(w)hole is Sam Tompkins’ way of reminding us that “we are so much stronger together; no man is an island.”

Having been highlighted as one of GIG GOER’s Ones To Watch for 2021, Brighton-based singer-songwriter Sam Tompkins has defied all odds and expectations with his latest single (w)hole. The last notable tracks were Kings and Charlie, raw singles on love, loss, and drug abuse, and were released in the Summer of 2020. Since then, Tompkins has come an awful long way, without even having to release any new music. The beginning months of this year saw Tompkins go viral on Instagram – and worldwide – by posting covers of some of his favourite songs; behind the scenes he’s been grinding at his new single, (w)hole.

This track epitomises everything Sam Tompkins is right now. Fans have been patient, knowing Tompkins wants everything he releases to be the best it can be. Hell, it is more than worth the wait. (w)hole reiterates Tompkins’ want for everyone to just be kind to each other, and that it is okay to need people – we can’t pull ourselves out of this “ocean sized open hole” on our own. Soft, gentle, acoustic verses are overcome by a wave of emotion come the bridge and chorus. Yelling “why is everything so hopeless?” at one of Tompkins’ sold-out tour dates will feel so cathartic.

We may be eight months into the year, but it’s only just started for this star.

On the single, Sam Tompkins commented:

I think ‘(w)hole’ is sort of a realisation that not every problem in the world can be fixed by one person. If there is meaning or purpose to this life, it has to come from being and working alongside one another.