Tom Smith, the acclaimed frontman of Editors, has officially stepped into the solo spotlight, releasing his debut single, 'Lights Of New York City,' today via Play It Again Sam. This poignant track offers the first glimpse into Smith's individual artistry, a departure from his two-decade journey with Editors and his collaborative work as one half of Smith & Burrows.
Smith describes 'Lights Of New York City' as a nostalgic reflection, "pining for lost youth, a song looking back at the wide-eyed wonder held in a previous chapter of my life." The single hints at the musical direction of his nascent solo project, with Smith teaming up with Irish singer-songwriter Iain Archer to help shape and realize his creative vision. The track is accompanied by a captivating music video, directed and produced by Niall Trask.
Explaining his decision to temporarily diverge from his band duties, Smith shared his artistic drive for a purer expression. "I realized I wanted to do something which was a purer representation of the songs I write, in the style I always have, on an acoustic guitar or a piano, presented simply," he explained. While acknowledging the indefinable genre of his solo material – "I’ve got no idea if it’s folky, country’y, crooner’y or what really" – Smith emphasized his inherent inclination to "write and sing sad songs."
He notes that these melancholic compositions often evolve into "something bigger, and often something more confrontational" when developed with Editors. However, with this solo endeavor, Smith aimed for recordings that would remain "simpler and closer to the ideas they were when I conceived them." This intimate approach promises a raw and personal listening experience for fans eager to hear a new facet of Tom Smith's profound songwriting.
'Lights Of New York City' is available now on Play It Again Sam.
Smith describes 'Lights Of New York City' as a nostalgic reflection, "pining for lost youth, a song looking back at the wide-eyed wonder held in a previous chapter of my life." The single hints at the musical direction of his nascent solo project, with Smith teaming up with Irish singer-songwriter Iain Archer to help shape and realize his creative vision. The track is accompanied by a captivating music video, directed and produced by Niall Trask.
Explaining his decision to temporarily diverge from his band duties, Smith shared his artistic drive for a purer expression. "I realized I wanted to do something which was a purer representation of the songs I write, in the style I always have, on an acoustic guitar or a piano, presented simply," he explained. While acknowledging the indefinable genre of his solo material – "I’ve got no idea if it’s folky, country’y, crooner’y or what really" – Smith emphasized his inherent inclination to "write and sing sad songs."
He notes that these melancholic compositions often evolve into "something bigger, and often something more confrontational" when developed with Editors. However, with this solo endeavor, Smith aimed for recordings that would remain "simpler and closer to the ideas they were when I conceived them." This intimate approach promises a raw and personal listening experience for fans eager to hear a new facet of Tom Smith's profound songwriting.
'Lights Of New York City' is available now on Play It Again Sam.
