James Dylan Thomson

Meet Cambridge-born UK Open Mic performer James Dylan Thomson:

James Dylan Thomson

Hi James Dylan Thomson, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:

Do you play solo only, or also in a group?

Solo

How old are you?

Where were you born?

Cambridge

Where did you grow up?

Cambridge

How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)

As I say in my song, Strawberry Fair With Revolution In The Air. By the river Cam I heard songs of revolution.

Where are you based now, and why?

London

What got you into making music in the first place?

Music is in the family.

What instrument/s do you play?

Singing
Piano
Piano
Guitar
Mandolin

Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?

These are my top ten artists and why:

Bob Dylan – the answer is Blowin’ In The Wind.
The Beatles – Ob-la-di, ob-la-da.
Elvis Presley – I was Raised On Rock.
Tom Waits- I’m looking for the Heart Of Saturday Night.
Leonard Cohen – Everybody Knows.
David Bowie – Some cat was layin’ down some rock ‘n’ roll.
The Kinks – because I’m Not Like Everybody Else.
Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – he Put A Spell on me.
Pink Floyd – because we don’t need no education.
Melanie Safka – because I Don’t Eat Animals and they don’t eat me.

Do you write your own songs?

Yes

How many years have you been writing songs for?

What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?

They come to me like magic.

How long have you been playing open mic nights?

Why did you get into playing them in the first place?

To perform and see live music. To meet lots of new people from all walks of life.

What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?

Give them the ol’ razzle dazzle. Have fun. It’s a night out, not a maths exam. Meet lots of people and listen to their stories. Sing like everyone is watching and fully clothed. Be content in the moment, be in the room as well as on stage. Be thankful to the audience, whatever size they are. If one person’s listening, give them a good show. Sound engineers and bartenders like music too you know.

If people are chatting, be happy that you’re bringing people together. If people are quiet, you can still play loud. Don’t be obnoxious and critical. It’s not Britain’s Got Talent.

Remember, that if you’d rather perform next week instead, then that’s completely fine and understandable. You can still enjoy the show and hang out with friends.

If there’s no slots that night, don’t be disheartened. It’s London, there’s so many open mics to choose from. You can definitely find one that you like.

If you want to dance, then dance. If you want to sit, then sit. Be safe and look out for one another. Sing your heart out. Most of all, enjoy the magic.