Tawa rocker bound for US

A US-bound Tawa rocker is inspiring devotion from teenage fans worldwide, but it is his own devotion to God that is driving his career.

Tom Hollow, 21, has been making music since he was 13, but made his name last August when he auditioned for boy band Titanium.

The six-member group was formed in a competition run by radio station The Edge, and while Hollow just missed out on a place, he came second in popular votes and toured with the band. ‘‘I got a lot of exposure out of it.’’

Since then his folk-pop melodies have gained fans across the globe.

Hollow’s videos on YouTube have gained half a million views, and he says social media is key to launching his career.

‘‘That’s what I learned with the boy band.’’

Not making it into Titanium was lucky in many ways – Hollows got all the exposure but has the freedom to write his own material, he says.

He released his first single, My Only One, in January, and launched a four-track EP two weeks ago.

Hollow’s songs are influenced by folk, country, emo and hardcore, and he aims for pop perfection in his melodies. The theme is always upbeat, he says.

‘‘I try and keep hope central to all my songs, because what’s the point of life if there’s no hope?’’

In April Hollow is moving to Utah with his family. He wants to sign to a US label.

‘‘I’m so over marketing myself. I want a label to do that for me.’’

Hollow works as a kitchen designer and cabinetmaker but studied music at the Christian performing arts school Excel.

www.tomhollow.bandcamp.com