Photo Credit: Taken by Storm

We sat down with Sunderland born TOM A SMITH. This week’s interview see’s us chat about his early start in music, playing the iconic Glastonbury Festival, and his upcoming UK tour with over 30 shows to come before the end of the year.

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How did your musical journey start?

Tom: It has always been a massive part of my family, even though none of them were musicians. My Dad and his parents have always been massive music fans, so ever since I was born, I have been surrounded by music. I started learning guitar when I was 4 years old; my Dad’s friends were in a band called Detroit Social Club who toured with Oasis in their early days. They used to come round to the house and we’d play football then have a guitar lesson at the end of the night. I was learning songs like ‘Seven Nation Army’ and ‘Smoke on the Water’ at such a young age and it became part of my routine. My first gig was supporting Detroit Social Club at The Cluny in Newcastle and I remember being petrified but also how much I wanted to do it again. Barry Hyde from The Futureheads also gave me lessons when I got a bit older. It is all I have ever known really.

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Did you get much attention at school because of your musical journey?

Tom: It was weird really because when you are in a class with a bunch of 10 year olds they didn’t quite understand it at the time. I supported Catfish & the Bottlemen in Newcastle and none of them even knew who they were. They were always supportive though. When I was 10 I managed to go to Glastonbury and sneak myself on to the line-up that year which was pretty wild.

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How does it feel to support huge names such as James and Catfish & the Bottlemen?

Tom: It’s always a pinch me moment, especially in my younger years. I’ve always been a massive James fan and the love that Tim Booth and the band have given me over the last year is amazing. Meeting Elton John last year was massive, there is no bigger legend in music than Elton and for him to say nice things about my songs and the support he has given me just spurs you on to keep going. You always want to impress as many people as you can just as much as the love of playing music. It’s quite special.

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Even though you play under your own name, what prompted you to get a full band together?

Tom: My love has always bands that have that big live sound. Even though I play under my own name, I don’t write anything off my band, they are fantastic live and great friends who I really appreciate everything they do for us. I was creating demos at home to the sound of a band but not able to translate that to the stage without an actual band. To play the bigger venues and stages you need that bigger live sound and lucky for me I have known my band for pretty much all my life. Dylan (Guitar) and Frazer (Drums) were in bands with my older brother, when he stopped singing I asked them to join in with me, and Katie (bass) is a good pal from college. The chemistry gels really well and it is a great live sound at the minute.

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Do you have a favourite show from this year?

Tom: The Piece Hall shows with James were incredible. There were over 5000 people each night and the response we got from that was amazing. The first Glastonbury set was surreal, the stage manager told me to get everybody to stand up and come closer because there were so many people still trying to get in. The second Glastonbury set on the Left Field stage was amazing. Recently on the Hard-Fi tour we played Troxy in London to over 3000 people was special too.

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You have just finished supporting Hard-Fi on their UK tour, what was the reception like?

Tom: It was amazing every single night and it got better and better as the days went on. Playing iconic venues like The Leadmill (Sheffield) and to a good sized crowd so early on is always a bonus. The response we got after each night was really nice and people are showing their interest in our upcoming tour. The venues like Troxy (London) and Rock City (Nottingham) are ones I have always wanted to play, and it is the most fun I have had on a tour. Hard-Fi and their crew and team were so welcoming and professional and a big thank you to them too.

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How excited are you for your upcoming headline tour?

Tom: I am buzzing for it. It’s my first major headline tour so it’s going to be special. We’re really happy with how it has sold so far and just seeing the response on social media from people who are coming to the shows is amazing. I am really looking forward to the two Sunderland shows, one has sold out and the other has less than 20 tickets left, so to play to 800 mackems over two nights will be great. I am looking forward to meeting people who have been so supportive of me over the years and getting the opportunity to play to so many people live is always a great feeling. I’m a little bit nervous too because it is 30 shows in 35 days so I need to make sure I look after my voice on the tour. It’s a good way to end the year.

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How do you take care of yourself when you are on the road?

Tom: By not getting ruined every single night. I have quite a gravelly voice which I have to take care of but I have been singing like that my whole life so my body is used to it really. Having honey and lemon is a big one and steaming regular. It is going to be a great time away but a tiring one. The adrenaline we get from performing keeps us going too.

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Your songs ‘Weirdo’ and ‘Fading Away’ have recently been played on BBC Radio 1, Radio X and XS Manchester. What is it like hearing your own songs on the radio?

Tom: I’m still never over it. The latest single ‘Fading Away’ has received a lot of love. Clara Amfo (BBC Radio 1 DJ) gave it the first play when it was released. I have been listening to those stations for years in the car and to have my music on there is surreal. John Kennedy (Radio X DJ) has shown us so much support over the last couple of years. You never get over it I don’t think.

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Going into 2024, you already have a tour lined up with Lonely the Brave. How excited are you to play to a different type of crowd?

Tom: I’m really looking forward to it. I have written so many songs over the last year in different styles too that I can squeeze into the set. I feel like we bring a lot of energy into our live shows which hopefully people enjoy. I like to play to as many different types of crowds and people as I can really. What a great band they are and I love their tunes as well. It is going to be an exciting one.

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What plans do you have going into 2024?

Tom: We have a few festivals which haven’t been announced yet which we are buzzing for. No doubt there will be new music coming out as I am always writing. All I can say is it will be another mega year and better than this year.

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How is tour life for you and your band?

Tom: It’s a laugh really. We are all such close pals and known each other for so long. There is never a boring minute on tour and we definitely make the most of it. I don’t think I can go five minutes without talking to be honest. It’s a great vibe and I am ready to go back on the road again even after being back for two days.

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Do you have any pre-gig rituals at all?

Tom: I like things to go wrong before we play; it tends to happen a lot when I have a good gig. This one time a seagull flew over and absolutely covered me five minutes before we were about to go on and it ended up being one of the best gigs. It happened at Glastonbury too funnily enough.

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What would be your perfect rider?

Tom: Probably the worst takeaway pizza you could get. The greasiest horrible one you can get. Also, bottles of Stella because you get used to them when you’re on the road. I am not usually picky with it normally but anything helps as everything is so expensive these days.

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What would you like to achieve going forward?

Tom: I try not to think about it too much. I am just enjoying every single day as it comes really and it’s so much fun. Playing at Glastonbury so many times my biggest dream would be to play the Pyramid stage. I would love to release an album eventually. There is so much left to do yet.

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Have you ever been starstruck when meeting somebody on tour or at a festival?

Tom: Miles Kane. You always know Miles Kane is a cool guy and a legend. His persona when you meet him in person is so humble and an all-round lovely person. I was blown away how supportive he was of me and we even played together on Soccer AM. He didn’t have to do any of that but still went out of his way to do it.

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What is the craziest experience you have had from a fan so far?

Tom: I have seen a lot of tattoos. Why on earth you would anything to do with me on your skin for the rest of your life is mind blowing but yet the support is so appreciated regardless if it is a tattoo or just meeting people.

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A massive thank you to Tom for taking time out of his evening to chat with us, and we wish him all the best on his upcoming UK tour.