From Houghton-le-Spring to Fiction Records, the North East’s rising son finds his voice—and his groove.

Tom A. Smith has been busy building a world. With his new EP Say What You Want, out now via Fiction Records, the 21-year-old songwriter, producer, and sonic architect offers a bold, self-made statement—equal parts introspective and dancefloor-ready.

Written, produced, and mixed entirely by Tom, the six-track collection captures a pivotal moment in his evolution: a shift from indie wunderkind to fully-fledged auteur. It’s a record that pulses with curiosity, vulnerability, and a fearless sense of play.

Lead single “I Don’t Blame You” is the EP’s heartbeat—a groove-driven, electronic-laced cut that’s already become a live favourite. “I wanted to make something that didn’t take itself too seriously,” Tom shares. “We’ve been playing it all summer and it’s been a lot of people’s favourite.” Directed by bandmate Katie Anderson, the video adds a stylised wink to the track’s DIY ethos, underscoring the creative community that surrounds him.

From the synth swagger of “Fashion” (recently playlisted by Absolute Radio and spun across BBC 6Music and Radio X) to the outsider anthem “What”, Tom’s sonic palette expands without losing its emotional core. The EP closes with a reimagined cover of The God Machine’s “It’s All Over”—a nod to ‘90s cult legacy and Tom’s love for the art of the album.

Built in his own home studio during lockdown, Tom’s sound is steeped in the DIY spirit of the North East. Hailing from Houghton-le-Spring, a former shipbuilding town outside Sunderland, he’s stayed rooted in community—fundraising locally, collaborating closely, and keeping things real while his star rises nationally.

Having played Glastonbury, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and opened for Sam Fender, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and even Elton John (who hand-picked him for Hyde Park), Tom’s trajectory is steep. But Say What You Want isn’t about hype—it’s about ownership. “It’s a new era for me,” he says. “I’m really proud of this and every inch of it’s me.”

EP Tracklisting:

Fashion
What
I Don’t Blame You
Beautiful Way
It’s All Over
Let’s Go Dancing