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Ten Tonnes
Ten Tonnes
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Key Information

Ethan James Barnett (born 23 August 1996), best known by his stage name Ten Tonnes, is an English singer-songwriter and musician.[1] After releasing two EPs, Lucy (2016) and Born to Lose (2017), he released his eponymous debut studio album, Ten Tonnes, through Warner Bros. Records on 3 May 2019,[2] and scored a top 40 position in the UK upon release.

In 2021, he released his EP, So Long, which features the single "Everything You Got". His second studio album, Dancing, Alone, was released on 28 July 2023.[3] On 3 February 2025, he announced that his fifth EP, Heaven Sent, would be his last release as Ten Tonnes.[4]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Details Official Album Sales Charts Official Independent Albums Chart
UK
[5]
UK
[6]
Ten Tonnes 31
Dancing, Alone
  • Released: 28 July 2023
  • Label: Silver Heat Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, vinyl
61 19

Extended plays

[edit]
List of extended plays, with selected details
Title Details
Lucy
  • Released: 24 March 2016[7]
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download
Born to Lose
  • Released: 9 June 2017[8]
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records
  • Format: Digital download
Acoustic
  • Released: 15 December 2017[9]
  • Label: Warner Bros. Records
  • Format: Digital download
So Long
  • Released: 30 June 2021[10]
  • Label: Silver Heat Records
  • Format: Digital download
Heaven Sent
  • Released: 16 May 2025
  • Label: Silver Heat Records
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

[edit]
List of singles as lead artist, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album
"Subtle Changes"[11] 2016 Non-album single
"Silver Heat"[12] 2017 Born to Lose – EP
"Cracks Between"[13] Ten Tonnes
"Lay It On Me"[14] 2018
"G.I.V.E."[15]
"Better Than Me"[16]
"Lucy"[17] 2019
"Girl Are You Lonely Like Me?"[18] 2020 So Long – EP
"Everything You Got"[19] 2021
"Monday Morning"[20] 2023 Dancing, Alone
"Dancing, Alone"[21]
"Lone Star"[22]
"Drowning In the Deep End"[23]
"Little Lovin'"[24] 2024 Non-album singles
"Change Your Mind"[25]
"Heaven Sent"[26] 2025 Heaven Sent – EP
"Things Got Funny"

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Organization Award Work Result
2018 Radio X Great X-Pectations 2019 Himself Included[27]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ten Tonnes is the stage name of Ethan James Barnett (born 23 August 1996), an English singer-songwriter and guitarist from , , recognized for his and that blends guitar-driven melodies with influences from and . As the younger brother of fellow musician , Barnett adopted the moniker Ten Tonnes in 2016 and quickly gained attention in the UK indie scene for his raw, introspective songwriting and energetic live performances. Barnett's career began with the release of his debut EP, Born to Lose, in 2017, produced by Hugo White of The Maccabees and featuring tracks like the titular single that showcased his themes of youthful disillusionment and resilience. Signed to at the time, he followed this with his self-titled debut studio album in 2019, which included hits such as "Better Than Me," peaking at number 31 on the and earning praise for its nostalgic yet contemporary sound. Transitioning to independence in 2020 after parting with his label, Barnett released his second studio album Dancing, Alone in 2023 under his own Silver Heat Records imprint, followed by the So Long EP in 2021, exploring more personal and reflective territory amid the challenges of the music industry. In 2025, Barnett released the Heaven Sent EP on May 16, featuring singles like "Things Got Funny" and culminating in what he described as his final track under the Ten Tonnes name, the poignant "Falling," signaling the conclusion of this chapter in his artistic journey. Throughout his tenure as Ten Tonnes, Barnett has maintained a dedicated fanbase through consistent touring, engagement, and merchandise releases, amassing millions of streams on platforms like for standout tracks such as "G.I.V.E." His work has been characterized by a DIY post-label, emphasizing direct connections with listeners while drawing from classic British rock influences like . As of November 2025, no further performances or releases under the alias have been announced, leaving open possibilities for future projects under his real name or a new persona.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Ethan James Barnett, known professionally as Ten Tonnes, was born on 23 August 1996 in , , . He grew up in this historic as the youngest of three siblings, with an older brother, George Ezra Barnett (born 7 June 1993), who would later become a successful , and an older sister named Jess. The family resided in a supportive household where creativity and personal exploration were encouraged from an early age. Barnett's parents, both educators, played key roles in shaping his upbringing; his father, Paul, a physical education teacher, and his mother, also a teacher. The maintained a close-knit dynamic, with the siblings sharing everyday experiences in their local community. His parents' professions as teachers fostered an environment that valued learning and independence, allowing Barnett to develop a grounded perspective on life. Growing up in Hertford's close community provided Barnett with a sense of stability and normalcy, away from the spotlight that would later surround his brother's career. Early anecdotes from his childhood highlight a preference for relaxed, low-key activities over more structured pursuits like sports, reflecting a personality shaped by familial encouragement rather than external pressures. This foundational period in a non-musical context laid the groundwork for his later personal growth.

