Once upon a time, Tom Grennan was training to become a professional football player, but somehow, he ended up becoming a musician instead – and we’re not complaining about it. The British singer’s talent was discovered by his friends at a house party while he was doing karaoke, and although he claims he doesn’t remember it, his mates’ encouragement proved to be enough for him to grab an acoustic guitar and start performing in small pubs. His debut single came out in 2016, and since then, he released 3 studio albums, two of which topped the British Official Charts album chart, his hits include Little Bit of Love, Remind Me, By Your Side featuring Clavin Harris, and his latest one, How Does It Feel, and he’s selling out arenas all over the UK.
Tom opened the Main Stage of this year’s Sziget Festival on August 13, but it wasn’t his first time in Hungary. He captivated the audience of Sziget with his unique voice, his high energy, and his positive vibes in 2018, as well, and he was one of the headliners of SZIN, held in Szeged, las year. We had the opportunity to chat with him a little bit before his performance at this year’s Sziget, and he ensured us that he’s coming back to Hungary soon with his upcoming tour, and he’s looking forward to it. In addition, he told us about his new album, „What Ifs & Maybes”, which was released 2 months ago, touring, success, the things that help him remain optimistic when life gets a little tough, he shared a message with his Hungarian fans, and of course, we taught him a little bit of Hungarian, as well – exclusive interview with Tom Grennan from Sziget Festival.
We’re so happy that you’re here in Budapest.
Thank you, man.
Did you get the chance to explore the city a bit?
Yeah, I went on a nice run today. I went around Buda then went around Pest. So yeah, it was great.
Alright, now, you released your latest album, „What Ifs & Maybes” almost exactly two months ago now. What is the most important thing that you learned during the creation process of this record?
Umm, to always trust myself, to always be honest, and to just open up as much as I can, you know.
I think when you get so much truth into an album, then people relate to that.
So, yeah, I think that’s been the biggest lesson and I love doing that, I love being honest and I love being able to put my heart and soul into a record.
And which song was the hardest to create on it?
None of them.
None of them? All of them just flowed out easily?
No, like, I think for me, not all of them happened so quickly, but my favourite thing about writing songs is that it’s a puzzle. You have to work it out and you have to try and fit things into places.
When you get that, it’s an amazing thing. I like the process and I like it being, I don’t know whether it’s hard, I don’t like that word, it’s a negative word. I feel like it’s a process. It’s a good way, again, to learn about yourself, and learn about how to write songs.
To my, it’s kind of an escapist record that can, you know, just dance to and forget their problems.
Yeah, definitely.
I’m wondering, what helps you remain optimistic and positive when life gets a little too much?
Oh, man. I think exercise is a big thing for me, music, obviously, and just kind of going on long walks. That’s the way I could just figure things out, put things into perspective and just take one step at a time, not have to sprint to the finish line. A nice, steady, pacy walk or a pacy run is fine.
And which song of yours would you show to a person that doesn’t know you yet?
I’d just say, take the record. Take the full record and live with that.
If you had to pick a theme song for your life, what would it be?
A theme song for my life? „I’m Still Standing” by Elton John.
Love that, okay. So, since we are at a festival right now, let’s talk about concerts and touring a bit. Do you have any pre-show rituals that you always do before every concert of yours?
No, not really. I like to warm up, and I think a lot of singers do do that, so. But I don’t have any rituals, I don’t have any things where I need to… I don’t know. I like to say a prayer, maybe before a show, but apart from that, not really.
Alright, and what one thing that you just can’t leave at home when you’re travelling on tour?
My pillow. I like to take a pillow everywhere but just because it smells of home.
Now, you’ve been in the music industry for quite some time now. If you had a time machine and you could go back in time to when you were starting out to give your younger self just one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would say not to panic. Just remain calm and just be you because things will sometimes get tough, that’s life, you know, but just remain being you.
And what does success mean to you personally? Like, how would you define it for yourself?
Happiness.
If you’re happy, then you’re successful.
So true. Okay, and finally, is there a message that you would like to share with your Hungarian fans?
I would say I cannot wait to get back to Hungary. Thank you so much for the support. I’d been walking around Budapest and so many people have been coming up and saying hello, and saying how much they love the music.
If you’re watching this and I haven’t met you, or you haven’t seen me live before, I’ll be coming back to Hungary, I’ll be doing a tour and I’m looking forward to it.
Big love, keep safe, and be happy.
