Liverpool student proves to be a hit on iTunes

A Liverpool music student has soared to the top of the iTunes Alternative Songs Chart, with the release of his debut single.

Tom Rogan, who is in the second year of his BA Music degree at media, music and performing arts institute LMA, released Here We Are just last week and, after entering the iTunes Alternative Songs Chart at number nine, reached number one.

The song, which was created in collaboration with local producer Chris Grant, is currently sitting above the likes Taylor Swift, Tom Grennan and Kings of Leon.

And it’s already picked up a celebrity following, with LMA co-owner Robbie Williams encouraging his followers on Instagram to check out Here We Are.

Now, Tom is hoping the track will garner enough streams and downloads to make it into The Official UK Top 40.

Tom, 19, from Everton, said:

“I wrote the song about a year ago and shared it in a songwriters’ Facebook group that I’m a member of. It had a slightly different sound then and even a different title so it wasn’t until I worked with Chris that it became what it is now.

“I recorded it and thought nothing more of it, so I couldn’t believe it when it did so well. To think people are actually streaming my song is incredible – it would be amazing to enter The Official UK Top 40, so I’d love as much support as possible in terms of streaming across the various platforms.”

Located across two campuses – Metquarter in Liverpool and Here East in London – LMA offers degree courses and BTEC qualifications across 14 subjects, including music; musical theatre; dance; acting; and film and TV production.

Tom added: “Studying at LMA has given me the opportunity to really focus on what I love doing, while still learning the skills I need to succeed in the business.

“I’d say I take a lot my inspiration from the likes of The Beatles, Noel Gallagher and Artic Monkeys, and it’s fantastic to be able put this into practice and develop a track in the real world. I’m looking forward to where it could.”

Richard Wallace, co-founder of media, music and performing arts institute LMA, where Tom studies BA Music, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of how Tom has gone out there and got his music heard by so many people in such a short space of time.

“It’s a true testament to his talents, the skills he’s been able to hone at LMA and, crucially, his drive to succeed. At LMA, we make sure we maintain a close-knit community and, despite us being in lockdown at the moment and unable to all be together, I know that our students will join me in giving a Tom a huge pat on the back – we’re excited to see what his future holds.”

Listen to the track here.