Schooling and early musical interests

Barnett attended in , completing his secondary education there amid a typical suburban upbringing in the area. During his school years, he showed early interest in music by taking up the drums at age 9, motivated to keep pace with his older brother who was already playing bass. This foundation in rhythm helped spark his broader musical curiosity, though his focus shifted as he progressed through . At around age 13, Barnett acquired his first guitar for £15 at a local car-boot sale and began teaching himself the instrument, drawing initial inspiration from ' songbook owned by his father. Largely self-taught, he practiced daily and soon started experimenting with songwriting during his teenage years, often influenced by records he played at home, including works by and . His earliest attempts were basic; he wrote his first song at age 14, a jangly piece about uncertainties in relationships that he never completed, marking the beginning of his independent creative process. By age 16, Barnett had begun performing non-professionally in local venues around , including open mics and informal school events, honing his stage presence through these modest outings. Supported by his family—particularly his brother , who offered encouragement in his musical endeavors—Barnett gained confidence in his abilities. After finishing , he enrolled in a one-year production course at the around 2014–2015, but dropped out to prioritize a full-time , finding formal less fulfilling than hands-on practice.

Career

Early releases and rise (2016–2018)

Ethan Barnett adopted the stage name Ten Tonnes in 2016, a moniker he conceived alongside his brother during a casual conversation, aiming for something distinctive to stand out in the music scene. Following the self-release of his debut EP Lucy on 24 March 2016, which featured the titular exploring themes of uncertain young love and emotional vulnerability, Barnett signed with Warner Bros. Records later that year. The EP's jangly sound quickly garnered industry buzz, partly influenced by his sibling's rising profile, which helped facilitate early opportunities without direct involvement. Building on this momentum, Ten Tonnes released his follow-up EP Born to Lose on 9 June 2017 through Warner Bros., produced by Hugo White of The Maccabees, featuring tracks like the introspective "Silver Heat" that delved into personal regrets and relationships. Later that year, on 15 December 2017, he issued the Acoustic EP, offering stripped-down versions of songs including "Subtle Changes"—a 2016 single reflecting on emotional distance—and "Cracks Between," showcasing his raw songwriting style in a more intimate format. These releases highlighted his transition from solo acoustic beginnings to fuller band arrangements, while early media support from , including plays by , amplified his visibility. Amid this rise, Ten Tonnes embarked on his first headline tours in 2017 and 2018, starting with intimate venues and support slots that tested his live presence. However, he grappled with significant challenges, including severe stemming from early awkward performances like a failed cover at age 15, and the pressure of navigating comparisons to his brother's fame, opting for independence despite offers of assistance. These experiences shaped his growth, fostering resilience as he balanced familial musical heritage with carving his own path in the indie scene.

