Tom Misch has released 'Full Circle', his first solo album in eight years, following a break to recover from burnout. The singer-songwriter spoke to NME about stepping back from the music industry in 2022, working everyday jobs, and rediscovering his passion for music. He is set to perform two shows at London's KOKO on April 1 and 2.
Tom Misch rose to prominence in the mid-2010s with his blend of jazz, electronica, and hip-hop, shared initially on SoundCloud and YouTube. He collaborated with Loyle Carner in the South London scene and released his debut album 'Geography' in 2018, followed by the collaborative 'What Kinda Music' with Yussef Dayes in 2020. Both albums reached the UK top 10, boosting his profile amid growing tour demands. In 2022, on the eve of an Australian tour, Misch decided to pause, telling NME, “I needed to give it space and take the pressure off.” He stepped away from music's intensity, releasing only 'Happy Music' as Supershy in 2023 while taking jobs as a barista and gardener to regain perspective. A track from 'Full Circle', released on March 27, captures his low point. On 'Echo From The Flames', he sings, “I’m burning out, face down in the ashes – I’m reaching up, no one’s there to catch it.” Misch described retreating to his parents' house, feeling like “a vegetable” and finding solace by the fire. To rebuild stage confidence, he played low-pressure open mic nights with Joel Culpepper and small gigs in Brighton and Kingston. Now back selectively, he performs at KOKO with a full band and guests. “If I’m not enjoying it then there’s no point,” he said, emphasizing calm over relentless success. Misch advised others facing burnout: “Take time to listen to yourself... You’ll make your best art when you’re healthy.”
