The rising singer-songwriter talks Drew Starkey, performing at Camp Flog Gnaw and his album-making process.
Malcolm Todd is a bona fide popstar. His 2024 mixtape “Sweet Boy” included hit singles like “Roommates” and “Sweet Boy” that perfectly showcased his smooth vocals on bouncy guitar riffs. He then released his self-titled debut album this April, earning him his very first Billboard Hot 100 entry with his viral lead single “Chest Pain (I Love)”. Doubling down, he even dropped a hipster deluxe album back in August titled Malcolm Todd (still) that featured four new tracks for all of us to enjoy.
His boyish demeanour and indie attitude won hearts all over Europe and North America with his “Wholesome Rockstar” tour, selling out venues wherever he went with his infectious, feel-good energy. Now with his Australian leg on the horizon for February 2026, Todd finally has some time to rest after doing 20 shows in two months. As he winds down and reflects on a breakthrough 2025, Todd caught up with Man About Town before his London show earlier this month to chat about his frequent releases, working with Omar Apollo and his bucket list for 2026.
How are you enjoying your time in London? What’s your favourite thing about the city?
I’m loving London and my favorite part has been the weather! It’s nice to get a little bit of grey sky coming from California.
You’re playing O2 Forum Kentish Town – what can fans expect from a live show from you?
A live look at music and friendship on stage.
You’ve dropped so much music in the past few years – what does the drive to release so often come from?
Loving to make music and wanting to feed the people who care.
We love your song “Bleed” with Omar Apollo earlier in the year. How did that collaboration come about?
Went on tour with Omar and grew comfortable enough with him to ask him to sing with me.
The video for the track is star-studded. But who would be your dream cameo in a music video of yours?
I’ve always wanted a music video where Drew Starkey plays myself.
You shared your self-titled debut full-length album earlier this year. How do you feel about the release now the dust has settled?
I feel good and very proud of what I did on that album. That’s about all I could ask for.
What was the process of making the album? Did it different from your previous projects?
The process was a lot of time in the studio trying to be honest with myself. It was different from previous projects because it was the most cohesive thing I’ve tried to make.
What does the body of work mean to you? What does it represent for you as an artist and as a person?
It means a lot to me. It represents my family and my spirit.
You’re set to play Camp Gnaw with Tyler, The Creator. How did that come about? What’s your favourite Tyler album?
The people who run the festival reached out and asked me to play. My favorite Tyler album is hard to pick. It changes all the time but currently I’d say Flower Boy.
What’s top of your bucket list for 2026?
Having a blast.
Photography AIDAN CULLEN
