Tom A. Smith talks energy, dedication, and why he just keeps coming back to a certain local festival

Hi Tom! You seem to be having a stellar year so far! What's been the highlight?

Hey! This year has been incredible and there’s been so many highlights. For me, travelling to Austin, Texas and playing at SXSW festival was the best experience I’ve had to date and it was such a memorable week.

You've apparently been playing music since you were 4 years old! In terms of your creativity, what do you think has stayed the same for you since then, and what has changed?

Well, though I started playing guitar at four, I didn’t properly start getting into songwriting and the creative aspect until about the age of 14 or 15. I always enjoying being onstage but I didn’t really have much interest in songwriting until then. However even since then, creatively, I feel like I have changed so much due to my new experiences and the music I now listen to.

What drives you to keep going?

I think to stick at anything in life that takes this much dedication and time you have to love it. I’ve always felt my happiest on stage and songwriting allows me to confront a lot of parts of my life I would normally struggle to. I can’t imagine a world where I’m not involved in music in some capacity.

The northeast of England - and the music scene there - has been getting some attention recently. What's your take this? e.g. Do you think opportunities for artists from that area are improving?

I think what is happening in the northeast music scene at the minute is incredible. We have so many phenomenal artists coming through and also at the forefront of the music scene. It’s an amazing time to be up here. I can’t imagine mainly speak on the behalf of Sunderland, a place that music is so embedded into its culture with the incredible music venues and facilities here. I think that is part of the reason why we are seeing such a large wave of young new artists and bands starting out. 

You're playing just down the road from Nottingham at 110 Above again this year - on the intimate Thursday night lineup. What brings you back to Gopsall Farm year after year?

110 Above could be mine and the band’s favourite festival. We have made such amazing memories with the people there and it almost feels like a family. Even though it’s small, there is so much appreciation and enthusiasm there for music that makes it such an amazing festival that, if given the opportunity, I’d encourage any band to play. We cannot wait to be back there!

What can we expect from your set this year?

This year’s set will be filled with energy, dancing and maybe even crying. We will make sure to put on a party. I am really excited for it and it will be there first time a lot of my music will be played at that festival!

Once festival season is over, what are your plans?

We saw you at the (sadly now closed) Chameleon almost two years ago now. and you played The Bodega this April... Other than 110 Above, where can we find you performing?

We are heading out on tour after the summer. Some towns and cities I either haven’t been to or haven’t been to for a while. Including our biggest headline show outside of the north east yet in Liverpool which I am really excited for. Tickets are available now so grab some because I feel they will go pretty quick...

You can follow Tom via @tomasmithmusic and find last minute tickets for 110 Above here.