Rising Northeast artist Tom A. Smith returns with his electrifying new single “SFX”, a bold, confidence-charged anthem that continues the exciting momentum behind his breakout run of releases. The track arrives alongside the news that Tom will perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Sunderland, bringing his explosive live show to one of the UK’s biggest stages, and in his hometown no less and follows his recent appearance at SXSW festival in Austin Texas.
Blending slick indie hooks with infectious energy, “SFX” captures a side of Tom that feels liberated and fearless. It’s a track about confronting self-doubt head-on and allowing yourself a moment of freedom on the dancefloor.
“I wanted this song to have a confidence that I ordinarily lack when it comes to body image,” Tom explains. “I know I’m definitely not alone when finding it hard to ignore your own insecurities. SFX is three minutes where I can dance and feel a bit better about myself, so hopefully anyone listening can do the same.”
The single arrives at a huge moment for the 21-year-old artist, whose relentless touring schedule continues to propel him onto bigger stages across the UK and beyond. Alongside his appearance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Tom is also set to embark on a major UK headline tour this spring, return to the road with The Lottery Winners, and appear alongside The Maccabees at the iconic Eden Sessions.
“I’m really excited for Radio 1’s Big Weekend this year,” Tom says. “Big Weekend is in Sunderland, so it’s in my home city and I know how fantastic a Sunderland crowd is.” Since the release of his acclaimed EP ‘Say What You Want’ via Fiction Records, Tom A. Smith has been widely tipped as one of the UK’s most exciting young voices. With major radio support, a rapidly growing fanbase, and a reputation for electric live performances, he continues to build momentum as a standout artist of his generation.
UPCOMING LIVE DATES
UK HEADLINE TOUR
26 Mar – Glasgow, King Tut’s
02 Apr – Manchester, Deaf Institute
03 Apr – Sheffield, Hallamshire Hotel
04 Apr – Leeds, Key Club
05 Apr – Newcastle, The Cluny
09 Apr – Southampton, Heartbreakers
10 Apr – Oxford, The Bullingdon
15 Apr – Bristol, Thekla
16 Apr – Norwich, Waterfront
18 Apr – Lincoln, Southside
22 Apr – London, The Lower Third
23 Apr – Birmingham, Sunflower Lounge
25 Apr – Nottingham, Bodega
07 May – Aberdeen, Café Drummond
08 May – Dunfermline, PJ Molloys
09 May – Galashiels, MacArts
ADDITIONAL SHOWS & FESTIVALS
13 May – Hastings, White Rock Theatre (with The Lottery Winners)
15 May – The Great Escape, Brighton (Third Man Records at DUST)
16 May – London, The Forum (with The Lottery Winners)
21 May – Paris, Oberkampf Festival
23 May – BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Sunderland
19 Jun – Stockton Globe (with Amy MacDonald)
20 Jun – Isle of Wight Festival
27 Jun – Sheffield Steelyard (with The Sherlocks)
10 Jul – Plymouth Sound Factory Festival
11 Jul – Eden Sessions, Cornwall (with The Maccabees)
24 Jul – Together Again Festival, Chester
26 Jul – Truck Festival, Oxford
09 Aug – Boardmasters Festival, Cornwall
20 Aug – 110 Above Festival, Leicestershire
At just 21 years old, Tom A. Smith has already built an impressive résumé; from playing open mic nights as a young teen in the North East with Sam Fender, festival performances at Glastonbury, Leeds and BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, to support slots with Gang of Youths, DMA’s, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Miles Kane, and Elton John, who personally selected him to perform at Hyde Park during the legendary Farewell Yellow Brick Road shows. He’s also been announced to play Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) in an upcoming musical memoir film, Ebony McQueen.
Raised in Houghton-le-Spring just outside Sunderland, Tom first picked up a guitar aged four and hasn’t stopped since. With his bold songwriting, undeniable charisma, and a relentless drive to push forward, “SFX” marks yet another thrilling step in what promises to be a huge year ahead.