2020 has been a breakout year for British country music star, Tommy Atkins. 

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Following his chart-topping, radio hits Cinderella’s Had a Drink (#1 LGBTQ Music Chart, #2 U.K. iTunes Country, #2 Q32 Chart Canada, #3 New Zealand iTunes Country) and Wild in the Wind (#2 N.Z. iTunes Country, #5 U.K. iTunes Country), the freshly crowned Male Artist of the Year (CMS Listener’s Choice Awards 2019) has released a heartfelt cover of Wham’s 1984 hit, Freedom. 

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So far, the single has reached the top 10 in three countries across four different charts (#2 N.Z. iTunes Country, #4 Q32 Chart Canada, #5 U.K. iTunes Country, #6 LGBTQ Music Chart), garnering critical acclaim and international radio play. 

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Atkins has received praise for not only making the song his own, but for making history at country radio with a song that features openly gay lyrics. And already, it’s led to a nomination for the Positive Role Model Award (LGBT) at the prestigious National Diversity Awards 2020.

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“I hope I can be an open and positive representative for the LGBTQ community in country music. Songs like “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves told mainstream audiences that love is love, now it’s time to show them.”

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The track was recorded in Nashville by producer Dr Ford and features 2020 GRAMMY winner, Michael Cleveland, on fiddle; legendary pedal steel player, Smith Curry (Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift), and Chris Condon on guitars (Billy Ray Cyrus). The song was mastered by GRAMMY-nominated engineer, Pete Lyman, for Infrasonic Sound (Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, Sturgill Simpson).

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The last few years have seen Tommy make regular appearances on radio shows and stages across the world, including a month-long trip to Nashville where he performed at legendary venues like The Bluebird Café and Bobby’s Idle Hour. Following a string of sold-out headline shows in the U.K., the dynamic performer is excited for what lies ahead.

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“I’ve tried to infuse my shows with the magic of a writer’s round by telling the stories behind the songs, but I also love to let loose on the upbeat songs with my band and bring a bit of downtown Nashville to the stage. It’s kind of becoming a show of two halves and audiences are really responding to that. I can’t wait to get back out on the road and watch it grow!”