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

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/tom-a-smith-tells-us-about-his-rare-heart-condition-as-he-announces-debut-album-the-golden-gates/
- Published: 2026-11-10T09:00:35+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T09:25:08+00:00
- Original publisher: NME
- Original article: https://www.nme.com/news/music/tom-a-smith-interview-the-golden-gates-debut-album-carry-that-weight-hugo-white-maccabees-tour-3975465
- Topics: Business, Entertainment, Markets, Music

## Key points

- Tom A. Smith has revealed his lifelong heart condition.
- His debut album explores frustration, love and acceptance.
- “Carry That Weight” was co-written with Hugo White.

## Summary

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.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.