Q&A - Ant Thomaz
This week we caught up with Ant Thomaz, frontman of the acclaimed funk-driven group DOPESICKFLY, who just released his gorgeously sunny and heart-warming debut EP 520, which came out on 7th July 2023.
A self-taught musician who began writing songs at the age of twelve, Glasgow-based Ant Thomaz’s rapid-fire vocal instrument has created a buzz as the frontman to funk-driven band DOPESICKFLY and vocalist in the electronic rock band Union Of Knives.
Having grown up in a French Cajun/Coushatta Indian background , Thomaz has since settled in Scotland and is a popular fixture on Scotland’s music scene thanks to his eclectic yet distinct and relatable style.
As a winners of the Celtic Connections Festival’s Open Stage competition, he has gone on to rub shoulders with some legendary names, supporting the likes of Mànran, Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Roy Ayers, Kool & The Gang, Eddie Reader, Shaun Ryder’s Black Grape, Big Country and The Sugar Hill Gang.
He has also collaborated with artists including Helen Marnie (Ladytron), Karen Dunbar, Shaka Loves You Nimbus Sextet, and Colonel Mustard & The Djion 5.
“ Thomaz is one of the critical voices of his generation... His ballads are vulnerable and touching... his music is a modern day masterpiece.” David Perozzi, Executive Producer CNN News
The Glasgow-based singer-songwriter and musician draws on his diverse musical background on 5:20, with six expertly-crafted songs that combine elements of folk, soul, blues, and zydeco - a music genre from Louisiana that nods to Thomaz’s French Cajun and Coushatta Indian roots.
Throughout 520 there’s an air of positivity and radiance, as Thomaz takes the more vigorous energy of his groups DOPESICKFLY and the electronic band Union Of Knives and channels it here into rich, soothing, ballads and melodic, slow-burning grooves.
You might hear elements of Lenny Kravitz, Seal, Gregory Porter, Ben Harper, Tracey Chapman or even Anderson Paak in Thomaz’s dexterous vocal delivery and stirring compositions, but he remains a uniquely original talent.
Read out Q&A with Ant Thomaz below and we recommend listen along to his latest release here, while your read:
Tell us about your latest release and solo project ?
My latest release is called Magpies. I grew up on folk music and still til this day its my favourite genre; in folk the rhythm & words matter, which I love.
My new single has a ceilidh rock feel its a simple story about pushing through the noise by listening and watching children in life.
Spending time in rural Ireland and Scotland among the Majestic Mountains influenced this song also enjoying the energy of communties at ceilidh's & at live music gatherings has inspired Magpies. Filming the Music video I had to head into the highlands to capture the essence of this song, it also features the amazing piper Craig Weir. Magpies music Video Out the end of July.
The solo EP is an extension of Magpies... my personal stories of loving Life and living among great people in Glasgow. The spirit of my daughter Gaia is also echoed throughtout the EP as her effervesent personality inspires everybody she meets.
Where do you find the inspiration and motivation to keep up different artist projects?
I'm passionate and embrace all music. Growing up in folk & Zydeco music encourages you to be flexible as you delve into the gumbo with diverse people and genres.
Now it comes natural its part of my DNA to jump between artists and projects, with my band DSF we embraced mutli genre, combining folk funk jazz hip hop & rock; creating new relationships while touring. Naturally as a songwriter I love to find new ways to express myself and place my words in the jigsaw puzzle of music.
Meditating everyday is the key...it helps me place myself in the best genre and project.
- What are is your desert island album ?
There's so many great albums but for me
Tracy Chapman self titled album