“Les Thomas makes me want to be a better person . . . he’s a bloody good singer-songwriter.”
— Timber and Steel
“In the folk tradition of Woody Guthrie, Les Thomas doesn’t simply sing a story about a stranger, he learns their story, helps give them a voice and uses the medium of music as advocacy. Currently a lot of people get named and promoted as the next great folk artist, but it is people like Les Thomas that keep the origins of folk forefathers alive and true.” — Lauren Duiker, The Orange Press
Local troubadour and activist Les Thomas is pleased to announce his ‘Survivor’s Tale’ album launch at Thornbury Theatre at 7:30pm on Friday September 20 with Justin Bernasconi and Cat Canteri (The Stillsons)!
Tickets options include $15 standing room only, $20 seated show and $55 dinner and show – plus booking fee at http://tickets.oztix.com.au/?Event=37334
Les, already well known for his activism through music fundraisers like These Machines Cut Razor Wire, in support of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, and as the founder of Unpaved, a Melbourne music website dedicated to supporting great original music, is excited to release his first long player. The focus of the album is on strong lyrics that hold up as poetry, complemented by a world class lineup of supporting musicians.
Last month Les released a stunning film clip for the first single to be lifted off of the album ‘Song For Selva’, based on a letter from an asylum seeker who suffered 37 months in detention away from family. The film clip, which features Collingwood Football Club champion Harry O’Brien alongside, has reached thousands of people with its humanising message. Here’s the link to the clip: http://youtu.be/k-So-f80DNI.
‘Survivor’s Tale’ is focused on telling human stories of enduring adversity and injustice. Although his subject matter is often serious, there are playful moments throughout the album and Les manages to transform painful personal experience into beautiful melodies throughout.
The title track of this album is a moving gesture of love from father to son, that addresses the reality of divorce, but offers strength from knowledge of and connection to family and history.
‘Free Ranjini’ is a direct call for the release of Tamil refugee and mother of three currently held in indefinitely in Villawood Detention Centre.
Recorded over two years with help from world class musicians like Jeff Lang (three-time ARIA Award Winner), Ben Franz (The Waifs, The Stillsons), Ashley Davies (drums) and more, these songs are almost ready for release, but help is needed from people like you to reach the $7000 funding target!
Please hit the Pozible campaign link below to be part of this evolving story and to pre-purchase your ticket to the CD launch now.
http://www.pozible.com/lesthomas
