Tom Walker on self-care, a Lewis Capaldi collab and giving space to marginalised voices: People arent being heard and they feel like they dont have a say

Music
Tom Walker playing at Serbia's EXIT festival, after six shows at Glastonbury the week before
Tom Walker at Serbias EXIT festival, after six shows at Glastonbury the previous week (Photo: EXIT festival)

Brit British Breakthrough award winner Tom Walkers star is taking off, but hes under no illusions about his unique privilege.

Many of Walkers songs, like smash hits Angels and Leave a Light On, focus on those on the margins of society and getting through hard times.

Its a bit depressing in England at the moment, isnt it? Walker tells Metro.co.uk, on the eve of his first performance in far-flung Serbia for EXIT festival.

I just feel like people arent being heard and that they feel like they dont have a say.

But Walker, who has had friends struggle with addiction, is powerfully optimistic – a quality that has endeared him to fans.

You know what? Were strong in the UK – its an amazing place to live and an amazing place to be, whatever happens,

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Whatever happens, well make the best of it, because thats what we do as British people.

Walkers no stranger to difficult times himself, either.

Five years ago, he was struggling to make ends meet whilst busking on the streets of London.

He says allowing himself space and leaning on his friends and fiancee Annie, to whom he recently got engaged, helped him stay tethered.

As long as you like get to feel like a normal person every once in a while its all good, Walker says.

Its just remembering to do that.

My mates are the best mates on the planet, and so is my fiance Annie – shes an absolute legend

When I met her, I didnt have any kind of employment, never mind anything to do with music. Shes been with me through this whole crazy six year journey until now.

The Scottish-born singer hasnt forgotten the pains of being young, either.

When youre a teenager, and quite young especially, you take everything really seriously and worry about whats cool and whats not cool, says Walker.

I think just concern yourself with you, and make sure you look after you, because thats the only kind of important person,

Once youve got a hold of yourself, then youre going to be a much better person to be around other people.

Its this practical, down-to-earth image that has helped launch Walker to stardom – a fact hes grateful for.

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You dont have to be this really crazy high maintenance pop star, whos all about fashion and the look and makeup and the clothes and the hair to get into the game, says Walker.

You can just be like this normal person, which is refreshing.

Its not just Walker who has benefitted from an authentic appearance.

Walker has often been lumped in fellow scot singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi, whRead More – Source

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