In Conversation With #208 - Tom A. Smith
Fast-rising Sunderland artist Tom A. Smith shares ‘EP2’ alongside his new single ‘Man Overboard’.
After gaining support from the likes of Elton John, Jack Saunders and numerous radio stations - Tom is turning into one of Sunderland’s finest. Following on from the release of his debut ‘EP1’ last year, his next collection ‘EP2’ sees the frontman return with Larry Hibbitt (The Snuts, Sea Girls, Lauran Hibberd) on production duties, and continues his broad and inventive approach to the indie-rock sound. Featuring the previous shared cuts ‘Could I Live With Being Fake’ and ‘Never Good Enough’, and following a whirlwind of incredible live performances including being selected by Elton John to join him at his British Summer Time show at Hyde Park, appearances at Glastonbury, Barn On The Farm, and the F1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone, his newest release is set to become his most high-profile to date.
Speaking about ‘EP2’, he said, “EP2 is a real progression lyrically for me and I'm so pleased with how it’s turned out. All of the tracks I recorded with Larry are true to the original demos I recorded in my bedroom and for good measure we added a home recording of a lovely little acoustic song that’s a favourite of mine. So happy with how it’s turned out’.
He took a moment to talk to us about how the EP came together.
Hey there Tom- how are you? So your EP is out now - how does it feel to have it out there in the world?
I'm perfect thank you. I'm buzzing that people can finally hear it, I've had it recorded since January and it's my favourite so far. The first EP was a collection of very different tracks because I wanted to demonstrate my diversity. This one is more me and what I like.
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories from the creative process you are happy to share with us?
It was recorded in Brixton with a producer called Larry Hibbitt who has produced the new Sea Girls and Lauran Hibberd albums. We recorded everything in a week and they all stayed pretty close to my original bedroom demos. He just added extra sparkle, he's really brilliant to work with. We had Alex from Fat White Family pop in for a few hours to add some Sax to a track but overall it's pretty much just me playing everything.
What are the key themes and influences on the EP?
I suppose looking at the songs now a lot of them are about where my head was in the first lockdown. 'Man Overboard' discusses my mental health at the time and 'Could I live with Being Fake' questions the path I was going down. I remember on the track 'Toronto' wanting to have a song with a Happy Mondays vibe which I think we've succeeded in. 'If I was' is a demo I made in my bedroom and we just liked the simplicity of it. Elton John has been really supportive recently and I love that I name check him in this as it was written and recorded almost 8 months before he got in touch. I don't think he knows it exists.
If the EP could be the soundtrack to any film - which one would it be and why?
I'd like it to soundtrack a Will Ferrell film because then I'd definitely hear it a lot. Can watch him walking down the street as Ron Burgundy to the track 'Toronto'. So Anchorman 3 is my suggestion. They can use them for free!!
Do you have a favorite lyric on the EP - if so, which one and why?
The opening lines of 'Man Overboard' are "I put a brave face on it. I put on a front, but even the sharpest tools I have are feeling blunt" I'm pretty proud that I could express where I was at that time. Most of the lyrics of that song are exactly how I was feeling at that moment. Actually writing them down and performing them made such a difference so it's proof that it's good to talk about things.
Now the EP is out there - what next?
We have a busy few months with festivals and then have some more bangers up our sleeves with a collaboration that I'm really proud of. I want to just keep getting my music out there and touring. My band grew up with me and are sounding amazing so I'm desperate to get people to hear us.
