Live music is back and so is Tom Grennan with a UK number one album, Evering Road. We recently caught up with the Bedford-born singer-songwriter to discuss the magic of performing live in front of the fans, what he gets up to on tour and we find out who he enjoys listening to at the moment.

How good does it feel to be back on the road and playing in front of your fans?
Amazing! It’s said all the time by everyone, but for me, it’s a family reunion and an energy that is vital for me as an artist and my mental health. There’s no better feeling than that connection in a live show.

What have you missed the most from touring after not being able to of late?
Seeing my fans, hearing their stories, and how my music has helped them. And me telling them how they’ve inspired me.

How important is it to connect with your fans?
Vital! Without that bond, the building collapses.

How do you want your fans to feel after watching you perform?
Euphoric, complete, happy, satisfied. Ultimately, I want people to feel lifted and inspired.

What is your process of writing a song or album?
Channelling cathartic life stories. It’s the only way I can operate.

Claiming number one album earlier this year, what did that mean to you?
It meant the absolute world to me! It’s something I have dreamed of and strived for over the past five years as an artist. The relief and emotion was like a colossal wave crashing over me. It was a beautiful thing, and a validation of sorts of what I was achieving.

How would you describe the story behind the Evering Road album?
A love letter from a whirlwind love story, with me admitting I was toxic, saying sorry and hoping we can all find peace and respect to move forward and grow.

What a performance you had at Soccer Aid recently, how was that experience?
The most insane experience ever. My love for football and my failures at pro-level have been well documented. To have the game I did, and play well, was almost like some sort of redemption and put some ghosts to bed for me. It was joyous beyond words and I will never forget it.

What a year 2021 has been for you, what’s been the highlights?
Sobriety, finding inner peace and happiness, family, and of course my music connecting on a wider scale than it ever has done before.

Who else do you enjoy listening to at the moment?
Always a good question. Check out Mugun, a new rapper from Coventry. Left lane rap with a flow so different from the boring drill pack. Rose Gray I think could be the new Robyn, and a kid called Frankie Beetlestone out of Sheffield. He’s 19, self produces and writes amazing guitar pop songs. He’s just been on tour with me and is tearing it up.

What do you get up to on tour when you’re not performing?
Gym and family time with a dose of the occasional football game.

What’s the plan after the tour?
Get writing. I want to smash the next album out of the park.