Editors’ Tom Smith on Debut Solo Album ‘There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light’ | XS Noize Podcast #244

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“I wanted to be less collaborative, a bit more selfish, and make a record that’s a truer representation of the songs I write when I’m alone at the piano or guitar.” – Tom Smith, Editors

Episode Overview

In Episode #244 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Tom Smith — frontman of Editors — about his debut solo album There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light, released 5 December on Play It Again Sam.

After two decades leading Editors through seven acclaimed albums and two records with Smith & Burrows, Tom is stepping into solo territory for the first time. Motivated by a desire to reconnect with the raw, acoustic beginnings of his songwriting, he set out to create something more intimate and personal — a world away from the collaborative nature of his band projects.

Produced with Iain Archer, the album blends stripped-back honesty with cinematic flourishes, moving from the nostalgic ache of Lights Of New York City to the soaring drama of Life Is For Living. Along the way, Tom explores themes of memory, resilience, and connection, balancing melancholy with hope.

In this episode, Tom talks about finding his voice as a solo artist, the stories and emotions behind these songs, and we also revisit the Editors’ back catalogue that made him one of the UK’s most distinctive frontmen.

Whether you’ve followed Tom’s journey from the very first Editors record or are meeting him here for the first time, this is an intimate and revealing look at an artist entering a bold new chapter.

The track listing of the album, which Iain Archer produced, is as follows:

Deep Dive
How Many Times
Endings Are Breaking My Heart
Life Is For Living
Broken Time
Lights Of New York City
Souls
Northern Line
Leave
Saturday

Tom has also announced U.K. and Irish tour dates in September / October, a run which takes in some smaller, out-of-the-way places across the country. The dates are as follows:

10.09.25 – An Seomar – INVERNESS
11.09.25 – Arts Centre – BIRNAM
14.09.25 – Roisin Dubh – GALWAY
15.09.25 – Cyprus Avenue – CORK
16.09.25 – Dolan’s Kasbah – LIMERICK
17.09.25 – Set Theatre – KILKENNY
23.09.25 – The Nave at St. Peter’s – POOLE – SOLD OUT
24.09.25 – Eric Morecambe Centre – HARPENDEN
26.09.25 – Hindmarsh Hall – ALNMOUTH – SOLD OUT
27.09.25 – Christ Church – GREAT AYTON – SOLD OUT
28.09.25 – Holy Cross Church – RYTON – SOLD OUT
30.09.25 – Kanteena – LANCASTER

01.10.25 – Unitarian Church – TODMORDEN – SOLD OUT
03.10.25 – Forest Village Hall – STOCKTON – SOLD OUT
04.10.25 – Town Hall – BAKEWELL – SOLD OUT
05.10.25 – Village Hall – THRELKELD – SOLD OUT

“There’s a hope in this record — a warmth and an optimism, even though there’s emotional turmoil in the songs. It’s about getting through tough times together.” — Tom Smith, Editors

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