Debut album and breakthrough (2019)

In 2018, Ten Tonnes, whose real name is Ethan Barnett, recorded his self-titled debut album, collaborating with producers including Hugo White, formerly of The Maccabees, and of , who also contributed to co-songwriting on several tracks. The sessions built on the momentum from his earlier EPs, incorporating a mix of re-recorded fan favorites and new material to craft a cohesive full-length project. The album Ten Tonnes was released on 3 May 2019 through Warner Bros. Records, featuring 12 tracks that blended with personal reflections on relationships and youth. Standout included "Disappearer," a driving anthem about fleeting connections, and "Better Than Me," which explored self-doubt in romance. Promotion centered on the re-release of the title track "Lucy" from his 2016 EP, alongside new singles like "Better Than Me," supported by music videos that captured the album's energetic, guitar-driven vibe. The record debuted and peaked at number 31 on the . Critics praised the album's breezy, tuneful indie rock sound and Barnett's introspective lyrics, with The Guardian noting its "guitar singalongs" that evoked The Kooks while avoiding overly polished pop tropes. DIY Magazine awarded it four stars, highlighting how tracks like "G.I.V.E." delivered non-stop energy akin to a live set. The release propelled Ten Tonnes into the mainstream, leading to sold-out headline tours across the UK and Europe in 2019, as well as festival slots at events like Reading and Leeds.

Dancing, Alone and maturation (2020–2023)

The significantly influenced Ten Tonnes' creative process during the early 2020s, prompting a shift toward more introspective songwriting as live performances halted and personal isolation intensified. Written primarily in 2020, tracks like "Monday Morning" captured feelings of being lost and overwhelmed, reflecting the broader disruptions to the music industry and daily life. This period marked a departure from the youthful energy of his 2019 debut, fostering themes of reflection, , and emotional resilience that permeated his subsequent work. In July 2021, Ten Tonnes released the So Long EP via his own Silver Heat Records imprint, serving as his first major output since the debut album and bridging the gap to fuller projects. Produced in collaboration with engineer Jag Jago and recorded in his home studio, the four-track EP—including the single "Go," which earned airplay as BBC Radio 1's Hottest Record—explored evocative, personal narratives with an emphasis on struggles. The release highlighted an emerging maturity, as Ten Tonnes openly addressed in relationships and self-doubt, setting the stage for deeper thematic exploration. Building on this foundation, Dancing, Alone, Ten Tonnes' second studio album, was self-written and co-produced, with mixing handled by Jag Jago to evoke nostalgic influences from the through , including layered guitars, slide elements, and power-pop rhythms. Released on 28 July 2023 through Silver Heat Records, the album debuted at number 61 on the and reached number 19 on the UK Independent Albums Chart, underscoring its niche appeal amid a consolidated indie scene. Standout singles like the title track "Dancing, Alone" exemplified this evolution, blending anthemic melodies with lyrics on isolation and fleeting connections. The album's songwriting demonstrated marked maturation, prioritizing emotional depth over earlier exuberance by tackling challenges and relational complexities through varied structures and instrumentation. For instance, songs like "Drowning In The Deep End" chronicle hitting personal lows and subsequent recovery, while production choices—such as multiple guitar takes and loops—added textured introspection without losing accessibility. This phase solidified Ten Tonnes' growth as an artist navigating post-pandemic recovery and artistic independence.

Heaven Sent EP and stage name retirement (2024–present)

In early 2024, Ten Tonnes undertook a series of solo performances, including an acoustic tour for Independent Venue Week and an appearance at Pine Festival in August. Later that year, on 29 November, he performed at Musicbox in , promoting his single "Little Lovin", which explored themes of personal growth and change. On 3 February 2025, Ethan Barnett announced Heaven Sent, a four-track EP released via Silver Heat Records on 16 May 2025, declaring it his final project as . The announcement emphasized the EP's role as a deliberate conclusion to his work under the moniker, allowing him to "sign off [his] discography... exactly the way [he] want to". Barnett reflected on his trajectory as a full-time musician since 2016 and independent artist since 2020, noting 38 original songs across two top 40 albums, three EPs, numerous singles, and global performances. The EP's lead single, the title track "Heaven Sent", arrived on 4 February 2025, accompanied by a music video depicting introspective urban scenes. A second single, "Things Got Funny", followed on 12 March 2025, also with a video, with further singles "What's A Boy To Do" and the closing track "Falling" completing the release, previewing the project's blend of indie rock introspection. Heaven Sent embodies themes of closure and gratitude, framing Barnett's career as a "labour of love" and "blessed" journey supported by fans worldwide. Barnett's retirement of the Ten Tonnes stage name reflects a pursuit of personal evolution after nearly a under the alias, with intentions to pursue future solo projects as Ethan Barnett. He expressed excitement for upcoming updates while signing the announcement with his . The EP's release coincided with a one-night farewell show at The Garage in on 17 May 2025, supported by Joe Chandler, where limited-edition vinyl copies were exclusively available. By November 2025, the transition has been perceived in the industry as a poignant endpoint to Ten Tonnes' chapter, fostering anticipation among fans for Barnett's forthcoming endeavors under his real name.

