Singer-songwriter Ten Tonnes has played the majority of music venues in Glasgow, and by the end of the year, he will have ticked another two off his list.

The 22-year-old, actually called Ethan Barnett, is in the early stages of a meteoric rise and about to hit the road for a headline tour that sold-out weeks in advance.

Ten Tonnes looks set to make a major breakthrough with the release of his debut album on April 5 - a record that has been in the pipeline for over four years.

“Some of the songs I wrote when I was 18, so it’s been a bit of a long process”, he explains.

Read more: LA's Mini Mansions perform at one of Glasgow's smallest venues

“But I’m pleased with that really because if I had released it sooner it wouldn’t have been as good. We took our time, but just enough time.”

Opening with a tenacious new take on his debut track Lucy, the album finds Ten Tonnes exploring “the highs, the lows and the in-betweens of love and relationships” throughout a contemporary collection of sharp-witted rock ‘n’ roll anthems.

While Ethan plays with self-deprecating and unlucky-in-love experiences on the likes of Better Than Me and Born To Lose, the album also explores the relatable emotions of a young man who’s eager to experience life outside of his hometown.

The album features production from Hugo White (The Maccabees) and Dan Grech (Wolf Alice, The Killers, Liam Gallagher) as well co-writes with Nick Hodgson (Kaiser Chiefs), Crispin Hunt (Florence + The Machine, Jake Bugg, Lana Del Rey) and Luke Potashnick (Charlie Puth, James Blunt). Maccabees’ duo Rupert Shepherd and Sam Doyle play on select tracks.

Working with such established musicians didn’t come easy for Ethan, who admits getting nervous.

He adds: “I’m always quite nervous before I meet anyone but they’re always really nice, normal dudes. I think everyone's main advice was just to enjoy it and make the most of it.

“I ended up working with people that I admire so it’s really cool.”

The album’s lead single Better Than Me made a big impression at radio. Annie Mac was on board for the track’s first play, while further Radio 1 backing included a Maida Vale session for Jack Saunders plus support from Dev and Alice. Subsequent airplay included the daytime list at Radio X and Chris Hawkins at 6 Music.

That momentum continued unabated into 2019 with further airplay from Annie Mac at Radio 1, Lauren Laverne at 6 Music and Jo Whiley at Radio 2, where it was added to the C List. Better Than Me was also played on Chris Evans’ first show for Virgin Radio, which Ten Tonnes soon followed by landing daytime support.

And to cap it all, Ten Tonnes was featured in YouTube’s Ones To Watch 2019 playlist as well as Radio X’s Great X-Pectations list of the best new music, artists and bands for 2019.

But the early success isn’t causing too much stress for easy-going Ethan,

He explains: “It’s really a positive thing because I’ve been doing it for what feels like quite a long time. So when things start paying off, it's the best feeling ever because I’ve been working on it for three years.

Last year saw Ten Tonnes complete a busy year of touring which he concluded by hitting the UK and Europe as guest to his brother George Ezra. He also played packed arenas with Stereophonics, instigated chaotic scenes with Rat Boy and won over crowds when touring with Tom Grennan.

He adds: “Selling out gigs is such a mental thing for me. I done so many support tours last year and I’ve not done many headline shows. If I can keep doing that forever - I’ll be sweet. I’m really pleased with how our show looks.”

“Sometimes people just aren't interested but no matter what the crowd is like, it's always a win-win. You’re picking up new fans and, if not, you get the experience of playing in front of massive crowds which is so invaluable.

“It definitely helps my confidence on stage.”

Ethan credits his influence to older acts, including Elvis Costello, Tom Petty and The Beatles, with added touches of the newer bands like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys.

Read more of Glasgow's top news stories here 

Growing up with brother George Ezra, the pair were always keen on creating music but never dreamed it would go as well as it has.

While George is selling out arenas and headlining festivals, Ethan is happy to go at his own pace.

He adds: “I would be lying if I didn't want to play big shows, even just doing St Luke’s, that to me is massive so whatever happens happens as long as im still playing shows I’ll be happy.

“Glasgow is one of my favourite places to play. I’ve been lucky enough to have played pretty much all the venues there which is mad. The crowds are absolutely mental so it’s always a highlight.

“Since the gigs at the start of the year I’ve just be raring to get back on the road again so I’m quite impatient.”

Ten Tonnes will play St Luke’s on May 11 and Glasgow Summer Sessions on August 25.