The Experience Designers Tom Middleton - From dance floors to deep rest: A journey of sound and healing
From his early fascination with synths and soundscapes to touring the world as a DJ, Tom Middleton has spent decades exploring the neuroscience and emotional power of music. In this conversation, Tom shares how his journey through burnout led him to pioneer “experience as medicine,” using sound intentionally to promote well-being, focus, and recovery. We explore neuroaesthetics, spatial audio, vibroacoustics, and how environments—from wellness spaces to workplaces—can be sound-designed to improve health and human connection. This is a deep dive into the future of sensory wellness and functional sound design.
#SoundDesign #WellnessInnovation #TheExperienceDesigners #ExperienceDesign
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Beginnings & Sonic Fascination
06:30 – From Cornwall to Global DJ
14:09 – Nature Sound & Soundscape Ecology
18:44 – Touring, Burnout & Recovery
30:31 – Therapeutic Music & Sleep Science
39:33 – Soundscaping Everyday Life
47:14 – White Mirror & Sensory Wellness Innovation
54:21 – Experience as Medicine
Bio and Links
Tom Middleton is a multi-award-winning composer, sound and sensory designer, and pioneer of Sonic Therapeutics for sleep, stress, pain, and performance. As co-founder of White Mirror, he creates health-promoting audio and sensory content grounded in salutogenic design - spanning digital therapeutics, immersive environments, and multi-sensory experiences. Originally mentored by Aphex Twin, Tom draws on classical and electronic roots, as a designer, orchestral cellist, DJ, and neuroscience researcher. His work continues to help millions via Calm, Apple Music, Sleep Cycle, and UMG’s Sleep Better.
He also created the world’s most relaxing noise and explores acoustic ecology, archaeo-acoustics, and sonic storytelling to raise awareness for planetary and human wellbeing. Tom serves on the Global Wellness Institute’s Music for Health & Wellbeing board and co-authored the sleep chapter in Touring and Mental Health: The Music Industry Manual. He’s committed to scaling evidence-based, humanity-first interventions in a world craving calm, care, and connection - where empathy becomes exponential, and design becomes medicine.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommiddletonmusic
Music
Here's the track 7-year-old Tom heard by Isao Tomita - https://open.spotify.com/track/2w0URaMReZtoWWDkboobkL?si=d884d327d15e4098
Also, here are two albums we love here at The Experience Designers Podcast - Enjoy!
Spatial Focus Music - https://open.spotify.com/album/0AVuGKpxfe3d9xJM90YbmN?si=XtqG2P1eTuu4BaCoScSrqQ
Spatial Sleep Music - https://open.spotify.com/album/6Ifo4VtUVq1a3evYQ6zMtM?si=Z5ZOIgsjTYGRmrScuF1i-Q