Musical style and influences

Genre and songwriting approach

Ten Tonnes' music is primarily classified as , characterized by a guitar-driven sound that incorporates elements of pop and rock 'n' roll. His tracks often feature breezy, tuneful guitar singalongs with clean-cut production, emphasizing infectious riffs and anthemic choruses that blend mainstream accessibility with indie sensibilities. This style draws comparisons to contemporaries like , sharing a raw, guitar-centric energy rooted in British indie traditions. His songwriting approach is personal and narrative-driven, focusing on introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and self-doubt through relatable, story-like vignettes. Barnett describes his process as scattered and iterative, beginning with fragments of prose, couplets, or guitar ideas that are later combined into cohesive songs, often completed in short bursts. Structures typically build around catchy, singable choruses that amplify emotional hooks, as seen in early works like "Lucy," which contrasts dreaming with reality, or later tracks addressing isolation and relational uncertainty. Instrumentation centers on for drive and texture, with occasional or strings adding subtle vulnerability in more reflective moments. Over time, Ten Tonnes' style has evolved from the upbeat, energetic of his debut to a more vulnerable and mature sound in subsequent releases. Early material, such as on his self-titled , delivers hypnotic rock 'n' roll anthems with contagious guitar licks and straightforward pop smarts. By Dancing, Alone (2023), the approach shifts toward self-reflective narratives with tighter melodies and less hurried pacing, incorporating thoughtful introspection while retaining core guitar foundations. This progression highlights a deepening emotional range, blending razor-sharp lyricism with evolving sonic restraint.

Key influences and evolution

Ten Tonnes, born Ethan Barnett, drew early inspiration from classic rock acts, particularly The Beatles, whose melodic structures and songwriting shaped his approach to crafting hooks in his initial releases. This influence is evident in the tuneful, guitar-driven energy of his debut EP Lucy (2016), where he blended nostalgic rock elements with youthful vigor. Additionally, Barnett's exposure to 1950s rock 'n' roll, channeled through tracks like "Silver Heat" on his self-titled debut album (2019), infused his rhythm sections with a raw, energetic bounce reminiscent of the era's pioneers. His family's musical environment played a subtle role in broadening his palette, with older brother —also a prominent indie —providing indirect exposure to contemporary indie sounds through shared playlists. Barnett has also cited songwriters like and as key figures in his development, praising Petty's pop choruses and Costello's witty lyricism for guiding his debut album's structure and narrative depth. Over time, Barnett's sound evolved from the straightforward indie of his early EPs—characterized by upbeat, anthemic tracks like those on Ten Tonnes ()—to a more mature, varied palette on subsequent releases. His album Dancing, Alone (2023) marks this progression, incorporating experimental songwriting techniques such as music-first composition and layered production inspired by 1970s/1980s and new wave, resulting in a polished yet introspective tone. Songs like "Heart To Break" and "Lone Star" reflect this shift, drawing on 1950s/1960s production styles while exploring deeper emotional grooves, a departure from the raw immediacy of his formative work. Post-2019 personal upheavals, including periods of isolation, further influenced this maturation, infusing Dancing, Alone with themes of solitude and reflection that added emotional layers to his foundation, as seen in the title track's evocative portrayal of loaned and quiet . This era saw Barnett refine his style through batch recordings and genre-blending, prioritizing considered arrangements over youthful exuberance while retaining core melodic hooks. The evolution culminated in the Heaven Sent EP (2025), his final release as Ten Tonnes, which emphasizes poignant, introspective songwriting with tracks like "Falling" exploring closure and resilience amid personal reflection, maintaining guitar-driven but with heightened emotional depth.

