INTERVIEW: Tom Morfitt-White releases new single “Home”

Australian singer-songwriter Tom Morfitt-White might only be taking his first steps into the recording world but there’s little about his songwriting that feels like the work of a newcomer. Long before releasing music professionally, he’d already developed a creative voice influenced by years of curiosity, performance and a knack for storytelling. Drawing inspiration from artists as varied as Melanie Martinez, Stevie Nicks, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Fiona Apple, Kate Miller-Heidke and Conan Gray, Tom has begun sharing his impressive musical output with the world.

Music has surrounded him for as long as he can remember and his relationship with performance began almost before he was old enough to understand it, attending his first concert in Melbourne’s Spiegeltent at just one year old. That early introduction sparked an immediate fascination but one influence proved especially powerful. Watching Stevie Nicks’ Live in Chicago DVD over and over again helped ignite a lasting passion for songwriting and live performance, planting the seeds of a creative journey that continues to progress today.

Conga lessons at the age of six introduced rhythm and musicianship, while musical theatre offered an entirely different outlet for expression. Taking on a lead role further strengthened his confidence on stage, giving him valuable experience as a performer while songwriting gradually became the centre of his creative ambitions. Last year he travelled to London to work with US-born, London-based producer Magill Lamarre and at the renowned TYX Tileyard Studios, the pair quickly formed a creative connection that transformed Tom’s ideas into fully realised recordings.

Their collaboration became the platform of his forthcoming debut EP, with Magill handling production before the recordings were mastered at Sydney’s Studios 301, bringing together creative influences from both sides of the world. Following the introduction of his debut single, “Love Me Now,” Tom now returns with “Home,” a release that opens another window into the artistic vision taking shape ahead of his first extended project.

While it serves as only his second official single, the song carries particular significance within his own creative journey, representing several important firsts that helped define the recording process. “Home” was the first song Tom ever wrote using a guitar instead of a piano, marking a subtle but meaningful shift in the way he approached songwriting. That change in instrument opened up a different creative perspective, allowing the song to develop naturally while also paying tribute to an improvised childhood composition that he had written as a four-year-old under the very same title.

In doing so, the track quietly links the earliest stages of his musical imagination with the artist he is becoming today. The song also became the starting point for his partnership with Magill Lamarre, as before Tom even arrived in London, she’d begun developing an early version of the arrangement as part of the project’s pre-production. Hearing that first demo immediately reassured him that he’d found the right collaborator, with the instrumental capturing exactly the atmosphere he’d imagined. When recording finally began at TYX Tileyard Studios, “Home” naturally became the first song Tom chose to sing in the studio.

Set up by soft acoustic guitar notes, the song gently develops with Tom’s tender vocals as airy instrumental textures float around his delicate voice. Gathering soft energy with the patter of percussion, the song crafts a charming indie pop soundscape that’s memorable and meaningful in equal measure. It’s a stunning showcase of his performance flair and songwriting talent while further building the excitement for his upcoming debut EP release.

We caught up with Tom Morfitt-White to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Home” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Tom Morfitt-White below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory of making music is probably 4 year old me improvising a melody and lyrics to my Mum’s guitar playing. One of these improvisations actually inspired my single ‘Home’.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from lots of different artist like Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Chappel Roan & Melanie Martinez, but my earliest inspiration was Stevie Nicks; I’d copy her live performances all day when I was 2 until I was around 7.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Most of my songs draw from real life experiences, but some of my older songs come from my imagination (because I was lacking experiences to write about when I was 12!). Occasionally if there’s nothing interesting to write about I’ll do the same thing now!

What do you love about the Australian music scene?

The Australian music scene is pretty supportive of independent and emerging artists. Triple j even has a dedicated radio station for unearthing new acts (‘triple j unearthed’). There’s a diverse range of sounds coming from Australian acts as well which is really exciting.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I would say alone and with a good pair of headphones – let yourself feel all the emotions and listen for the small details. But listening in the car with the volume cranked up is fun too!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I always had a vision for my music to sound cinematic, and producer Magill Lamarre really brought that to life and helped me solidify what that sounds like.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

It’s really hard to pin it down to one, but a collaboration with Audrey Hobert, Chappel Roan or Stevie Nicks would be amazing.

How did you find making your new single “Home”?

It was the first song I’d ever written on guitar (I usually write on piano), and I planned on paying homage to my 4 year old self’s improvised song ‘Home’. It was also the first track Magill worked on (as part of pre-work before I landed in London). When she sent through the ‘scratch’ track, the early instrumental instantly cleared any doubts, and I knew Magill had been the right choice. When I got to TYX studios ‘Home’ was the first song I chose to lay down my vocals on and it was such an amazing first time in the studio, and made me feel really comfortable.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Ariana Grande in preparation for her upcoming album ‘Petal’ (I’m so excited!)

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I hope people relate to my music and resonate with the stories. This song ‘Home’ in particular is for people who enjoy travelling, but feel the pull to come back home.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival?

I think Charli XCX, Chappel Roan and Lily Allen headlining a festival would be amazing.

Finally, what do you have lined up next?

The four track EP I recorded at TYX will be released in the coming months and then I’m planning to return to London at the end of the year to record my debut album. I’m also looking forward to playing more live shows.

Listen to Home below