It's shaping up to be a big year for Tom Walker.

The Scottish born singer songwriter, who grew up in Manchester, has won over a legion of fans following the release of his effortlessly soulful Fly Away With Me and stirring single Play Dead.

He is now in the middle of a UK tour, which visits The Garage in Glasgow tomorrow night, to support his new single, Just You and I.

Ahead of his show, Tom chatted to the Evening Times about Paolo Nutini, his debut album and why he has an irrational hatred of jazz standards.

1 What inspired the track Just You and I?

I wrote this song just after my auntie passed away, she was really young and it was a massive shock to the whole family. I was going through a pretty rubbish patch at the time. The only thing I managed to find peace with was sitting down with my Mrs, having a few beers and chatting through it. We have a little sit down once a month, have a few drinks and chat through everything we are both worried about. That's what the song is about really, no matter how bad things get, we've always got each other.

2 You’re being touted as the next big thing, how does that feel?

Pretty good. I’m trying not to think about all that, its awesome and everything, but i just want to write some great songs and if people like and connect with them then I’m doing it right. 

3 Were you surprised at the reaction to ‘Fly Away with Me’ and ‘Play Dead’?

It's great that people love the music. I’ve had loads of lovely messages from fans, especially for 'Fly away with me'. People really seem to connect with that song.

I had a message recently from a fan who was suffering from depression and they mentioned that 'Fly away with me' had really helped them see the light in darker times. It's awesome to hear stuff like that. 

4 You’re currently recording your debut album, what can you tell me about it?

It's a secret. We’ve got some big things in the pipe line but I’m not giving anything away yet. 

5 When’s the album scheduled for release?

I'm not too sure. It's not ready to come out of the oven yet, I want to make sure it's cooked to perfection first. 

6 You were born in Scotland and raised in Manchester, how has this influenced your sound and style?

I’ve always loved good music, I’m not really fussed where it comes from. It was awesome growing up listening to Oasis and Paolo Nutini, but I also loved growing up listening to Ray Charles and Muddy Waters. As long as it's good I’ll give it a listen.  

7 You spent a few years in a house share with other musicians, how did this shape your sound?

It was awesome, everyone had their own little project. Walking from room to room was amazing, checking out what everyone was working on. We also had a fully stocked live room so we used to jam together a lot which was really fun. I love playing drums, I’m not very good but it was awesome having a kit there to beat the c**p out of if you where having a bad day.

8 Is it important for you to play and try out different styles of music?

100%. I don’t do it so much these days but I spent three years at the London Centre of Contemporary Music studying a whole host of different genre’s. It really helped with my development. In the end I did gain an irrational hatred for jazz standards after hearing three years worth of Watermelon Man. 

9 Who are your musical inspirations?

The list is too big to mention everyone. I'm a huge fan of Paolo Nutini, I’m so in love with his songs and his voice. I love his career path. He takes ages to make an album but when it comes around it's a 10/10 album. 

10 You’re playing the Garage tomorrow, what can fans expect from the show?

I’ve done a few solo shows in Scotland but I’ve never played with the full band. I'm really excited for fans to see what the songs are like with a really full live sound. I’ve also added a few new songs into the mix that only a few fans have heard at live shows over the last month. 

11 How do Scottish crowds compare to others?

Scottish crowds are always a good laugh, they never take life too seriously and there's always great banter. It's always a good boozy night at gigs up in Scotland. 

12 What’s your favourite Scottish venue?

King Tut’s is one of my absolute favourites. The sound is awesome and they always look after their artists. Always a great gig there.

13 Plans for the future?

Write some great tunes, do some great gigs, collaborate with some amazing artists and finish my album. 

Tom Walker will play The Garage on Thursday, February 2.