Tom A. Smith tells us about his rare heart condition as he announces debut album ‘The Golden Gates’

Sunderland singer-songwriter Tom A. Smith has announced his debut album, *The Golden Gates*, and spoken publicly for the first time about living with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The rare congenital condition means the left side of his heart is critically underdeveloped; Smith says sharing his story through the record is a way to take ownership of something that has shaped his life and uncertain future.

The 22-year-old underwent five life-saving surgeries by the age of four and expects to need more intensive medical care as he gets older. The album follows three emotional chapters: frustration, love and acceptance, and was co-produced by Barry Hyde of The Futureheads. Its lead single, “Carry That Weight”, was co-written with The Maccabees’ Hugo White; Smith says the album cover’s visible chest scar is intended to help explain the songs and honour how he felt as a child.