Dylan John Thomas’s recent single
‘Fever’ was the catalyst for a succession of big moments for the 24-year-old singer-songwriter. He celebrated the track’s release by fulfilling a lifelong ambition when he played a sold-out
Glasgow Barrowlandshow, and has since made his
Glastonbury debut and played shows as guest to N
oel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds,
Courteneers and
Stereophonics. Mentored by
Gerry Cinnamon,
Dylan’s latest accomplishments add to previous achievements which have included gigs with
Sam Fender and
Liam Gallagher, as well as airplay from
BBC Introducing,
Radio X and
6 Music.
Today Dylan follows ‘Fever’ by sharing his brand new single ‘If I Didn’t Laugh’. Listen HERE. The song comes ahead of his main stage performance at Glasgow’s TRNSMT this Sunday. He received a rapturous reception during his set at last year’s festival, with a huge crowd singing along to songs such as ‘Jenna’ and ‘Nobody Else’.
Dylan also announces a UK headline tour today, which commences on the 18th November in Aberdeen and culminates in Glasgow at Barrowlands on the 8th December. Tickets are on sale from Wednesday 13th July at 9am and can be purchased HERE. For the full list of live dates visit https://www.dylanjohnthomas.com/
Both ‘If I Didn’t Laugh’ and ‘Fever’ will feature on ‘Dylan John Thomas – EP2’, along with two brand new songs in the shape of ‘Now And Then’ and ‘What A Shame’ as well as the opening instrumental ‘Battle of Alesia’. The EP will be released on 4th November on digital/streaming formats and on limited edition 12” transparent vinyl. Pre-order or pre-save the EP HERE.
The unflinchingly honest, first-person perspectives that make Dylan’s songwriting so engaging reaches new heights on ‘If I Didn’t Laugh’. Dylan looks back at the summers of his childhood. Living in foster care and separated from his siblings, he looks back and concludes “If I didn’t laugh, I’d cry.” But in contrast to the social realism of the lyrics, the song feels unstoppably uplifting. From its earworm whistles to the anthemic hook, ‘If I Didn’t Laugh’ feels like a kindred spirit to his cover of ‘Ring of Fire’, the first song he ever learned to play and a highlight of his live shows.
‘If I Didn’t Laugh’ was written by Dylan John Thomas. He produced and mixed the track with Rich Turvey (Blossoms, Courteeners). An official video for the song will be revealed soon.
Music proved to be Dylan’s escape into a bigger world during the childhood he recalls in ‘If I Didn’t Laugh’. Named after his first hero, Bob Dylan, he continued to be inspired by all-time great songwriters such as Leonard Cohen, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and Johnny Cash. Striking out on his own, he would busk in Glasgow in all weathers, but he was undeterred by the challenges of the seasons. As he developed his talents as a performer, Dylan’s songs prompted the city’s shoppers to stop and pay attention.
One early supporter became a pivotal figure in Dylan’s life. Gerry Cinnamon provided both encouragement and guidance, setting an example of someone who could cultivate a career on his own terms. And soon Dylan was making waves of his own, selling out King Tut’s quicker than any other artist in the venue’s history, and developing a wider following with his self-titled debut EP.
‘Dylan John Thomas – EP2’ tracklist:
The full list of tour dates are:JULY
10th – Glasgow, TRNSMT
30th – Kendal Calling
AUGUST
28th – Portsmouth, Victorious Festival
NOVEMBER
18th Aberdeen, Unit 51
19th Dundee, Fat Sams
22nd Newcastle, Boiler Shop
23rd Manchester, Gorilla
24th Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
26th Liverpool, Arts Loft
27th Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
30th London, Colours
DECEMBER
8th Glasgow, Barrowlands
