If Misch seems surprised, it’s because his fanbase has developed naturally. He never set out with any grand plan when he began making beats, and uploading roughly three tracks a week to Soundcloud at 16. “ I prefer a more organic approach to making music, but also to building a fanbase,” he reflects. “I don’t want a big push on my music as I don’t want to be as big as possible.” And yet, he’s rapidly become one of the U.K.’s most exciting emerging new artists, gaining 1.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and playing a sold-out tour of the U.K., U.S. and Europe in 2016. Collaborating with a clutch of fellow trailblazers like Novelist, Loyle Carner, and Zak Abel, he’s accumulated a total of 75 million streams across all platforms to date — and it all started in his bedroom.
Misch’s earliest introduction to music came via his artistic family, including his psychiatrist father, a passionate violinist, who would take him to concerts and the opera as a child. He sang in a choir at school, and picked up the violin himself at the age of four. When one of his older sisters took up guitar and later abandoned it, nine-year-old Misch inherited the instrument, and taught himself to play Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Nirvana songs. Today, he also plays bass, banjo, and a smattering of keys.
It was one of his sister’s boyfriends who introduced him to the music of J Dilla at 15, and from then on, Misch was hooked. He took up Music Technology at school the following year, and began learning how to create his own “really chilled out, boom-bap kind of ‘90s hip-hop” on Logic Pro. “When I wasn’t at school, I’d be making beats,” he says. “It was just what I did.” As he began sharing his tunes on Soundcloud, he found the response was overwhelming. “You put songs out and you build a fanbase — it’s kind of addictive.”
A collaboration with his sister Laura, on the jazz-inflected “Follow,” was a major turning point for both siblings after it was uploaded to influencer YouTube channel Majestic Casual. The track features Laura on sax and Tom on beats and vocals, intertwined to mesmeric effect. “That was the point where I was like, okay, maybe I could do this as a career,” Misch reflects. “Suddenly it had 100,000 plays.” Shortly afterward, Soulection co-founder Joe Kay commented on one of Misch’s productions on Soundcloud, asking the teenage prodigy to guest on his radio show.
Soon afterward, in 2014, Misch contributed to Soulection’s White Label series, weaving together obscure jazz samples, guitar, and vocals to create the perfect summer listen (including the dreamy fan favourite “The Journey”). His Beat Tape series collected the best of his hip-hop instrumentals, the 5 Day Mischon project featured collaborations with grime MC Novelist and singer-songwriter Zak Abel, and his 2016 Reverie EP brought the official release of Misch’s most sophisticated songs to date. As well as soulful singers Carmody and Jordan Rakei, he struck up a collaborative relationship with fellow south Londoner Loyle Carner, whose mellow bars flow over Misch’s productions like a breeze on a hot day. Both artists form part of the much-hyped scene of singer-songwriters emerging from south east London, including King Krule and Cosmo Pyke. Each has a DIY mindset and a brooding, poetic approach to lyricism that weaves them loosely together. “There’s definitely a certain sound,” reflects Misch. “Everyone’s music in south London is really chilled. It reflects the vibe of this part of London — it’s laid back.”
Misch has lived in south London all his life, and he loves it so much that his new single, “South of the River,” is dedicated to it. “I much prefer the general vibe of south London,” he says. “I love this area, Peckham, Dulwich, Forest Hill. Singing that line — You should come south of the river — it just felt really good.” With its string arrangements mirroring disco synth stabs and a funky bassline, it’s an irresistible bop that nods clearly to Misch’s danceable new direction.
One of the biggest influences on Misch’s sound has long been jazz. With a degree in jazz guitar, Misch is an avid listener of Robert Glasper, Roy Hargrove, Cory Henry, and jazz-influenced songwriters like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu. “It’s kind of a warm feeling, when you hear a certain chord progression,” he explains.
In the making of his debut album, he’s also been drawing on inspiration from disco, house, and techno, discovered through the portal of producers like Kaytranada and Motor City Drum Ensemble. The euphoric feel of 1970s and ‘80s disco (think Earth Wind and Fire or Gwen McCrae), and the thump of nightclubs like Fabric or Corsica, inspired him to bring more movement into his songs. “I want people to dance at my live shows, I want to bring more energy,” he says. “When you’re in a club and you can feel the bass...I want people to have that experience.”
