MUMBAI: British newcomer Tom Walker continues to underline his name as one of the stories of the year with a huge new video for his new track track Heartland co-written and produced by Naughty Boy. Currently blazing up the BBCR1 playlist, this stand alone track following the release of his debut EP Blessings on Relentless Records is feeling like the tipping point towards something truly special for one of the UK’s brightest new talents.
The unrelenting wave for Manchester’s new favourite son sees him placed alongside Stormzy, Sampha and Anne Marie on the BBC Radio number one on BRIT List amid massive critical acclaim from heavyweight taste makers incl. The Sunday Times, Pigeons and Planes,Wonderland, Shortlist and MTV. Tom would go on to mark his breakout year with hisfirst major US TV performance on The Today Show playing three sold out shows in LA and New York before returning to London for a raucous full house at Omeara.
Directed by Ollie Wolf of Caviar, Heartland gets the kind of tumultuous, emotive visuals you’d expect for a people’s anthem bursting at the seams with feeling and struggle. He states, I’m not sure people realise that modern slavery exists in this country and all though it is loosely implied, it was something I wanted to explore and shine a light on with this film. That, twined with the concept of patriotism having a shelf life fascinated me. What would make the most British of British men loose respect and admiration for the country they were born in? This was my starting point for Heartland and the road trip of this unlikely couple grew organically from there.
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Shot in the heartland of Britain, the video follows an unlikely pairing through their politically charged journey to a better life. Quiet heroism amidst modern day slavery gives Heartland the feel of a gritty and increasingly relevant home grown story. Touring the UK in November, there’s simply no denying the noise that Tom’s making at the moment. With the kind of natural presence and charisma that most artists would kill for, it’s nevertheless the young artist’s humility and instinct for vivid storytelling that places him firmly and deservedly into the serious breakthrough lists for this year.
