With recent singles 'Mess At Best' and 'Fire Escape' propelling Thom Lion forward, the Adelaide musician is preparing for an EP release and hometown launch show.
Tell us a bit about your new EP, 'Sleep Riots'?
The title 'Sleep Riots' stems from my troubles with sleep, re-occurring hectic dreams and the domino effect that has on other things. I'm really proud of all five songs. Each one brings something different but they are all very emotive, written from the piano. There are little synths throughout, but I think the sound is very organic.
You worked with producer John Castle (Josh Pyke, Vance Joy) on this project; what did he bring to the release?John is an incredible producer. He brought a lot of sounds and textures while cutting out any crap we had in the songs. He has a great ability to get the best out of people while adding his own dash of spark to everything. He’s a man at the top of his game.
Was it difficult to involve someone else in the production process having self-produced previously?
No. It was easy because John is great. In the past I’ve always put a lot of work into the production side of things, but with John I just relaxed and let go of the reins a bit.
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You'll be playing a hometown show at the end of July; anything special planned?
Yeah, we’ve got a biggie in store at Jive. My band and I have been honing a new, live show for quite a while now so I think you’ll see a lot more energy in the set, maybe even some 'frontman' stuff going on haha. We have two incredible supports in Donnarumma and Little Captain on board as well.
When were you first drawn to the piano?
When I was ten. I saw the neighbours getting piano lessons every Wednesday at their house, so I loitered over there until they let me get involved.
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Strangest place you have played a piano?
Hmmm… that’s an interesting one! Well I guess they’re pretty hard to lug somewhere that strange, but I have played a piano in this rainforest-type house on Stradbroke Island, so that was kind of beautiful and a bit strange.
How has growing up, living in Adelaide influenced, shaped your music?
I’m not sure exactly but I had a pretty relaxed upbringing and quite a few life experiences, so I’m sure that makes for stories that come through in the music. Adelaide is a great place to make music because the lifestyle allows breathing space to fit in work, songwriting and more balance compared to the busier cities. There are pros and cons but I’d like to think being a Radelaidian has shaped my music in a unique way.
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The second half of 2016… what's the plan Thom?
We are about to head off on tour to launch this EP, that will also be accompanied by our next single 'November' (which I think is the best song on the EP, but I’m biased). There’s a pretty awesome film clip made by some extremely talented local filmmakers to go with that single. I’ve got a feeling once this has all wound up we will be heading back into the studio later this year, fingers crossed for that one.
'Sleep Riots' is released 29 July.
Thom Lion & The Tamers Tour Dates
Sat 2 Jul - Teneriffe Festival (Brisbane)Sun 3 Jul - Currumbin RSL Deck Sessions (Gold Coast)
Fri 8 Jul - The Wesley Anne (Melbourne)
Sat 30 Jul - Jive (Adelaide)