Misch’s sound is true to its roots — he still makes his tracks in the same bedroom studio in his parents’ house, and his mum produces his artwork. (“ Her work is very DIY, just like my music, and feels homespun,” he explains.) But he’s never afraid to explore new territory. “I think it’s really important to make music that hasn’t been made before,” he says. “I’m trying to work out what my sound is, and pursuing that.” Fans might think they know his style, but Misch is a restless experimentalist, keen to spend endless hours honing his craft. One of his favorite new songs is a “Brazilian-sounding” jam that reflects how deeply he feels about his work. As he puts it: “It’s about how you can’t take away my love for music. I’ll always have that.”
Sunshine
Tom Misch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That every little thing you do
Even when I'm feelin' blue
It makes me smile
As we going through some stormy weather
That' s what keeps us together
Cause I know they'll find the light on the other side
Cause we'll be just fine
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Even when I'm going underwater
I can breathe just fine
Cause you got m in my prime goal
And it feels so good
As we going through some stormy weather
That's what keeps us together
Cause I know they'll find the light on the other side
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Just fine
Just fine
In Tom Misch's song "Sunshine", he is expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the small things his lover does that make him smile, even when he is feeling down. The opening lines, "Cause you know girl / That every little thing you do / Even when I'm feelin' blue / It makes me smile" convey his appreciation. He further adds that their relationship keeps them together even in stormy times. The lines "As we going through some stormy weather / That's what keeps us together / Cause I know they'll find the light on the other side" paint a picture of a relationship that can endure anything life throws at them. He acknowledges that their relationship is not without its challenges, but remains optimistic that they will come out alright as long as they take their time and let the sun shine.
This song, with its catchy melody and uplifting lyrics, is an ode to love, appreciation, and resilience. It is a reminder that even when life gets tough, we should take a moment to appreciate the small things that bring us joy and keep us going.
Line by Line Meaning
Cause you know girl
Addressing the significant other, acknowledging that she understands the singer.
That every little thing you do
The girl's actions, no matter how small, have an impact on the singer.
Even when I'm feelin' blue
The girl's actions have a positive impact on the singer's life even when he is feeling sad.
It makes me smile
The girl's actions bring joy and happiness to the artist's life.
As we going through some stormy weather
Referring to a difficult time they are experiencing together.
That' s what keeps us together
Their unity and strength together is what is keeping them persevering through this difficult time.
Cause I know they'll find the light on the other side
Optimistic that the difficult time will pass, and better days are coming.
Cause we'll be just fine
Confident in the power of their relationship to survive tough times.
If we take our time
They will move at their own pace and not rush through the difficulties.
Let the sun shine
They are hopeful and optimistic and intend to let the positivity shine through.
Even when I'm going underwater
The singer will face personal difficulties or obstacles.
I can breathe just fine
Despite struggles, the artist is not overwhelmed and can handle problems.
Cause you got me in my prime goal
The girl provides personal motivation or inspiration to the singer, who is then performing well in various aspects of his life.
And it feels so good
This motivator inspires good feelings within the singer.
Let the sun shine
Emphasis on maintaining positivity and hopefulness, and to be open to change and growth.
Just fine
They will overcome the difficulties together and be just fine in the end.
Contributed by Caleb R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Molik Sherman
Cause you know girl
That every little thing you do
Even when I'm feeling blue
Oh, It makes me smile
As we going through some stormy weather
Bless the fact we still move together
Cause I know we'll find the light on the other side
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Even when I'm going underwater
I can breathe just fine
Cause you got me in my prime girl
And it feels so good
As we going through some stormy weather
Bless the fact we still move together
Cause I know we'll find the light on the other side
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Cause we'll be just fine
If we take our time
Let the sun shine
Cause we'll be just fine
Just fine
Just fine
Mary-Yvette Sotoza
My favourite Tom Misch song. Forever on my play list ❤️❤️❤️
Josh Roberson
Tom Misch, I love everything about your music. You have a gift and I hope you bring your talent to the States.
la willi
Josh Roberson I totally agree with you in what you said :) His music and artistry is 10x better than what's mostly here in the states!!!
Yeehee
caprice.t He said mostly, and I tend to agree. But he's probably much better than most British artists right now as well
An American artist that I would compare to Tom is Samm Henshaw. If y'all haven't heard him then I highly recommend you do so 🙂
slow keller
Pleaaaaaaaaase
cliff green
Amen
All Tings Arielle
i’m gonna see him today in dallas!!!
joetwinz
I really like that bit from 0:00 - 03:39 :) ...... Keep the good music flowing Tom
Melissa Kirk
joetwinz 😉😉
screamingruns10
joetwinz I got Tom Misch and drugs what you gonna do?