Scottish singer-songwriter and doctor in ‘the perception of sound’ Tommy Ashby, releases ‘Steady Hand’ (REL 29.03.19) the Second single from his forthcoming ‘Golden Arrow’ EP set for release April 2019 via Wow and Flutter Records.

Listen to ‘Steady Hand’ here

‘Steady hand’ was penned at the end of an incredible, yet intense five months, where Tommy was the session guitarist for Ed Sheeran’s mega stadium tour. The song continues the familiar story of the troubadour’s tale describing the frustrations and at times overwhelming loneliness of life on the road.

Tommy reflects on that time “I’d spent a lot of time wandering through incredible towns and cities, watching everyone go about their lives, but it left me feeling like a bit of a ghost. I think it is no surprise that mental health issues are prevalent in the music industry, where there are so few constants. I think touring can leave musicians craving routine as much as 9-5 jobs can leave people wanting to escape it!

‘Steady Hand’ is a reminder that you need people and individual relationships to make you want to engage with the world and have that feeling of being safe and needed. I think large groups of people can be overwhelming, I’m not sure whether we as humans are designed to understand them.

Produced and mixed by Grammy award winner Sam Okell (John Grant, Graham Coxon) the track is drenched in alluring textures as the track builds with snappy percussion and soaring guitar work.

Tommy Ashby’s background is a rather unusual one for a singer-songwriter. Awarded a PhD in the perception of sound before most of us have grown out of daily midday lie-ins. Tommy manages to blend a technical understanding of the way our brain processes sound with the undisputable pure creative energy of someone who grew up writing and playing music in the wilds of Scotland.

‘Steady Hand’ continues the story of Tommy’s second EP, his previous EP, Restless Love, garnered support from Fearne Cotton, Radio 2, Spotify editorial, Record of the Day and major global syncs for Grey’s Anatomy, Netflix’s The Innocents and NBC’s Midnight Texas to name a few.

Tommy recently supported Scottish Band The Xcerts, Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Hyslop and toured the highlands with Sean McGowan. He has also toured the UK & Europe supporting Rhodes, Tom Speight and Nina Nesbitt.

Tommy Ashby’s Golden Arrow EP is released on April 26^th 2019 via Wow and Flutter Records. Golden Arrow EP

Live Dates

The Slaughtered Lamb, London, April 10^th

Praise for Tommy

“a richly nuanced affair that’s built around a steadily mounting wash of rich guitars, laying the foundation for Ashby’s effortlessly emotive vocal.” Louder Than War

“A compelling song that brings into focus some of our own judgements as well as questioning how independent we truly are as individuals and as a society.” Folk Radio UK

“an impeccable presence, honing an ability to fuse soft, tender vocals with a touch of intimate and infectious songwriting” Spindle