Dylan John Thomas Shares Rich Boy Alongside Debut LP News

by | Sep 15, 2023

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)

Dylan John Thomas (Lawrence Watson)

Featuring fan favourites, including JennaFever 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 1BBC Introducing6 Music and Radio X. The relative intimacy of his shows translates to bigger stages too, leading to supports to Liam Gallagher, Sam FenderCourteenersStereophonics, 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

Breland Proves Country Music Is For Everyone At The Electric Ballroom

Matt Cameron of Pearl Jam @ BST Hyde Park 2022 (Simon Reed)

Matt Cameron Departs Pearl Jam After 27 Years Amidst Wave Of Drummer Changes In Rock

After nearly three decades behind the kit, Matt Cameron has announced his departure from Pearl Jam. The legendary drummer, 62, shared the news via social media on 7th July, marking the end of a 27‑year tenure that began in 1998. His departure comes in the wake of the band’s Dark Matter World Tour, which concluded earlier this year.

Sydney Rose @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Sydney Rose Shines In Mid-Afternoon Magic On The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

While headliner Noah Kahan was preparing to command the Great Oak Stage later in the evening, over on the Rainbow Stage a quieter but equally stirring performance was unfolding under the soft mid-afternoon sun. Georgia-born singer-songwriter Sydney Rose brought her headline tour to a moving finale, wrapping her journey in heartfelt lyrics and gently fierce vocals that captivated a festival crowd seeking intimacy amid the day’s growing energy.

Gigi Perez @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Gigi Perez Captivates London With Raw Emotion And Rising-Star Power At BST Hyde Park 2025

At just 25 years old, Gigi Perez has already carved out a reputation as one of indie-pop’s most compelling new voices — and her late afternoon set on the Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park proved exactly why. Supporting headliner Noah Kahan and following a string of breakout moments this year, the Hackensack, New Jersey native delivered a deeply affecting performance filled with vulnerability, power, and soaring vocals

Paris Paloma @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Paris Paloma Brings Barefoot Magic To The Rainbow Stage At BST Hyde Park 2025

In a festival rich with soaring choruses and star power, it was Paris Paloma’s barefoot grace and gothic romanticism that carved out one of the day’s most mesmerising sets. Taking to The Rainbow Stage on a golden midsummer afternoon, the Derbyshire singer-songwriter captivated her growing legion of fans with an intimate, emotionally charged performance that felt part séance, part storybook.

FINNEAS @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

FINNEAS Warms Up London With Heart And Humour Before Noah Kahan’s Headline Set At BST Hyde Park 2025

It’s not every day that a support slot feels like a moment of main event magic, but FINNEAS — the GRAMMY®-winning songwriter, producer, and solo artist — brought just that to the Great Oak Stage at BST Hyde Park on Friday. Performing ahead of headliner Noah Kahan and main support Gracie Abrams, the 27-year-old delivered a slick, emotionally charged set that balanced heartfelt sincerity with tongue-in-cheek charm.

Noah Kahan @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Kalpesh Patel)

Northern Attitude In London: Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams & Friends Light Up BST Hyde Park 2025

It was, as the name requires, the perfect summer's day for British Summer Time Hyde Park on Friday. The sun was...
The Raven Age @ London Stadium (Kalpesh Patel)

Heirs To The Throne? The Raven Age Blaze Their Own Trail Supporting Iron Maiden At The London Stadium

On a scorching June evening that would culminate with the almighty Iron Maiden setting London Stadium ablaze, the...
Olivia Rodrigo @ BST Hyde Park 2025 (Sophia Carey)

Olivia Rodrigo Proves That London Is Her Favourite City At BST Hyde Park 2025

British Summer Time is officially underway in Hyde Park, and the unbearable heatwave will continue to remind us all of...

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share Thing