Tom Misch on Overcoming Burnout and Returning with ‘Full Circle’: “If I’m Not Enjoying It Then There’s No Point”

Tom Misch opens up about his journey through burnout, recovery, and his fresh approach to music with ‘Full Circle’.

A Musical Journey Interrupted by Burnout

If you've followed the vibrant soundscape of the 2010s UK music scene, you’ll know Tom Misch as a refreshing blend of jazz, electronica, and hip-hop—an artist whose tunes seemed to surface effortlessly on SoundCloud and YouTube, drawing in a devoted fanbase. Rising to stardom with a unique style, Misch’s early collaborations, including work with Loyle Carner, set him apart within South London’s buzzing music community.

In 2018, he dropped his debut solo album Geography, which was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, entering the UK top 10. Then came What Kinda Music in 2020, a collaborative effort with drummer Yussef Dayes that further pushed his star upward. But behind this meteoric rise lurked an unseen struggle—the price of success and relentless industry demands.

It wasn’t until 2022, just before an Australian tour, that Misch had a stark realization: the intensity of his career had caught up with him. It was time to hit pause.

“I needed to give it space and take the pressure off,” Misch explains. “A lot of space opens up a lot of questions and evaluation about who you are or what kind of life you want to live. That’s really scary and can be quite uncomfortable.”

He speaks candidly about that moment of reckoning, a break from the “rat race” that allowed him to reflect deeply on his identity beyond the music. “I’m fortunate enough that I’ve had success, which allowed me to really stop and just work out what I want to do.”

The Quiet Struggle and a New Sound

During his hiatus, Misch didn’t just sit idly. He released music as Supershy in 2023 with the album Happy Music, but largely focused on rediscovering himself away from the spotlight. Shockingly, he even took jobs as a barista and gardener—activities that grounded him in ways the music industry couldn’t.

His new album, Full Circle, which landed on March 27, marks his return. It’s a more intimate, folky, and stripped-back sound than what fans might expect. The track Echo From The Flames powerfully encapsulates his burnout experience:

“I’m burning out, face down in the ashes – I’m reaching up, no one’s there to catch it.”

Misch shares the story behind the song: “I was back at my parents’ house and I was basically a vegetable. I was just fully out of it and really just not there. I was in quite a bad place. I was just sitting by the fire every night, and I’d just be looking into the fire and I just found it very calming.”

That moment of retreat into himself was raw and painful, but it’s what inspired some of the most heartfelt moments on Full Circle.

Returning to the Stage and Embracing Change

After years off the stage, Misch is gearing up for a major comeback with shows at London’s iconic KOKO. The transition back hasn’t been without nerves.

“It’s a process,” he admits. “There was the initial high adrenaline release day, but it feels good. I’ve had such nice feedback. People are singing along to the new music at the shows, which has been incredible.”

He recalls the whirlwind of his early career, explaining how the rapid rise left little room for self-discovery outside of “Tom Misch” the persona. “My 20s were just a lot of ‘Tom Misch’ stuff, and not so much working out who I was outside of that. That’s what’s been so good about the last four years: I’ve had space to just explore other things and that’s been really great.”

This break from the music industry also meant stepping away from social media — a challenge for any artist.

“It was great. I’d much rather not be on social media. I’ve had a lot of working out how I want to get back to music and how I want to do things this time around. This is really just a process of seeing how it feels.”

His approach to this comeback is refreshingly chill: “This is quite a soft release. I’m not much promo or playing many gigs, I’m not desperate to promote the album. I want to enjoy my career. If I’m not enjoying it then there’s no point. I really don’t want success without enjoyment and feeling calm.”

Finding Balance and New Inspirations

Misch’s recovery journey includes alternative therapies and a renewed connection with his body. He’s also exploring how music fits into his life without becoming a job or pressure point.

“If I’m feeling good and living a life that I feel content with then music just kind of comes out. That’s how I want it to be,” he says. Misch even talks about branching out: “Maybe working in a school for two or three days a week, maybe studying something. Music will just happen around that.”

This balance extends to his gigs too. Misch has taken the unorthodox step of playing anonymous and low-pressure shows, including open mic nights with Joel Culpepper and small gigs in Brighton and Kingston.

“I really loved those. I knew I was going to release this album and play some shows so I needed to get back on stage in a low-pressure environment.”

For an artist whose first show was a sold-out Bussey Building, these smaller gigs offered a surprising new intimacy. “Half the time no one was listening,” he laughs. “I like those low-pressure environments. I never got to do those venues before.”

Looking Ahead: Creativity on His Own Terms

With two nights at KOKO on the horizon, Misch is excited to share his new work live. “We’ve got a really special show. The new songs just work so well live. I’ve got an amazing band. We’ve got some guests coming up as I’ve collaborated a lot in the past.”

But what about the future?

“There are a few different things I want to do,” he says. Misch dreams of spending time in Australia, soaking in the lifestyle, though he’s not planning a permanent move.

He’s leaning into routine and creativity, keen to get back into the studio, but says the pressure to create a “Tom Misch sound” has lifted. Full Circle is more personal, folky, and live-sounding than his past neo-soul, jazzy productions.

“Now it feels that I can continue without the pressure. It’s all about the songs for me right now. I want to write and get into the studio with some musicians.”

Words of Wisdom for Those Facing Burnout

When asked what advice he’d give to anyone feeling overwhelmed by work or the pressures of the music world, Misch offers heartfelt counsel.

“Take time to listen to yourself and really check in. There were a lot of times where in hindsight I was really not OK. I was continuing to do things because I was getting praise for it and I didn’t want to let down other people involved. It’s OK to stop.”

He stresses that the fear of losing momentum or forgetting about the algorithm should never outweigh personal wellbeing.

“There’s no point doing this if you don’t enjoy it. You’ll make your best art when you’re healthy.”

Support for Mental Health in Music

If you're struggling with mental health or burnout, these resources may help:

• MITC: A collective of music industry therapists
• Help Musicians UK: 24/7 mental health support and advice
• Music Support Org: Assistance for musicians facing addiction or mental health issues
• YOUNG MINDS: Support for young people’s wellbeing
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
• The Samaritans: Confidential support 24/7

Conclusion

Tom Misch’s story reminds us that even the brightest stars need to pause, reflect, and find balance. His honest reflections on burnout and recovery offer a refreshing blueprint for anyone caught in the relentless pace of modern life. With Full Circle, he reclaims music on his own terms—more intimate, authentic, and joyful.

What’s your favorite song from Full Circle, or which artist’s comeback story inspires you the most? Let’s chat below!

FAQ

• How did Tom Misch describe his burnout?
  He called it an “intense burnout” where he felt like a “vegetable,” retreating into himself during a difficult period at his parents’ home.
• What motivated Tom Misch to take a break from music?
  The intensity and pressure of the music industry caught up with him, affecting his mental health and making him realize he needed space to evaluate his life.
• What kind of new music style does ‘Full Circle’ showcase?
  The album embraces a more intimate, folky, and ‘70s-inspired sound, moving away from his earlier jazzy, neo-soul productions.
• What approach is Tom Misch taking with his return to performing?
  He is easing back with low-pressure gigs, focusing on enjoyment and calm rather than heavy promotion or a packed schedule.
• What advice does Tom Misch give to artists facing burnout?
  He encourages people to listen to themselves, prioritize wellbeing, and not to push through for the sake of momentum or external validation.

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