Sunderland artist Tom A. Smith releases his new EP 'Say What You Want' via Fiction Records + new single "I Don't Blame You"
Rising North East artist Tom A. Smith today releases his long-awaited new EP ‘Say What You Want’, out now via Fiction Records, alongside bold new single “I Don’t Blame You”.
The EP showcases a maturing, evolving artist in full creative control; self-written, self-produced, and mixed by Tom himself, and captures a pivotal moment in his journey as he transitions from one chapter to the next with open vulnerability and fearless curiosity. The vinyl version of the EP sold out in 3 days of being announced.
Speaking about the focus track “I Don’t Blame You”, Tom says: “I wanted to make something that didn’t take itself too seriously. I self-produced and mixed the track and I wanted to keep the new electronic sound whilst also concentrating on the groove. We’ve been playing it live over the summer and it’s been a lot of people’s favourite.”
The track’s accompanying video, directed by Tom’s bandmate Katie Anderson, offers a playful, stylised counterpoint to the single’s electronic pulse, a testament to the tight-knit creative community around Tom and his belief in doing things DIY.
‘Say What You Want’ marks a clear progression in Tom’s songwriting and sound, seamlessly blending textured synths and cinematic production with the hook-driven indie songwriting he’s known for. From the dancefloor-ready “Fashion” (recently playlisted by Absolute Radio, with strong spins on BBC 6Music and Radio X), to the outsider anthem “What”, the collection thrives on introspection, groove, and a fearless sense of experimentation.
The EP closes with a beautifully reimagined cover of “It’s All Over” by ‘90s cult band The God Machine, a nod to Tom’s love for the art of the album and a hint at the expansive directions still to come.
“It’s a new era for me,” Tom says. “I’m really proud of this and every inch of it’s me. It all feels really exciting.”
Still only 21, Tom A. Smith is already becoming one of the UK’s most promising songwriters. He’s played Glastonbury, BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend, and supported a who’s-who of modern British rock. From Sam Fender and Catfish and the Bottlemen to Elton John, who hand-picked him to open his Hyde Park show in 2022.
Hailing from Houghton-le-Spring, a former coal mining town outside Sunderland, Tom embodies the DIY spirit of the North East. He built his own home studio during lockdown, regularly fundraises for local causes, and remains a grassroots fixture while fast becoming a national name.
Now signed to legendary label Fiction Records (The Cure, Tame Impala, St. Vincent), Tom steps boldly into this next chapter with Say What You Want — a powerful statement from a young artist discovering his voice, his vision, and what comes next.
EP Tracklisting:
1. Fashion
2. What
3. I Don't Blame You
4. Beautiful Way
5. It's All Over
6. Let's Go Dancing *vinyl exclusive
DISCOVER TOM A. SMITH