Tom Misch's Journey from Burnout to Musical Renewal
In 2022, Tom Misch, the acclaimed London-based singer-songwriter, made a drastic decision that shocked his fans and the music industry. At the peak of his career, with chart-topping albums and sold-out tours across the globe, he abruptly canceled his Australia tour and stepped away from the spotlight. This move was driven by a deep-seated struggle with mental health and a loss of joy in his craft. Now, after three years of soul-searching, Misch is back with his second solo album, Full Circle, marking a profound personal and artistic transformation.
The Highs and Lows of Sudden Fame
Misch's rise to fame began with his self-released debut album, Geography, in 2018, which soared to number 8 on the UK charts. His collaborative work with jazz drummer Yussef Dayes in 2020 further cemented his status, earning an Ivor Novello award nomination. However, the pressures of touring and public scrutiny took a heavy toll. "I had an intense year of touring and I wasn't feeling good, I wasn't enjoying it anymore," Misch reveals. His anxiety worsened, leading to the cancellation of his Australia tour and a forced hiatus from music.
Returning to his family home in south-east London, Misch put down his guitar and retreated from social media. During this period, he explored various jobs, including working as a barista, a surfing instructor in Cornwall, and even considering a part-time role with Royal Mail. "Having some structure outside of just music is really helpful," he explains, highlighting how these experiences helped him reconnect with himself beyond his artist identity.
Full Circle: A Vulnerable Artistic Evolution
The result of this introspection is Full Circle, an album that represents a significant departure from Misch's earlier work. Featuring 11 tracks, it leans into the classic 70s singer-songwriter style of icons like Joni Mitchell and James Taylor, with warm, full-band compositions. Lyrically, the album delves into themes of ageing, family love, emotional vulnerability, and future hopes. "It's a very vulnerable record that arose out of this period of introspection and existential questioning," Misch says, noting that it helped him discover who he is outside of music.
Key tracks include Sisters With Me, inspired by his close relationship with his siblings, and Slow Tonight, born from a campervan trip in Portugal. The album showcases Misch's growth as a songwriter, with collaborations that expanded his creative process, including work with Kacey Musgraves songwriter Ian Fitchuk and British indie artist Matt Maltese.
Rebuilding a Healthier Relationship with Music
Misch's time away from the industry allowed him to rebuild his passion for music on his own terms. He has since engaged in low-key activities, such as secret open-mic nights with friend Joel Culpepper in cities like Oxford and Bristol, which reignited his love for live performance. "It's made me really enjoy performing again," he shares, emphasizing the joy of playing without the pressures of large-scale tours.
Additionally, Misch has launched initiatives like the Wildflower songwriting retreat, fostering community among emerging artists, and has worked on collaborative projects, including an album with Brazilian bossa legend Marcos Valle. While a tour for Full Circle is planned, Misch is focusing on small, intimate shows, prioritizing fun and personal fulfillment over commercial success. "I'm in a really good place right now," he concludes, reflecting a newfound balance between his artistic life and personal well-being.
Full Circle is set for release on 27 March, symbolizing Misch's journey back to music with a renewed sense of purpose and authenticity.
