The Scotsman Sessions #433: Dylan John Thomas
Welcome to the Scotsman Sessions, a series of short video performances from artists all around the country introduced by our critics. Here, ahead of his performance at the TRNSMT festival, Dylan John Thomas performs his new song Got You on My Mind
Dylan John Thomas is a repeat offender. The Glasgow-based singer/songwriter/bandleader has just recorded his third Scotsman Session, having made his debut in December 2021 and then previewed his self-titled debut album in February 2024 as the star of the 400th Session.
Now he returns, ready to mark another chapter of a hugely successful, resolutely DIY career which began with busking spots and open mic appearances before following his mentor Gerry Cinnamon to the commercial heights of the Hydro.
For his session, Thomas has recorded a live acoustic rendition of his uplifting new song Got You on My Mind, a track which takes his signature fingerpicking skills in new directions. Having started music-making on a guitar bought from Argos, this grassroots troubadour has now taught himself to play the banjo, opening up new vistas and old-time timbres.
“I started playing banjo a few years ago, just after the first album came out,” he says. “We went on a wee trip round Scotland and we were just kicking around, playing all the old folk songs. It gives a different type of sound to the guitar. It’s still sticking within that bluegrass feel with the rolling fingerpicking but I wanted to see if we could fit it into the new tunes.”
Thomas has already released a lovely stripped-back video, filmed in the former sanctuary of Anderston Kelvingrove Parish Church (now community arts centre the Pyramid), but his Scotsman Session is more intimate and spontaneous still, with Thomas perched on the staircase that leads into the Barrowland Ballroom, his voice ringing out in the fine acoustics of a space he has already headlined on multiple occasions.
Barrowland may be a beloved gig for Thomas but the next landmark in his sights is a return visit to the big ticket TRNSMT festival, with a tasty main stage spot near the top of the bill. “First time we played TRNSMT was just after lockdown, and it was bouncing,” he says. “Been lucky to play the main stage a few times now and it’s always a highlight. This year we’ll be playing a few new tunes.”
Note the non-royal “we”. Dylan may be the frontman and songwriter but he’s a team player, fleshing out his songs in the company of a trusty band who realize his pithy ambition to produce “Oasis choruses, Bob Dylan verses”. As to the new tunes, expect his trademark fast skiffly pace teamed with bold brass and some sleek production.
“With the first album I’d played loads of the songs live before I’d even sat down to record it,” he says, “so I felt like that restricted me, trying to recreate the songs as we’d played them. Taking some time off touring and just focussing on recording this time round was a really great experience.”
When asked what the future holds, he modestly replies that he is “just looking forward to getting out and playing the tunes live. It’s been a while and that’s what it’s all about for us.”
Dylan John Thomas plays the Main Stage at TRNSMT, Glasgow Green, 19 June
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