Tom Misch, the South-East London-based vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist is bringing back the funky bass line and disco grooves you’ve been missing.
With over 80 million streams across major platforms and a sold-out UK tour, Misch is considered to be one of the UK’s most exciting new producers. The guitar-wielding master recently co-wrote Loyle Carner’s Damselfly, recorded and live-streamed five days of impromptu sessions in his bedroom, and has worked with the likes of Lianne La Havas, Mos Def and Busta Rhymes. Now he’s back with his recently released track South of the River, a fantastic disco-esque signpost in the jazz-infused hip-hop scene, which is flourishing in the UK and beyond.
The 22-year-old initially gained attention for his instrumental release Beat Tape 1, a collection of J Dilla style hip-hop beats that quickly notched up hundreds of thousands of plays online. Following this success, Misch dropped Beat Tape 2 in August of 2015, a more collaborative offering of neo-soul which had major taste-makers like Annie Mac and Julie Adenuga proclaiming him as one of the most exciting emerging musical talents.
Bringing the same collaborative vibe forward, Misch released his EP Reverie in July 2016, which saw all four tracks arrive fully instrumental for the first time. A blend of hip-hop meets soul, jazz and R&B, the EP was expertly produced and offers an auditory adventure into Misch’s signature approach to rhythm and soul.
Keeping up with the myriad of genre-diverse sounds, Misch dropped his eclectic production project 5 day Mischon, in March this year. Recorded over a period of five consecutive days in his bedroom, the project saw Tom collaborating with the likes of Carmody, Novelist and Will Heard to name a few. The impromptu sessions were both live-streamed and also documented and released to form the 5 day Mischon project.
Now back with his latest single, South of the River, the soulful south London singer pays tribute to his favourite part of the city.
Making the most of his trademark sounds and stylings, the single shows off Misch’s progression as both a producer and vocalist with a looping, funky instrumentation and neo-soul leanings in a groovy, deep bass line. Whilst maintaining the tight instrumentation, Misch perfects the flow of a great disco track, one that’s hard not to get your boogie on to. Herein lies what will be the huge success of Misch – a track that appeals to dedicated music lovers and club goers alike. It is the perfect commingle of funky and radio capable, a hip-shaking blast of pure fun with a technically remarkable production and an immaculately blended instrumentation featuring recruits Tobie Tripp on violin and Rob Araujo on keys.
The string-play on the track is characteristically stunning, demonstrating every inch of Misch’s technically remarkable fretwork – something for which he is known for blowing minds with during his live performances.
Misch’s sexy, dreamlike vocals, a love song to the singer’s south London home, unify the whole track, bringing the disco-y string arrangements and hypnotic bass line into a danceable groove that nods clearly to the singer’s new direction. It’s a potent combination and a move emblematic of the artist’s gradual shift from sample-heavy productions to live instrumentation.
The video for the track, released last week, features a montage of Misch’s fans dancing and miming to the funky tune.
Following the success of South of the River, Misch was snapped up by Universal Music Publishing Group earlier this month, who signed a worldwide deal to represent the singer-songwriter-producer.
Mike McCormack, managing director of UMPG UK, said:
“We’re hugely excited to be working with Tom – he is an exceptionally talented songwriter and producer. Everything he puts out is refreshing, original and beautifully produced. Currently hard at work on his debut album – expect much more magic to come. I’d also like to thank Mark Gale and Pete Simmons here at UMPG who have been fans and supporters of Tom from day one and worked tirelessly to convince him and his management that Universal was the right home for his music.”
And there’s even more excitement to come. Early this month, Misch was spotted in the studio with the soulful South African sensation and internationally renowned DJ/producer Black Coffee. The pair were posted on Black Coffee’s Instagram story, working on a mellow, bass-heavy production. The posts included snippets of Misch playing characteristically funky guitar riffs alongside the caption ‘@TomMisch we on a mission.’
No further information was provided but we’re sure those two won’t provide anything less than musical magic – watch this space!
