through. Then the second judge turned right at the very end of my performance, which made it that extra bit special!I remember seeing my family backstage after my audition, and that was probably one of the best moments of my life.
Why did you choose “Skinny Love”? I read about your dedication to your mum if you’re comfortable sharing, what did performing it on that stage mean to you?
I chose to sing “Skinny Love” for my audition because it was a song my mum used to love, especially the Birdy version. It felt like a really special song for me to take into the audition, and I felt I could put my own character into it and sing it in my own way. I just hope I did the song justice.
Because it’s such a slower and more delicate song, I also felt like it fitted perfectly with what I was trying to portray. I wanted to show a more vulnerable and emotional side of myself, rather than just focusing on hitting big notes. It felt important to me that the performance had meaning behind it, and singing a song that reminded me of my mum made it even more personal.
How did it compare with playing your usual live gigs? Did your experience performing to après ski crowds help with the nerves or connecting with the audience?
The Voice of Germany was definitely on a much bigger scale than the Après Ski shows, but I think touring in the Alps really helped prepare me for it.Performing in front of different audiences, both big and small, gave me valuable experience and helped me become much more comfortable on stage.
Having to talk to the crowd between songs, interact with people, and perform regularly all helped to build my confidence as a performer. By the time I got to The Voice, I felt much more comfortable being in front of an audience and knew how to handle those nerves. I think all of that experience from the Alps definitely helped me feel more prepared for the whole experience.
What made you choose your coach, and is there any feedback or advice from the experience that has really stayed with you?
I chose my coach, Shirin David, purely based on the feedback she gave me after my performance. I had done some research before going onto the programme and listened to music from all of the coaches, but I told myself that if I was lucky enough to get more than one chair turn, I would go with my gut feeling in that moment.
What stood out to me about Shirin’s feedback was that she saw me as an artist who already knows what direction I want to go in. She said that she wouldn’t try to change who I am, but would support me and push me further in that direction. I think in this industry, it can be far too common for artists to be changed or redirected based on popularity, numbers and what is currently working.
So hearing that from Shirin really resonated with me. She also seemed genuinely interested in my story, and her energy just felt right to me. It was one of those moments where I trusted my instinct, and that’s ultimately why I chose her.
What has surprised you most about being on the show, and what has the reaction been like since your audition aired?
One of the things that surprised me most about being on the show was the amount of support and love I felt from the crew, cast and coaches.
I was definitely nervous when I first applied for The Voice of Germany, especially with my limited understanding of the language, but I instantly felt at home once I was there. Since my Blind Audition aired, my social media has been a little crazy! Haha. I’ve had lots of new followers from people all around the world, along with so many lovely comments and messages about the performance. More than anything, I’m really happy that I got the opportunity to tell my story and share a part of my journey with people.
It means a lot to me knowing that I was able to do something that my mum had always worked so hard to help me pursue. I feel like, in some small way, I was able to give something back to her and make her proud.
What’s next for you that we’re allowed to share on The Voice, with your own music or back in the Alps?
I’m very happy to announce that I’ll be spending the full winter season in the Alps! This will be my first full season, and I’m so excited to see what it brings. I can’t wait for the music, the mountains, the people and all the memories that will come with it!And… you can also expect some new original music dropping early next year!
With his first full winter season in the Alps ahead and new original music on the way, there’s plenty to look forward to from Tom Bushin. We’re delighted to have him back with Après Ski Bands and can’t wait to see the memories this next season brings.