Singer-songwriter Les Thomas has been focusing on singing lessons with Jacinta for almost a year now. Though he loves singing, writing, recording and performing, he’s struggled with loving and appreciating his own voice or feeling like it’s “up to scratch”. Being surrounded by highly accomplished singers in Melbourne’s live music scene naturally leads to comparisons. It’s raised a lot of questions for Les about what’s his potential, his authentic voice and how to approach songs in the best way to communicate the stories and emotions.
“I go through phases between writing and performing, on the one hand, and learning, on the other. Sometimes it’s hard to do it all at once,” he says.
“I feel more grounded and confident in my voice and what I’m doing with it now, thanks to Jacinta’s guidance. She helped me realise that what we do is a gift to ourselves and others. There’s nothing not to love about that.”
With a new album coming out on October 6 with an extensive tour planned in Australia’s Eastern States, he sees every milestone as a snapshot in time.
“The songs on the album were recorded before I started lessons with Jacinta. My producer, Stephen Grady, is an extraordinary singer himself, and he helped me access the better parts of my voice during recording.”
In Les’s view, improvement is guaranteed just by being honest and gentle with himself and being able to hear the true voice with loving ears. Earning a spot at next January’s Newstead Live Music Festival has put a big spring in his step about enriching experiences ahead.
Les Thomas will launch his new album “All My Friends Are Superstars”.
Sunday, October 29, 3 pm at The Wesley Anne, Northcote, with very special guest Hannah Acfield.
“Les Thomas’s superpower is as a lyricist – simple yet sophisticated, accessible yet uncompromising, ultimately honest and always with something powerful to say.”