2026.

I'm so gratefully overwhelmed with how many people are digging 'Loading...' but launching it in the midst of a chaotic Xmas and New Year's run of gigs, it's only now that I've had time to properly take it in, beyond my Bishop Brennan facial expression in the immediate aftermath.

The reaction. My home venue hitting capacity. The pipe dream of a band finally becoming a reality with Reece Bailey, Ryan Barquilla and Leon Tilbrook.

At the start of every year I've told myself "right this is the year I'm finally finishing the album, getting it out, and existing on my own accord"... since 2019. Which is DAMNING.

And as each year passed - the younger I was, the more of my idols I outlived, the faster technology made people suspicious of genuine craft, the more I was recognised as or asked to be a sideman, and the more of my sounds and ideas were released in other people's catalogues and acclaimed as theirs - the thirst to 'exist' in my own right alongside that became increasingly urgent.

And now that I do... going into 2026 feels LIBERATING!

The CD's are nearly gone. I'm sending the next batch on Monday following an unavoidable Xmas pause, but after that you'll have to act quick!! Grab it here: https://linktr.ee/tommonksmusic

A lot of you have asked about vinyl. I wanted to see how CD sales went first and... well yeah I think I've made my mind up! Watch this space.

Now I'm gonna put my head down and shape up what comes next... I've officially LOADED x

Photograph courtesy of Reece Bailey