Artist Of The Week #307 - Tom A. Smith
This week's Artist of the Week is North East songwriter Tom A. Smith - who has just released his new EP 'Say What You Want' via Fiction Records.
Written and recorded during a time of deep personal reflection, 'Say What You Want' finds Tom navigating the transition from adolescence to adulthood with raw honesty and sharpened songwriting. Blending slick guitar licks with textured electronics and introspective lyricism, the EP marks a major step forward - not just sonically, but in spirit.
Lead track "Fashion" playfully dissects image and confidence, while "What" becomes an anthem for quiet outsiders. Elsewhere, "Beautiful Way" is a tender meditation on perception and identity, while a stunning cover of cult '90s track "It's All Over" (originally by The God Machine) closes the collection with cinematic weight.
The EP is a declaration of intent, an unveiling of the songwriter and storyteller Tom is becoming.
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?
I’m buzzing to finally have the EP out. A lot of work has been put into it and I’m really proud of it. I think it explores a whole new side to me which I am excited for people to hear. And of course my first EP release with Fiction Records.
It is called ‘Say What You Want' – what is the meaning behind that?
As I said before the EP is taking on a whole new sound, style and really explores me being myself and being open and happy with that. The lyric that the title comes from is from the song ‘What!’ On the EP which is all about being yourself and embracing what may be different about yourself and celebrating it. ‘Say What You Want’ about me but I’m having a great time!
Where was it recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are willing to share with us?
For the most part the EP is recorded at home and produced by myself. ‘Fashion’ was recorded at Birdland Studios in Sunderland with Barry Hyde from ‘The Futurehead’s’. I love the energy and raw sound he has captured in that track. I also went down to Bristol with Ali Chant and mixed ‘Fashion’ and ‘What!’ with him.
What are the key influences behind the EP?
Big influencers behind the EP for me are the likes of LCD Soundsystem and The Fall. But also more minor influences like The Cure and Led Zeppelin.
If the EP could be a soundtrack to any film – which one and why?
There are quite a few tongue and cheek lyrics in the EP with a comedic approach. So maybe a comedy movie. Maybe Zoolander, I think ‘Fashion’ would certainly sound cool in that.
Do you have a favourite lyric on the EP? If so, which one and why?
There’s a lyric in ‘Beautiful Way’ that is ‘You make every day in your own beautiful way’ and I really like that lyric and its delivery. It’s not the world’s best bit of word play but it’s simple and effective and I really like that.
Now the EP is out there – what next for you?
There is certainly going to be even more new music coming I’ve been doing a lot of writing and I want to put even more out, but I can’t say any more than that. There’s gonna be even more shows I’ll be announcing soon, so it’s going to be a busy end of the year!
