"TIME moves on and seasons change, nothing ever stays the same."

And so it has proved for singer Tom Grennan who, until around three years ago, had no desire to pursue a career in music.

But after taking the microphone at a party with friends the Bedford native - and those around him - discovered he possessed one of the most powerful voices heard in years.

Nothing ever stays the same.

Now, he has featured on a single with drum and bass standard bearers Chase & Status, has released critically-acclaimed EPs and is just back from a writing and recording trip in the US.

The 20-year-old is also embarking on a headline UK tour later in the year, as well as performing at the Reading and Leeds Festivals in August.

"It's a bit of a blur but it's really, really good," he said.

"I'm just enjoying every little bit of it. I'm lucky to be in the position I'm in and I'm not taking it for granted.

"It was really quick. Music, for me, it was three, three and a half years ago when I actually did my first gig and stuff and knew I wanted to do it but I never knew how big it could get, or where I would be.

"It's all been so quick."

And despite a whirlwind of activity and achievements, including being named on the prestigious BBC Ones to watch list for 2017, Tom is determined to stay grounded, using his appearance at the famous Reading and Leeds Festivals as an example, where he will appear on the Festival Republic Stage alongside the likes of Ash.

"I've never really done a festival and to be doing Reading and Leeds, I'm buzzing," he said. 

"It's crazy. I used to go to Reading and that's what I'll definitely be saying up there - whoever is out there, believe it can happen. If I'm stood here, you can be too."


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But surely mixing with chart toppers like Chase & Status and writing in L.A. must change an aspiring artist?

"No, because I know I'm going to keep my feet on the ground," he says. "I know right now that it won't change me.

"It might change my life but as a person I know the man that I am. 

"Just because I do music, I'm not any different to my mate who works on a building site."

And it could all have been so different.

Far from seeing his name on a music bill, it could have been on a football teamsheet, as Tom was a promising young footballer, playing for the likes of Luton Town and Stevenage.

"I was going to go to America (to play football)," he explains. "But I just didn't, because of women and alcohol, then I found music.

"Don't get me wrong, I can still hit a 40-yard ping..."  

But rather than cultured passes on a football pitch, Tom continues to wow audiences with his soulful and astonishingly powerful voice which has drawn comparisons with the likes of Paolo Nutini.

On tracks such as Sweet Hallelujah and the above-quoted Praying, themes of discovery, almost of personal battles, emerge. 

Is the current state of uncertainty in the world something he consciously seeks to address in his songs?

"I think everyone is taking in the state of the world right now," Tom says, but insists he speaks only for himself and the world around him, rather than grandstanding on any political platform. 

"I am writing about myself in the world.

"I just write the music I want to write about the world that I am living in."

But what should people expect from a Tom Grennan set? Who would he compare himself to?

"Tom Grennan," he jokes. 

"If people have seen me before, but not recently, I now have a full band.

"If you haven't seen me before, expect high-energy, expect powerful vocals, good music and good vibes."

Who can argue with that?

The Reading and Leeds Festivals take place across the August Bank Holiday weekend, featuring main stage headliners Kasabian, Eminem and Muse.

For full line-up details and to buy tickets, visit www.readingfestival.com and www.leedsfestival.com.