From the moment Tom walked on stage, the room was his. He looked completely at ease, moving effortlessly across the stage with a confidence that has clearly grown over time. His dance moves were a highlight of the night, adding energy and personality to the performance and proving just how much he’s stepped out of his comfort zone. It felt natural rather than forced ,like an artist finally enjoying every inch of the space he’s worked so hard to earn.
The audience played a huge role in shaping the night. Sunderland showed up for one of their own, singing along loudly to Tom’s older, well-loved tracks while also giving his new and unreleased songs the same level of enthusiasm. There was no dip in energy when the unfamiliar material appeared, instead, the crowd leaned in, listened, and responded with genuine excitement. It was clear that there is a large fanbase for Tom back in his hometown.
It was clear that there is a large fanbase for Tom back in his hometown.
Talking about his newer music, Tom explained that while he still loves his earlier work, it never quite felt cohesive. His upcoming EP, however, feels more authentic and more representative of what he does best. That came across clearly live. The new songs brought a different kind of intensity to the set, more expansive, more energetic, and more confident , and they transformed the overall feel of the show.
Playing new music in front of a home crowd is especially important to Tom. Sunderland, he said, feels like the safest place to trial new material because the audience is on his side , and because they deserve to hear it first. That comfort doesn’t mean there’s no pressure, though. Home shows often come with bigger crowds and higher expectations, but once the music starts, that pressure quickly turns into excitement. At The Independent, the buzz in the room was instant, and Tom clearly fed off it.
The North East’s influence on his career is impossible to ignore.
The North East’s influence on his career is impossible to ignore. Tom has been performing locally since he was eight years old, playing pubs and small venues that helped shape his stagecraft. He spoke fondly about the region’s grassroots music scene and the relationships he’s built along the way, particularly with artists like Frankie & The Heartstrings, The Lake Poets, and Barry Hyde of The Futureheads, who has been a major influence on both his musical taste and live performance style.
Despite still being just 21 and turning 22 soon, Tom is already touring, releasing new material and evolving his sound. He’s aware of how young he is, but also how long this journey has been. Signing his first record deal last year marked a turning point, giving him a new sense of confidence and helping him shape a clearer identity both on stage and in the studio. Still, he’s quick to stress that this feels like the beginning, not the destination.
That growing confidence is also reflected in the band. Their chemistry on stage is obvious, built over more than five years of playing together and navigating every “first” side by side. While Tom remains the primary songwriter, the band’s live energy has helped him see his own songs in new ways, giving each performance a sense of freshness.
Tom described the Sunderland gig as the start of something new , his first headline show dedicated to the new material and a strong way to open the year ahead. If this performance is anything to go by, Tom A Smith isn’t just evolving, he’s fully stepping into who he’s meant to be, and his hometown is right there with him.