Musician Tom Grennan started off training to be a professional footballer before riding high in the charts and playing to thousands at music festivals, but his hardest job was being a labourer.
At the age of 27, Tom has seemingly done it all, and puts his unstoppable energy down to frequent training and a pescatarian diet.
Recently, OPPO partnered with Tom to celebrate the OPPO Enco X2 earphones and to showcase how music is the soundtrack of his life and inspires him in all areas of his lifestyle.
Your first career path was football – does music seem like second best?
I have always had a huge love of the game but music nudges into first place for me. I find music very cathartic, and it gives me the chance to really connect with my emotions. The adrenaline rush of football is also prevalent when I’m psyching myself up for live performances, so being a musician gives me the best of both worlds.
Are there any other similarities between your music career and football?
The biggest similarity is my equal love for both music and football. My music career is thriving, but ultimately my football career was cut short. Anything I do, I do with energy, and I give it my all, so ultimately, I think that’s why I’ve been lucky with my music taking off.
What mindset do you bring from professional sport to music?
I have a huge hunger and a desire to win. This is a mindset that I definitely take from sport to my music career. I’m very goal-driven. I hunt my goals down and work for them. Preparation is as key in sport as it is in the live music arena, so having the mindset of winning and applying this to everything I do is really important to me.
Are you still really into training, and what do you do to keep fit?
I train a minimum of five times a week. Not only does it keep me fit for live shows, but just as importantly it keeps me mentally sharp and in a positive headspace, which is where I thrive. It’s a crucial part of my life.
I find it really motivating to put on my OPPO Enco X2 earphones, play a favourite track and turn up the volume – the high sound quality really gets my blood pumping.
What sporty hobbies have you taken up that people wouldn’t know about?
I love rock climbing in my spare time, as well as five/seven-a-side football. I’m also really into my running, which declutters the mind and helps me to destress from a busy day, and I’m always listening to music while pounding the streets to keep me motivated. For my next sport-related goal, I really want to learn how to dive off the big boards in a swimming pool.
What is more exhausting, going on tour, or doing 90mins on the pitch?
I would say touring is more exhausting. Don’t get me wrong, I love the live performance, but the travel can be a killer. It’s amazing to see the world, but it can also be a lot of sitting in airports for hours on end, which bizarrely is quite draining due to constant early flights. I shouldn’t moan, though, once upon a time I was a labourer and that’s far more brutal.
What are the hardest things, physically and mentally about being a singer and performing?
The cardiovascular side of moving and bringing energy whilst trying to nail huge notes in songs can be challenging. Mentally, it can be difficult with having massive highs and then going to a silent room within a few minutes of finishing, it can be a bit mad.
When I’m in that headspace, I often turn to music to help be wind down and bring myself back to reality. Music really does follow me through all areas of my life. I’ll go onto Spotify and bring up one of the chill playlists to bring me back down calmly.
What do you do to switch off, and what does it do for your health?
I’m that guy who just dives onto the sofa and zones out with the TV on. That’s when I’m really chilled and my brain switches off.
Is there anything you wish you could do more of when it comes to exercise, or fitness, that you can’t?
I’m really getting into boxing lately and I definitely want to start trying to master that art. Footwork and body conditioning – that’s the next thing I want to improve.
What do you eat?
I’m a pescatarian and I eat very clean in truth – a good salad box on the road is my go-to. Decent, good food always brings the fuel for me. I’m also very partial to a protein bar to get my energy up.
Guilty pleasure?
Don’t get me started! It’s always got to be sweets and chocolate for me, it’s a slippery slope.
Best advice for staying in shape?
Consistent one-hour work out, three times a week, combined with a balanced diet. This always gives me the best results.
Find out more about OPPO earphones on the OPPO website.
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