In recent months, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter Dylan John Thomas has had a succession of big moments, including a mainstage performance at
TRNSMT, a sold-out
Glasgow Barrowland show, making his
Glastonbury debut and playing shows as guest to N
oel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds,
Courteeners 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 John Thomas releases the official video for his new single
‘If I Didn’t Laugh’. Watch it HERE. Listen HERE. Dylan also recently announced his UK headline tour, which commences on the 18th November in Aberdeen and culminates in Glasgow, with two nights at Barrowland Ballroom on 7th and 8th December. The first of the two nights was a day one sell out, leading to announcement of the second date to fulfil demand. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. For the full list of live dates visit https://www.dylanjohnthomas.com/tickets
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 across digital & streaming platforms as well as a limited edition 12” transparent vinyl. Pre-order or pre-save the EP HERE.
The unflinchingly honest, first-person perspectives that make Dylan’s song writing 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). Watch the brand-new video HERE. Listen HERE.
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 Scottish 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:AUGUST
28th – Portsmouth, Victorious Festival
NOVEMBER
18th Aberdeen, Unit 51
19th Dundee, Fat Sams (SOLD OUT)
22nd Newcastle, Boiler Shop
23rd Manchester, Gorilla
24th Leeds, Brudenell Social Club
26th Liverpool, East Village Arts Club
27th Birmingham, Hare & Hounds
30th London, Colours
DECEMBER
7th Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom
8th Glasgow, Barrowland Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
