Tom Misch's Journey Back to Music with "Full Circle"

In 2022, Tom Misch, the London-based singer-songwriter, faced a pivotal moment in his career. After achieving significant success with his debut album *Geography* and a collaborative project with jazz drummer Yussef Dayes, Misch found himself overwhelmed by the pressures of touring. Despite a successful run of performances, including viral social media moments during the COVID-19 lockdown, he decided to cancel his planned tour in Australia due to deteriorating mental health. This decision marked a critical juncture, prompting Misch to retreat to his family home and reassess his relationship with music.

The Guardian

During his hiatus, Misch engaged in a soul-searching process that led to the creation of his second solo album, *Full Circle*. He described this album as his most vulnerable work, focusing on songwriting rather than melody. "It’s a very vulnerable record that arose out of this period of introspection and existential questioning," Misch stated. He drew inspiration from his experiences, including a surfing instructor course in Cornwall and a campervan trip around Portugal, which influenced tracks like "Sisters With Me" and "Slow Tonight."

The Guardian

Misch's upbringing in a creative household and his early musical influences, such as John Mayer and Robert Glasper, shaped his artistic journey. However, the pressures of fame began to take a toll, leading him to seek a more balanced life outside of music. He explored various jobs, including gardening and barista work, to establish a routine beyond his music career.

The Guardian

Misch's time away from the spotlight allowed him to embrace collaboration more than ever before. He worked with notable songwriters, including Kacey Musgraves' collaborator Ian Fitchuk and British indie artist Matt Maltese. This shift in his creative process has fostered a sense of freedom and community, as he also initiated the Wildflower songwriting retreat to support emerging talent.

The Guardian

Despite his struggles, Misch has rediscovered his passion for live performance through intimate shows with singer Joel Culpepper. "We’ve been doing our own secret tour of open-mic nights," he shared, highlighting the joy of performing in smaller, less pressured environments.

The Guardian

Misch expressed his current mindset, stating, "I’m in a really good place right now. I’m only thinking: what do I feel like doing this year and what’s going to be the most fun?" This reflects his commitment to prioritizing enjoyment in his music career moving forward.

The Guardian

With *Full Circle* set for release on March 27, 2026, Misch is preparing for a limited tour to accompany the album. He aims to balance his artistic endeavors with a fulfilling personal life, indicating a newfound approach to his career that emphasizes well-being and creativity.

The Guardian

• “I had an intense year of touring and I wasn’t feeling good, I wasn’t enjoying it any more,” — Tom Misch

The Guardian

• “It’s a very vulnerable record that arose out of this period of introspection and existential questioning.” — Tom Misch

The Guardian

• “Music is always going to be a part of me. I won’t stop making it but I’m learning how to navigate my relationship with it.” — Tom Misch

The Guardian

• “We’ve been doing our own secret tour of open-mic nights around Oxford, Bristol and Cardiff,” — Tom Misch

The Guardian

• “I’m in a really good place right now,” — Tom Misch

The Guardian

Through his journey, Tom Misch illustrates the complexities of navigating fame, mental health, and artistic expression, ultimately leading to a more authentic and fulfilling musical path.

The Guardian