TikTok artist’s debut single is a hit

By Thomas Marks

Essex singer and internet sensation Sam Ryder has released his debut single “Whirlwind”, which went to the top of the global and UK iTunes charts within 25 hours of it being released.

Ryder has been part of several bands over the years and has toured the world. Although his newfound fame has come from him staying safe at home where he started uploading short covers of songs to TikTok.

After being noticed by SIA, Justin Bieber and Alicia Keys he gained millions of followers. Recently he was crowned the “Most popular artist on TikTok in the UK” with others like HRVY, Liam Payne, Lewis Capaldi and Yungblud who made up the rest of the top five.

Because of the lockdown rules Ryder has yet to perform live in either 2020 or 2021, instead he “just sang me head off into my phone.” Due to lack of performances Ryder had more time which “provided a fantastic opportunity for a renewed sense of focus” for writing songs.

This extra thought is evident in “Whirlwind” which could have different meanings depending on the listener, where you could be either spirally up or down and that “where you end up may not be completely up to you.”

However, it is obvious what many people thought of the song with it appearing on BBC Radio 1 and in playlists created by Spotify and other streaming services with Ryder’s face on the front of Spotify’s “New pop UK” collection.

To make this song he has worked with some of the best in the business including producer Jamie Hartman who has worked with Rag’n’Bone Man and Calvin Harris as well as being assisted by other big-name producers.

This will not be a one off as Sam already has other songs written and he has plans to keep going to hopefully build on his already growing fan base.