Live performances

Support tours and collaborations

Ten Tonnes, whose real name is Ethan Barnett, began his live career by serving as a support act for established artists, which provided crucial exposure and helped him build confidence on stage. In 2018, he supported his brother on the and European legs of the tour, including six dates in such as at The SSE Arena —his third performance there that year—and earlier European shows in across , the , , and . These family-shared billings not only amplified his reach to Ezra's growing audience but also reinforced a musical legacy within the Barnett family, with their sister Jess and father joining for some shows, creating memorable bonding experiences amid the tour's demands. Prior to the Ezra tour, Ten Tonnes opened for other prominent acts, including , , and , with the latter featuring two Wembley Arena slots in March 2018 after an introduction via the band's drummer . These opportunities exposed him to larger venues and diverse crowds, allowing him to refine his upbeat sound and gradually overcome severe that had plagued him since a disastrous school assembly at age 15. He later reflected on the initial terror of facing a "massive and pitch black" arena, visible only to the first three rows, but credited the trust from bands like for building his resilience: "It was great a band that big had the confidence in me." In terms of collaborations, Ten Tonnes has engaged in co-writing sessions that shaped his early material, including tracks like "Nights In, Nights Out" with former member and "Love Me to Death" with producer Simon Aldred, though these were primarily for his own releases rather than guest features on others' work. His appearances, such as his fourth consecutive slot at Reading and Leeds in , further extended this networking, placing him alongside acts like The Story So Far and on the bill and broadening his visibility without a formal opening role. These support experiences collectively propelled his career, turning familial and professional connections into a foundation for independent growth.

Headlining shows and festivals

Following the release of his self-titled debut album in April 2019, Ten Tonnes embarked on his first major headline tour in May of that year, which sold out in advance across various venues, marking a significant step in his independent live career. The tour featured upgraded spaces compared to prior outings, including stops at larger rooms like Manchester's , and demonstrated growing demand with rapid ticket sales. Later in 2019, another sold-out headline run culminated in a high-profile show at , further solidifying his ability to draw dedicated audiences as a lead act. Ten Tonnes has since become a festival mainstay, with notable appearances at in 2019 on the William's Green stage, where he performed a 40-minute set to an enthusiastic crowd amid the event's 200,000-plus attendees. His slot received positive feedback for its energetic delivery, contributing to the festival's diverse emerging artist lineup. At the Isle of Wight Festival, he played in 2019 as part of a bill headlined by acts like , engaging audiences at Seaclose Park with his sound. In support of his 2023 album Dancing, Alone, Ten Tonnes launched a UK headline tour in September, featuring sold-out dates at key venues like Manchester's Deaf Institute, with sets emphasizing the record's introspective themes. The tour extended into late 2023 under the Dancing, Alone Tour banner, including intimate club shows like London's Omeara that highlighted his maturation as a performer. Expanding internationally in 2024, he included dates in Europe such as Rotterdam's Rotown in the Netherlands and Lisbon's Musicbox, reaching new audiences beyond the UK. In May 2025, Ten Tonnes performed his final show under the alias at The Garage in London on May 17, featuring live debuts of tracks from the Heaven Sent EP, including "Things Got Funny" and "Falling," before retiring the stage name. Typically, his live shows feature a four-piece band configuration—guitar, bass, drums, and keys—delivering 45- to 60-minute sets of 10 to 15 songs drawn from his catalog. Adapting to larger crowds has been a triumph for Ten Tonnes, who transitioned from humble beginnings to arena-sized festival audiences, crediting the experience with building his confidence on stage without regrets. This growth was evident in his ability to command bigger venues post-debut, where the energy of expanded crowds enhanced his raw, guitar-driven performances.

