Existing.

It's really a strange feeling after all this time that my album's coming. Three weeks today. I wrote, played (except a couple of tough-enough guests), and produced the whole thing on my larry across the most formative years of my life, from 16 to... 27!!

It hasn't been uninterrupted work though. I created this in patches of downtime amongst prioritising and riding unfathomably incredible experiences. Touring Planet Earth, meeting heroes, sharing stages with people I admire and adore, and putting my sonic stamp on a plethora of friends' sonic art that I'm infinitely proud of.

But amongst all that, the itch to exist as an artist in my own right only grew stronger. There's times where it's felt I've been planted on earth solely to be a sideman. And as much as I love those gigs.. when trying to put together a group to bring my own tunes on stage felt like fighting against odds completely stacked against me, it did get me down. Hence my elusivity.

But I FINALLY HAVE! Hence my reactivity.

Putting it out was becoming increasingly urgent, as the longer I'd wait to do it "properly" the further in the past it'd represent who I was. But it's still me... the first years of my life, and new to you all. And I'm SO proud of it. (But just to forewarn - album 2 is another kettle of fish!)

Anyway in three weeks it will be available to your ears, and I will fully exist as an artist. Thanks to all of you for being there and egging me on, this is for you and it's LOADING x

Pre-order / pre-save here: https://linktr.ee/tommonksmusic

Photograph by Reece Bailey