Tom Walker opens up about his struggles and lost passion for music

Scottish singer Tom Walker's latest single, "Freaking Out," delves into his anxiety and feelings of isolation, even when surrounded by friends. The song struck a chord with many listeners and garnered praise from fans, some of whom related to the lyrics on a personal level. Despite not making it into the top 40 charts and not achieving the streaming success of his previous hits, Walker values the emotional connection his music creates with listeners more than chart statistics. In the past, Walker had lost his passion for music, but the raw and relatable response to "Freaking Out" helped him regain that connection. Walker's musical journey began in his childhood, listening to records with his father and later teaching himself to play various instruments. After studying songwriting, he released his own music in 2016. Walker rose to prominence with his song "Leave A Light On" and won the Brit Award for best breakthrough artist. However, when the pandemic hit, Walker felt pressured to quickly write a follow-up album, which led to a loss of motivation and falling out of love with music. As the world started reopening, Walker faced challenges during his first live performances, including experiencing panic attacks on stage. Over the past year, he released several singles, including the protest song "Number 10" and the romantic tribute "The Best Is Yet To Come." Finally, in spring of the following year, Walker found inspiration and wrote the bulk of his second album, I Am, in just three weeks. The new album features a more gritty and percussive sound, with lyrics delving into darker topics. One of the standout tracks is "Lifeline," written after Walker tragically lost a close friend. Initially hesitant to release the song, he ultimately decided it was crucial to address these important issues. Walker hopes to collaborate with organizations like the Samaritans or Calm to provide the right resources and support for those struggling with mental health. While his music tackles heavy subjects, Walker's compassion and ability to find hope and happiness in the midst of darkness shine through. He approaches the future with cautious optimism and is excited to embark on a headline tour, arriving at venues on his scooter. Despite his worries, Walker's audience remains loyal, and his upcoming tour has already sold out in multiple cities.