Live at The Cluny 2 in Newcastle upon Tyne: Tommy Ashby

As his first self-produced effort, sophomore album ‘Mantis’ is understandably Tommy’s most introspective and personal work yet. A self-confessed over-thinker, Tommy uses the record to examine the anxieties and fears that arise through isolation and how our emotional connections and relationships to others can support us at our most vulnerable moments

“The album name Mantis comes from the song of the same name, which is about the fear of making a real connection with someone. I liked the weird metaphor of a mantis, known for decapitating its potential mate. The idea is that we exaggerate the risks, and they hold us from doing what we should. The worry that if we put ourselves out there, our flaws will be on display for all to see. But opening ourselves up, even only a tiny bit, is the only way we make connections with others. This song moves from the fear of being rejected to the happiness that comes with connection.” ‘

Tommy’s previous works have amassed over 30 million streams across Spotify and seen him tour with the likes of Skinny Living, Banners, Tom Speight, Turin Brakes, Luke Sital-Singh, Jamie Lawson, and Nina Nesbitt as well as receiving continued support across Spotify Editorial mood playlists, and a multitude of syncs at mainstream media including Grey’s Anatomy, Atypical (Netflix), Love Island, The Innocents (Netflix), Found (NBC) and across various placements on advertising and film.