Once again Pop Scoop have, in the words of Simple Minds, “moved on up to the Waterfront”, to interview some top up-and-coming talent. This time, we stood upstairs in the studio for a chat with Tom A Smith. Raised just outside of Sunderland, he’s been working his way up through his local scene for years and has gradually tapped into towns and cities across the country — as well as Stateside, as you’ll soon find out. His new music is bold, brash and — if his shirts are anything to go by — really bloody bright, and we can’t wait for the brand new EP to land next month!
Hiya! How was Bristol last night?
It was amazing! Every time we’ve played there it’s been amazing. It wasn’t originally on the tour poster or the initial announcement — I was like, “Why are we not playing in Bristol?” Nah, it was incredible. What a great venue as well! It’s called Thekla and it’s on a boat — really cool!
And now you’re playing The “Waterfront”…
Yeah, keeping the nautical theme going!
Big old drive going from one end of the country to the other though — it takes ages to get to Norwich as it is!
I mean, I’m from Sunderland so I’m used to everything being three hours away, but yeah it was a tough old drive today — but it’s always worth it! We’ve got a day off tomorrow in Norwich, so we’re just going to have a wander round and enjoy the spots.
Go and see Paddington!
Yes!
We can’t talk about travel without talking about how massive this year has already been — playing SXSW in Texas last month. How was the reaction over there?
Absolutely phenomenal! It took like twenty minutes after getting off the plane to get recognised — I couldn’t really believe it. Every show we did, people were cramming in. The buzz and energy around us over the weekend was amazing. We did about five shows and the reaction was totally unexpected. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — I’ll live with it forever.
I heard Texas is so big you could fit the whole UK in it. Did you just stay in Austin or explore a bit?
Yeah it is! We only stayed in Austin — we were basically on the same three streets for the whole five days.
Any funny moments or experiences that stand out?
We went to a proper line dancing and two-stepping bar on the last night. They had whiskey on tap — they’d pour it like that [mimes a massive glass]! It was incredible. People would make eye contact with you across the room and you’d have to dance with them — complete strangers. Everyone was so lovely though, proper country bands on — it was exactly how you’d imagine it to be.
Your sound really fits over there — they love 80s music and you’ve got that synth vibe going on.
Totally! I’ve always been inspired by New York bands like Talking Heads and LCD Soundsystem, but there’s always been a bit of Americana in what I do. Springsteen is one of my biggest idols. It was such an amazing experience and hopefully we’ll get back over there soon.
Ah, the Springsteen connection! One of your older tracks, “Never Good Enough”, has always reminded me of some of Sam Fender’s stuff…
Ah yeah! I wrote that when I was about 15 — about seven years ago now. It did a lot for me when it came out, so it’s lovely to see the newer stuff getting that same reaction.
You played “Toronto” the other night with Rowetta — an absolute icon — and she’s worked on your new EP. How did that come about?
I met her at the Musos Awards last year and she was just lovely — really genuine and supportive. I’d written this song and sent it to her, sort of on the sly asking if she wanted to add vocals. Within a day she’d sent back about 15 takes! Within two weeks the single was done. It was really exciting. And it was so nice of her to join us at gigs too — Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle.
You’ve also got your sister in the band now — what’s that dynamic like? Any Gallagher-style arguments yet?
Honestly, Hannah keeps us all in check! We have fun, but if anything’s going out of order she shuts it down quickly. She’s fantastic — one of the best musicians I know. She’s been playing music as long as I have.
So more wholesome — like The Carpenters?
Totally, yeah!
Did you ever plan to start a family band growing up?
No, not at all. We thought it was a bit cliché and said we’d never be in the same band. But eventually you realise — she’s a great musician, we get on, why not? It’s been amazing experiencing everything together.
The North East scene feels like a big family right now. You played with Andrew Cushin recently — is there rivalry between cities?
Not really! I’m just grateful anyone listens to my music. The North East backs itself — football rivalry aside, people genuinely support each other. Andrew’s fantastic — we’ve done shows together and even went to Texas together. We’re all mates… until the football’s on!
We’ll finish on a quick one — your EP “Put A Record On Tommy” is out in May. So… put a record on — what are you choosing?
“All My Friends” by LCD Soundsystem.
Cheers!
Check out the full gallery below (Photo Credits: Ollie Horn)
Hunny Buzz (Photo Credit: Ollie Horn)
Based in Norwich, Cerys Hubbard is a music journalist and history nerd whose passion for rock n roll began when she was named after Cerys Matthews.
A BIMM Brighton graduate, she founded Dead Pop Mag Society to revive the chaotic fun of 80s and 90s music journalism. Her work has led to appearances on BBC Radio and interviews with rising stars at Wild Paths Festival.
When she is not writing, Cerys works at Norwich Arts Centre, where she can be found putting up posters, pulling pints, and chatting about her favourite bands to anyone who will listen.
