Feature: Cormac Thompson
After the success of his first two albums ‘A Borrowed Gift’ (2023 - Independent) and ‘Hear My Voice’ (2020 - Decca UMG) collectively sold over 3500 copies, ‘one to watch’ young vocalist Cormac Thompson (15) is back with his 4th single release this year.
Cormac’s new track, ‘Days Like These’ demonstrates how, yet again, he is taking his music in a different direction and how his haunting vocals earned him a record deal with Decca when he was just 11 years old.
Since 2021, Cormac has been recording and releasing music independently. With performances at The Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium, Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, and Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, he is no stranger to large audiences and prestigious venues.
In combination with his interviews on ITV, BBC1, Sky, and Channel 5, Cormac is earnestly solidifying his place in the emerging talent field. He is also building a strong, supportive fan community, so far gaining him 2.2 million Spotify streams and 8 million YouTube views to date.
‘Days Like These’ sees Cormac at an exciting point in his career, as he is free to experiment with genre, direction, and his individuality. Originally written by Grammy award-winning American singer-songwriter, Janis Ian, it was a welcomed, refreshing project by Cormac, “I’m very lucky to have done some amazing things because of my singing”.
Tackling themes of grief, self-reflection, conflict, and acceptance, Cormac says the track helped him process his grandfather’s passing and the upsetting context surrounding it. Capturing his unique, personal input, Janis Ian thanked Cormac for “not copying all my phrasing, but making it his own instead”.
Not only does this demonstrate Cormac’s mature and sensitive approach to music, but the infinite ways in which he uses his talents to interpret different songs and styles.
The accompanying music video is set in 1985 and portrays Cormac’s family history, with Cormac himself playing his father. Made in collaboration with his award-winning film-maker friends, Elijah Anthony and Sean Treacy, it has received Janis Ian’s seal of approval as she observes the video and song “as though they were created for one another”
Cormac’s accolades, accomplishments, and sheer statistical achievements speak for themselves loud and clear. It is obvious that Cormac is a talent to watch as he rapidly continues to grow within the industry and develops his artistry along the way. With a new song, new voice, and new direction, Cormac is embarking on an endearing, intriguing journey, and he is encouraging others to join him for the ride.