Discography

Studio albums

Ten Tonnes released his self-titled debut studio album on 3 May 2019 through Warner Bros. Records. The record comprises 12 tracks, including "Lucy," "G.I.V.E.," "Cracks Between," "Counting Down," "Too Late," "Nights In, Nights Out," "Better Than Me," "Look What You Started," "Silver Heat," "Wake Up," "Lay It On Me," and "Missing You." Co-produced by Hugo White (formerly of The Maccabees) on several tracks and Dan Grech-Marguerat on others, the album was mixed by Cenzo Townshend and mastered by John Davis, emphasizing a polished indie rock sound with layered guitars and anthemic choruses. Drawing inspiration from Tom Petty's songwriting and Elvis Costello's melodic flair, the album explores breezy themes of youth, fleeting relationships, and wistful introspection through tuneful guitar singalongs. Standout track "G.I.V.E." captures the essence of romantic urgency with its driving rhythm and pop-infused hooks, while "Better Than Me" delivers a reflective take on self-doubt in love, highlighted by its soaring chorus. The album debuted and peaked at number 31 on the UK Albums Chart, marking a breakthrough for the artist. Following a period of personal and professional changes, including a departure from Warner Bros., Ten Tonnes issued his second studio album, Dancing, Alone, on 28 July 2023 via his own Silver Heat Records. Featuring 10 tracks—"Monday Morning," "Heart To Break," "Dancing, Alone," "When It Goes," "Lone Star," "Out of Here," "Drowning In The Deep End," "The Only One," "Two Is A Crime," and "Falling"—the record shifts toward a more introspective indie sound, incorporating 80s power pop influences, layered guitars, slide elements, and sampled percussion like drum loops and bongos. Mixed by Jag Jago (known for work with The Maccabees and ), it was recorded in batches to allow for iterative refinement, reflecting themes of isolation, personal upheaval, maturity, and as an outsider. The title track "Dancing, Alone" exemplifies this evolution, delving into solitude and emotional recalibration with its moody guitars and evocative lyrics about lost dreams, culminating in an extended . Another highlight, "Lone Star," addresses carving an independent path amid uncertainty, blending cagey riffs with self-reflective storytelling. The album entered the UK Official Album Sales Chart at number 61 and reached number 19 on the UK Chart.

Extended plays

Ten Tonnes released several extended plays that served as foundational releases in his discography, allowing experimentation with indie rock elements, acoustic arrangements, and thematic explorations from youthful introspection to resilience and closure. These EPs bridged his early independent output to major-label albums, often featuring concise tracklists that highlighted evolving songwriting. His debut EP, Lucy, was released on 24 March 2016 and consists of three tracks centered on themes of youthful romance and emotional vulnerability. The title track "Lucy" captures longing and escape in a relationship, while "Subtle Changes" and "Stop" introduce his melodic indie style. This release marked his initial foray into recording, self-released before signing with Warner Records. In 2017, Born to Lose followed on 9 June as a three-track EP with more energetic, guitar-driven originals: "Silver Heat," "Born to Lose," and "Love Me to Death." It showcased a shift toward bolder rock influences, building on the debut's intimacy. Later that year, on 14 December, the Acoustic EP offered stripped-down versions of "Born to Lose," "Subtle Changes," and "Cracks Between," emphasizing raw vocal delivery and guitar work to test song durability in minimal production. So Long, released on 1 July 2021 via Silver Heat Records, contains four tracks—"Everything You Got," "Go," "Forget It," and "Girl Are You Lonely Like Me?"—emerging post-pandemic with uplifting, resilient themes suited to brighter outlooks. This EP experimented with pop-infused indie, serving as a creative reset after his debut . The final EP, Heaven Sent, announced on 3 February 2025 and released on 16 May 2025, includes four tracks: "Heaven Sent," "Things Got Funny," "What's a Boy to Do," and "Falling." It encapsulates closure motifs, reflecting on career highs and personal growth as Ten Tonnes' last project under the moniker. These EPs collectively functioned as testing grounds for stylistic maturation, influencing transitions to his fuller studio without achieving notable chart positions.

