Independent Venues Shine As Tom Misch Returns

Independent music venues across the United Kingdom are receiving a well-deserved spotlight this week as Independent Venue Week returns from January 26 to February 1, 2026. The annual celebration, as reported by Filmogaz.com, is a tribute to the small but mighty spaces that nurture the lifeblood of the UK’s music and arts culture. This year, the event has taken on a poetic twist, thanks to a collaboration with acclaimed Manchester poet Mike Garry, who is lending his voice and vision to the cause.

Garry’s involvement is more than symbolic. He’s a true champion of independent culture, known for his stirring poetry and deep roots in Manchester’s creative community. His work has been praised by big names—Peter Saville, for instance, once called Garry a genius, a nod not only to his poetry but to his contributions to iconic record sleeve designs for bands like Joy Division and New Order. Garry’s presence at festivals and his advocacy for the arts have made him a household name among poetry lovers and music fans alike.

According to Filmogaz.com, the partnership between Garry and the platform is designed to highlight just how crucial independent venues are for up-and-coming artists. These venues, often run by passionate locals, offer a stage for fresh talent to hone their craft and connect with audiences in ways that bigger arenas simply can’t replicate. The week-long event isn’t just about music; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the unsung heroes who keep the lights on in these beloved spaces.

Independent Venue Week has grown into a national movement, drawing attention to the challenges and triumphs of running a grassroots venue in an age of corporate dominance. It’s not always easy—smaller venues face rising costs, tough competition, and, more recently, the lingering effects of the pandemic. Yet, as Garry’s involvement shows, there’s a groundswell of support for keeping these cultural hubs alive. As he’s demonstrated through his poetry and public appearances, Garry’s passion for the arts is matched only by his belief in the power of local venues to shape the future of music and literature.

For those looking to get involved, Filmogaz.com has published a handy guide to events happening during Independent Venue Week. Whether you’re a die-hard gig-goer or just curious about what your local venue has to offer, there’s no shortage of opportunities to support live music. And in the age of social media, spreading the word is easier than ever—Filmogaz.com encourages fans to follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest updates.

But the celebration of independent music doesn’t stop there. The UK’s music scene is also buzzing with news of Tom Misch’s return, as reported by Skiddle. The London-based songwriter and producer has announced his new album, Full Circle, set for release on March 27, 2026, via Beyond The Groove and AWAL Recordings. Misch’s comeback is marked by the release of a reflective new single, “Sisters With Me,” which offers fans a taste of what’s to come.

The single, described by Skiddle as a “softer, more reflective track,” draws on Misch’s experience of living back at home with his sisters as adults—a moment that inspired feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and quiet introspection. The song’s gentle groove and emotional honesty signal a shift in Misch’s approach, as he moves away from production-heavy arrangements toward classic pop songwriting and traditional instrumentation. The album, recorded to tape in locations as varied as London, Cornwall, Portugal, and Nashville, aims to capture the warmth and clarity of 1970s hi-fi records.

Collaborators on Full Circle include Matt Maltese, Ian Fitchuk, and Adam Jaffrey, who was involved from the earliest stages of the record. The project’s focus on feel and performance is a conscious departure from Misch’s earlier, more production-led work. As Skiddle notes, “Rather than leaning into the production-led style that defined much of his earlier work, Full Circle sees him focus on more traditional instrumentation and classic pop songwriting, with a clear emphasis on feel and performance.”

Misch’s return has been eagerly anticipated. In a recent Instagram post, he explained that the intensity of his life and personal growth had caught up to him, leading to a hiatus from releasing new music. Now, with “Sisters With Me” and the promise of more to come, fans have reason to celebrate. The single’s music video, directed by Juliet Klottrup, adds another layer of artistry to the release.

To mark the album launch, Misch has announced a series of intimate warm-up shows at Koko in London on April 1 and April 2, 2026. Tickets are set to go on sale on February 4 at 10:00 am, and, if previous Misch gigs are any indication, they’re likely to sell out quickly. For collectors and superfans, merchandise, vinyl, and signed bundles of the new record are already available for preorder, making it easy for listeners to show their support.

Both the celebration of Independent Venue Week and the excitement around Tom Misch’s new album underscore the enduring vitality of the UK’s independent music scene. These stories are reminders of the countless artists, venue owners, and fans who work tirelessly to keep live music alive—often with little recognition but plenty of heart. As Mike Garry’s poetry and Tom Misch’s music both attest, the spirit of independence continues to inspire creativity, community, and a sense of belonging that can’t be manufactured.

So, whether you’re heading out to a gig at your local venue, spinning a new record at home, or simply sharing your favorite tracks online, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the people and places that make UK music so special. After all, every great artist starts somewhere—and more often than not, that somewhere is an independent venue filled with passion, poetry, and the promise of something unforgettable.