TOMMY ALLEN

Tommy Allen grew up in Syracuse, New York, with friends Steve Lenin (“Arty”) and Paul Armstrong. With Tommy on drums, Arty and Paul on guitars, and new-kid Gary Frenay on bass, the pop band called the Flashcubes was formed in 1977.

With the exception of Tommy Allen, each member of the band contributed to the songwriting process and they performed many of their original material at live performances. Hoping to increase their exposure, the Flashcubes opened for new wave and power pop acts passing through Syracuse such as the Ramones, the Runaways, the Police, David Johansen, the Romantics, and the Fabulous Poodles. Outside of Syracuse, the Flashcubes played Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York City.

The Flashcubes frequently recorded their live shows and demos. They didn’t release the demos, but “Christi Girl” was re-cut in an actual studio at Syracuse University for its release. Within a year, the Flashcubes had amassed a serious local following. The band released two singles, “Christi Girl” and “Wait Till Next Week,” on their own label.

The Flashcubes hoped to generate enough buzz with their singles for record executives to take notice, but the calls never came. The group disbanded in 1980. Tommy, Arty, and Gary continued playing together under the name Screen Test and as an oldies cover band known as the Neverly Brothers. But in 1986, Tommy left the bands and relocated to New York City to pursue production.

In 1992, the Flashcubes reunited and recorded four tracks. Many Flashcubes songs have been included on pop sampler compilations. Eventually, the Flashcubes recorded an entire album, Bright Lights. In 2002, the band celebrated their 25th anniversary by touring in Japan.

Since working with the Flashcubes, Tommy performed with Paul Young, Richie Sambora, Joey Molland, Terry Sylvester, Louis Goffin, Mark Hudson, and Rob Lowe. On the production end of things, Tommy has worked with the Sighs, Kara’s Flowers, Red Radio Flyer, as well as others.

Tommy Allen now focuses on his production team, P.a.c.T., with Paul Carbonara. They work with independent artists to create professional-level recordings.