Singles

Ten Tonnes's early singles established his indie rock sound, beginning with the non-album release "Subtle Changes" in October 2016, which featured the B-side "Stop" and showcased his guitar-driven style with introspective lyrics. In 2017, he issued "Silver Heat" as the lead single from his EP Born to Lose, accompanied by a music video depicting chaotic scenes in a restaurant kitchen to emphasize the track's themes of fleeting urban life. Later that year, "Cracks Between" served as another promotional single, highlighting his evolving songwriting with raw emotional delivery. "Lay It on Me," released in 2018, gained traction as a standout track ahead of his debut album, praised for its anthemic chorus and live performance potential. The following year, "G.I.V.E." emerged as a key single from the self-titled debut album Ten Tonnes, bolstered by an official music video that captured its urgent, relationship-focused narrative. "Better Than Me" (2018) and "Lucy" (initially from the 2016 EP but re-promoted as a single in 2019) further built momentum for the album; "Lucy" notably premiered on BBC Radio 1 as Annie Mac's Hottest Record. Transitioning to independent releases under Silver Heat Records, "Everything You Got" arrived in April 2021 as the from the EP So Long, delivering energy inspired by indie influences. In 2023, "Dancing, Alone" was issued as the title track and for his second , featuring moody guitars and introspective themes of , with an accompanying video enhancing its atmospheric vibe. More recent standalone singles include "Monday Morning" and "Lone Star" (both 2023), which explored upbeat rhythms and personal reflection, followed by "Little Lovin'" in March 2024 and "Change Your Mind" in May 2024, a concise track addressing selfish dynamics in relationships without B-sides. In 2025, releases such as "Heaven Sent," "Things Got Funny," and "What's A Boy To Do" continued his output, often tied to the Heaven Sent EP but promoted individually for radio and streaming impact.
TitleYearAlbum/EP AffiliationPeak Chart Position (UK)Notes
Subtle Changes2016Non-album singleB-side: "Stop"
Silver Heat2017Born to Lose EP released
Cracks Between2017Ten Tonnes (later)Promotional single
Lay It on Me2018Ten TonnesEarly album teaser
G.I.V.E.2019Ten TonnesOfficial
Better Than Me2018Ten TonnesHigh streaming track
2016Lucy EP (2019 promotion for Ten Tonnes) Hottest Record (2019)
Everything You Got2021So Long EPLead EP single
Dancing, Alone2023Dancing, AloneTitle track with video
Little Lovin'2024Non-album singleStandalone release
Change Your Mind2024Non-album singleStandalone release
Heaven Sent2025Heaven Sent EPTitle track
Things Got Funny2025Heaven Sent EPEP single
What's A Boy To Do2025Heaven Sent EPEP single

Recognition

Awards and nominations

In 2019, Ten Tonnes was included in Radio X's Great X-Pectations list, which highlighted emerging artists expected to make an impact that year. As of November 2025, Ten Tonnes has not received nominations for major industry honors such as the Brit Awards or the Mercury Prize. His 2023 album Dancing, Alone, released independently through his own Silver Heat Records imprint, earned praise within indie music circles but no formal award nominations or independent label-specific recognitions. No fan-voted or regional awards, including any Hertfordshire music honors, have been documented for his career to date. This reflects his status as an emerging artist still building toward broader industry acclaim.

Critical reception and chart success

Ten Tonnes' self-titled debut album, released in 2019, received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its breezy and tuneful indie pop sound. The Guardian described it as a "breezy, tuneful debut" featuring guitar singalongs with pace and attitude, though noting influences from his brother George Ezra while drawing more from The Kooks. The Times awarded it four out of five stars, highlighting its "cheerful pop with big choruses ideal for singing along to at festivals" and comparisons to the sharp, tuneful style of early-1980s Elvis Costello, blended with the raucous innocence of mid-2000s indie. The 2023 follow-up album Dancing, Alone garnered acclaim for its increased maturity and self-reflective songwriting, though reviews were mixed regarding its innovation within the indie rock genre. Indie press outlets gave it scores averaging around 7/10, with The Line of Best Fit rating it 8/10 for Ethan Barnett's "razor-sharp self-reflective songwriting" paired with contagiously cagey guitar licks and straight-up indie pop smarts. Clash Magazine commended its introspective reflections and raw desperation in tracks like the title song, but noted some cheesiness in production and lyrics without it becoming overt. Throughout his career, Ten Tonnes has been praised for the authenticity of his songwriting, often evoking a revival with its energetic, melody-driven approach. Critics have highlighted his ability to capture snapshots of young adulthood and infectious energy, positioning him as a modern inheritor of indie traditions. Commercially, the debut album peaked at number 31 on the . Its follow-up, Dancing, Alone, reached number 61. Singles from both releases achieved notable airplay success on , with "Better Than Me" championed by and the artist's tracks accumulating over 120 plays across the station. As of November 2025, Ten Tonnes maintains a steady streaming presence, with approximately 42.6 thousand monthly listeners on .

References

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