Priya Thomas

Canadian artist Priya Thomas came to writing songs on her kid-brother's nylon string guitar after saying goodbye to many years of classical violin at the age of twelve after carving the instrument to disrepair with a dinner knife.

Over the course of three releases she has built a solid reputation as a writer that tackles complex subject matter with a deft lyrical hand; and a performer that delivers a kamikaze, take-no-prisoners performance.

The new CD 'You And Me Against The World Baby', is a concise grouping of songs that are visceral and cacophonous. It's raucous refrains and spit ball observations are relentless; chasing stores of bruised relationships, seasides covered in gasoline, humans and overwhelming institutions, biblical prophecy, deadly addictions, masses on autopilot, the wild west, manifest destiny, famine and the food chain.

Most recently, Thomas has just finished a UK tour which included showcase performances at In the City Manchester, and a support date with the Fall. She also supported John Cale on the Canadian leg of his tour in November 05, as well as past support slots with Radiohead, Sam Philips and The Dears.

A new album, tentatively titled 'Black Hammer' is scheduled for release later in the year.

"Onstage she unleashes a swagger that would make Mick Jagger proud"- Daniel McCabe, Elle Canada

"Her music hails from the full-on rock and roll side of punk, but it’s her moves, angular yet flowing like a staccato ballet, that really grab your attention"- BBC Manchester

"Priya Thomas emotes so much devout passion on this ten-tracker, that you'll wonder if God is stuck in her throat"-Christine Estima, The Gate

"Thomas herself is wild: a dark, skinny, suicide-blonde dervish of a performer...Big on originality - there's nobody else like her, really." -Howard Druckman CMW

Each song is literally the best two to three minutes of your life! She was fiendishly dancing right off the top, all over the cramped stage...She even fell a few times! She was like a caged animal, pacing through her territory" -ChartAttack Live Review, Christina Estima

..."fantastic...confrontational" -The Globe and Mail, Canada

Official website