From its opening notes, Tom Misch’s new single “Old Man” signals a shift in sound and perspective. “Old Man” is a deeply personal, tender song that touches on aging, family and the strangeness of time. Written alongside Matt Maltese in Misch’s parents’ shed before heading to Nashville to record and produce it with Ian Fitchuck. “Old Man” is out now on Beyond The Groove / AWAL. Listen / share HERE.
On the creative process, Misch offers: “Recently I’ve really wanted to create songs that work well stripped back in a classic sense…‘Old Man’ is a good example of that and one of my favourite songs I’ve ever made. It touches on a lot of things I’ve been going through recently yet I feel it will be just as relevant playing it in 40 years from now….”
“Old Man” sees Misch’s voice unadorned, his sound analogue and classic. But the real masterstroke is its lyrical universality, the listener can easily step into Misch’s shoes or find their own path within it. The accompanying video directed by Saddiq Abubakar shows different snapshots of the father/son relationship before ending in a poignant moment as Misch performs to an audience of one; his father Peter Misch. Watch HERE.
During the time between releasing his breakthrough debut album Geography and finishing his new solo material, there have been a few side projects (most notably his Ivor Novello nominated collaborative project with drummer Yussef Dayes, What Kinda Music) as well as some time away from music to explore other things. Working on new music hasn’t been easy, there have been moments of anxiety and profound existential angst, but Misch has fought hard to find beauty within darkness and his new music is a testament to this journey and an unshakable expression. As a way of dipping his toes back into solo music, Misch released his Six Songs EP last year, featuring the singles “Insecure” and “Cinnamon Curls.” These, as well as “Old Man,” have been written on guitar and voice, where previously he would have drawn inspiration from a beat or production bed.
“Old Man” indicates a further evolution of both Tom Misch the artist and the person, a magnetic, comfortable culmination of his ability and instincts.
