Dylan John Thomas possesses a gift for writing indie-folk songs which elevate challenging emotions into joyously optimistic anthems. It’s a skill that has made him one of Scotland’s most hotly tipped talents and in-demand live performers, resulting in six sold-out Barrowland Ballroom headline shows after just two EPs. His popularity is rapidly spreading to the rest of the UK, as demonstrated by his triumphant sets at last month’s Reading and Leeds Festivals. Now Thomas’ committed and ever-expanding fanbase is set to win a new army of devotees with the news that he will release his long-awaited self-titled debut album on 26th January. The album is launched alongside his brand new single Rich Boy.
Dylan John Thomas (Lawrence Watson)
Featuring fan favourites, including Jenna, Fever and the recently released single Yesterday Is Gone, Dylan’s debut album already feels like a collection of hit tracks. Yet it also introduces a wealth of new material, his immensely relatable and charismatic songwriting growing with a wider palette of sounds and imaginative nuances. Those new songs unlock something previously undiscovered in his artistic style, as demonstrated by the likes of the piano and string-swept ballad What I Need and the bouncy, jangly-pop of Melancholy’s Cure. The album closes with a remarkable live version of Wake Up Ma from Barrowland Ballroom, which not only pulsates with the bustling atmosphere of his shows, but its raw verses provide harrowing snapshots of his early life.
Every song on the album was written solely by Thomas, who produced the majority of the record with Rich Turvey (Blossoms, The Coral and Courteeners). Chris Marshall (Gerry Cinnamon) co-produced When I Get Home.
The 25-year-old says, “Debut album, feels mental saying that. Been some buzz recording it down in Liverpool over the last year. From writing tunes in my bedroom growing up and busking in Glesga, the dream was to record an album and tour it around the country. Cheers for making that happen”.
The new single Rich Boy really captures his flair for telling stories that celebrate an underdog triumphing against the odds – and with the Scotsman’s youthful zest refined, it’s also a strident step-forward musically. Check out the lyric video below:
Dylan John Thomas’s debut album is the latest headline in his remarkable life story. Growing up in foster care in Glasgow, his first musical memory came in the form of Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire which played repeatedly on the PlayStation game Tony Hawkes. He then became inspired by other musicians of the 60s: Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen and The Beatles. His start was modest, busking in Glasgow, which he describes as his apprenticeship, and gigging around the city’s pubs and open mic circuit, before an invite to support Gerry Cinnamon. As Cinnamon’s career took off, he continued to mentor Dylan and his support kick-started Dylan’s own rise. And what a rise it has been. Thomas’ headline shows constantly grow in size with every tour, his word-of-mouth following amplified by airplay at Radio 1, BBC Introducing, 6 Music and Radio X. The relative intimacy of his shows translates to bigger stages too, leading to supports to Liam Gallagher, Sam Fender, Courteeners, Stereophonics, Ocean Colour Scene and DMA’S, as well as festival sets that have included Glastonbury and TRNSMT Mainstage.
Having also packed tents at the Reading and Leeds Festivals this summer, Thomas’ next headline tour comes in November. All Scottish dates – including a three-night run at the infamous Barrowland Ballroom – sold-out months in advance, many on day of release.
Upcoming UK headline shows: NOVEMBER2nd – Leeds, Beckett Students’ Union 3rd – Liverpool, O2 Academy 14th – Newcastle, University7th – Birmingham, O2 Institute 29th – Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom 10th – Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom 11th – Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom14th – Cardiff, Globe15th – Southampton, Papillon16th – London, Garage19th – Aberdeen, Beach Ballroom24th – Edinburgh, O2 Academy
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