Werkha: forthcoming album gives a voice to life with scoliosis

Multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and producer Tom Leah AKA Werkha releases new single ‘Toast Rack’ as he announces forthcoming studio album ‘Unsung Irregular’ – out October 10th on First Word Records.

From a Manchester based artist whose work is steeped in meaning, ‘Toast Rack’ serves as a powerful introduction to the wider project – an album shaped by Werkha’s experience living with scoliosis, and the role of music in navigating pain, healing, and human movement.

“Toast Rack is a track closely connected to Manchester – not just inspired by the name of the building in Fallowfield, but as an answer to a call out for original music by my friend and close collaborator Yandass at Impact – a local dance and movement initiative.” – Werkha 

Originally created for regular creative collaborator, Yandass Ndlovu, to soundtrack the choreography for a performance by young dancers at Manchester’s Impact, ‘Toast Rack’ was subsequently developed into a complete track that reflects the album’s thematic exploration of life with scoliosis and the vital role of music in recovery.

“The result feels like a moment of joy. Something befitting of its original purpose; to make people move. There’s something extra fulfilling to know that this song that comes from an album exploring the limitations of movement, is encouraging people to dance and explore that same movement as an expression of joy.”– Werkha

Unsung Irregular is a celebration of movement and the resilient power of music to transform discomfort into rhythm. Scoliosis has shaped his life in ways both visible and invisible, and the album traces those contours with unflinching honesty, even reaching for specific instruments to communicate what the voice cannot.

“The acoustic guitar is an instrument I’ve always used, but on Unsung Irregular it’s definitely got the most prominent use out of any Werkha record. In Toast Rack, it provides the ethereal, cinematic sounds that underpin the track – these weird harmonics that add a sense of unease to the track. It’s something uncomfortable, which was intentional – a shimmering atmosphere that is around not just Toast Rack, but all the tracks on the album. This shared theme of unease juxtaposed with a desire for movement – it brings the story of Unsung Irregular to life.” – Werkha 

Blending electronica, jazz, breaks, and acoustic textures, the album stretches across 11 tracks, speaking also to a wider community of people navigating their own hidden conditions and those carrying pain quietly.

“This album is about giving a voice to those fighting quiet battles daily… I hope that through my music I’ve created a space for people to feel like they can talk about their own irregularities.” – Werkha

A record full of vivid storytelling, Unsung Irregular reflects both personal experience and the value of creative practice as healing, connection, and self-definition.

Werkha – ‘Toast Rack’ is out now on First Word Records

Werkha – ‘Unsung Irregular’ is out October 10th on First Word Records.