These days we are sold anything and everything to improve our appearance – marketers and racketeers, the lot of them. Here’s the secret to self-confidence: pick up your headphones and spend five minutes with Tom A Smith.
You can try this trick anywhere – waiting for a tram, walking down Glossop Road in the rain. Let the music take control of your body. Let your head start to groove. Let your feet start to strut.
“Let’s go dancing and pretend that we are in love,” Tom instructs the Hallamshire Hotel in his opening song. The singer is true to his word, pulling shapes with the energy of Mick Jagger, David Byrne and – dare I say it – Harry Styles. It draws you in. It’s no surprise that a Tom A Smith gig is referred to as ‘joining Tom’s dance class’.
Tom may look like a young whippersnapper dancing around in a polka dot shirt, but this is an artist of experience. He has been gigging since the age of eight, when he supported northeast cult rockers Detroit Social Club. He has already built up an extensive back catalogue. Tonight he is showcasing many songs from an upcoming EP.
“This is our first headline tour in two years. The look may have changed, the music may have changed, but the love of doing this stays the same,” he says.
‘Fashion’, ‘SFX’ and ‘I Don’t Want You’ are standout moments in the set. These songs could be mixed alongside ‘Love Is the Drug’, ‘Just Dance’ or ‘Relax’ – probably on a sweaty dancefloor at 1am. The bass just swaggers into your ears, while Tom’s voice cries out lines like: “I don’t blame you looking at me – I would be looking at me too.” The giant mirrorball at the Hally Hotel has never felt more at home.
Music can make you feel the whole range of emotions, but there is something to be said for a song that just makes you feel cool. Tom A Smith’s music makes you feel effortlessly cool. Try it whenever you are next in need of confidence.
