Tom A. Smith teams up with Swim School on moody new single.
Despite his age, Tom A. Smith is no new kid on the block. On 'I don't want you to have to remember me for longer than you ever knew me' the songwriter once again transcends his years.
The rising Sunderland star is bold enough to label the latest single his best to date and perhaps the 20-year-old isn't wrong. Over four minutes, he delivers a confident and brooding flick. The track is a masterclass in brooding intensity and confident delivery, pulling listeners in with its hypnotic beat and introspective lyrics. The production is sleek yet raw, blending atmospheric guitar riffs with a driving rhythm that gives the track a cinematic feel.
His vocal performance is equally captivating, effortlessly growing the more the track went on as he explores themes of self-discovery and resilience. It’s a song that doesn’t just linger; it grows on you with each listen, revealing new layers of emotion and depth. If this single is any indication, the Sunderland native is not only finding his voice but also carving out a distinct place in the UK music scene.
With his almost conversational delivery of lyrics, it's easy to feel a familiarity in Smith's candour. There's elements of fellow North East musician Sam Fender with echoes of Catfish & The Bottlemen and, dare we say it, the poise of David Bowie too.
His ability to blend these influences while forging his own sound suggests that he’s an artist who is not content with following trends but rather one who is destined to shape his own path. There’s a depth in his music that stretches beyond catchy hooks, with layers of introspection and vulnerability woven into his songs. It's this blend of honesty, ambition, and sonic daring that sets Smith apart, positioning him as one of the most exciting emerging voices in the UK music scene.
'I don't want you to have to remember me for longer than you ever knew me' is made all the more convincing thanks to vocals from Swim School singer Alice Johnson - her vocals turning Smith's inner workings into a striking conversation.
Speaking about the track, Smith said: “This is in my opinion the best and most personal song I’ve ever written. I’ve met Alice and the Swim School guys and really love everything they’ve done and think our vocals complement each other perfectly. She was so innovative when working out her harmonies to the point that I can’t imagine it without her. I’m so excited for everyone to hear it and the full-length version."
As he continues to evolve, there's little doubt that Smith is on the brink of something extraordinary, ready to leave an indelible mark on both the North East music scene and beyond.