Bio
Michael David Thomas has been described as a cross between wordsmiths Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen, with an honest vocal style reminiscent of the classic folk songwriters like James Taylor and Paul Simon. He belongs to a rare class of songwriters whose songs can simultaneously reach the head and the heart, make you laugh and cry, and reference the old while still providing a completely unique perspective.
Quotes
“A master of a turn of phrase. Beautifully simple songs with depth of sound and thought. For anyone who loves Dylan, Cohen etc.” Ian Haug (Powderfinger, The Church)
“Transports me to places I don’t even know, through stories I’ve never imagined before, about characters I’ve never met but have fallen in love with immediately. The lyrics are exquisite, doing that thing that amazing music does, making the listener question, well, almost life in it’s entirety” Jo Michelmore, It’s My Kind of Scene Blog
“Pensively atmospheric sound that transports you to a new a contemplative realm.” Pete Walsh, Rave Magazine
“Michael David Thomas songs are evocative and thought provoking. This is contemporary folk music thrown into the future” Folk Rag
“A refreshingly old approach to new music” Phil Young, Folk on the Fringe, 3MDR
“When I heard these songs, I said ‘yes’!” Mark Moffat, President of the Americana Music Association and producer (Keith Urban, Paul Kelly, on Breaking Hart Benton – MDT’s collaboration with Lee James Fielding)
Michael David Thomas and Lee James’ songwriting is “compelling from go to whoa” Martin Jones, Rhythms Magazine
“There is a literary quality to the lyrics that make you realise this isn’t just a casual experiment in songwriting, but an all encompassing work of art” Rave Magazine
“Erudite troubadour Michael David Thomas — a former lawyer and ex-member of Breaking Hart Benton, in another life — is embarking on yet another new chapter in his ever-evolving career, cutting the cord and going it solo on a forthcoming debut EP… the first single is a melancholy film-noirish piece that’s all greyscale and introspection and House Of Brothers-meets-Iron & Wine-style folksy magnetism… Thomas has also become the third-ever signing to Airlock Records (run by ex-Powderfinger player Ian Haug), through whom the impending EP will be released.” TheMusic.com.au
“Michael David Thomas writes and sings these wonderfully poignant contemporary folk songs that delve deep into the Australia’s musical past. Part storyteller, part historian and part protest writer, MDT’s music falls somewhere in between the contemporary folk and indie-singer-songwriter scenes.” Evan Hughes, Timber and Steel
“The smooth sounds of Jose Gonzalez-esque Michael David Thomas were drifting through the festival. Armed with an acoustic guitar, the sultry ballad “Jump In” had kids in the front swaying and adults looking on in delight” The AU Review
