Artist description Eastern inflected grooves meet blues riffs and ambient piano in a sound that may well be ahead of its time.Invoking hybrid elements like chunky guitars, gorgeous vocals, trippy loops and cathartic lyrics this singer-songwriter's music is intense and original. Her voice can swivel quickly between rage ecstasy, and a mere 4 octaves. This is music that is striking and original.

Music Style Pop/Alternative/Electronica

Similar Artists PJ Harvey meets Talvin Singh and Liz Phair

Artist History Over the last five years, critics and fans alike have voted guitarist, singer-songwriter Priya Thomas “the most likely to be exported to fame and better weather conditions”. She was selected as one of the 10 most promising Canadian acts for 1999 by Access magazine and has appeared in several national musicrags as a name to watch out for. With a charismatic stage show and strong songs, the Hamilton, Ontario born, South-Asian blooded, Toronto dwelling, ex-Monrealer has carved out a unique niche for herself in the independent music scene. She has a charismatic, agile voice that can still an audience while making 4 octaves look easy. But moreover, she is a multi-instrumentalist who composes on guitar and piano, programs all her own loops and now even records her own material.Hardly the image of a “puppet on strings”, critics have been quick to note that everything about Priya is home-spun and authentic.Like other artists who are cultural hybrids, Priya’s influences are broad: from PJ Harvey to Talvin Singh to Liz Phair.It’s clear that what Priya calls her “mongrel music” is here to stay.Her music has caught the attention of many established musicians already.After catching Priya in a sound-check, Britpop band James invited her to open for their 24-date North American tour.Since then, she has also opened for Radiohead, John Cale, the Neville Brothers and many others. She has also worked with production heavies Youth and the KLF on an ambient techno release in the UK, and completed a full-length CD entitled ‘Landrise’ co-written in Vancouver with guitarist/violinist Saul Davies of James. With two independent CD’s already under her belt, (In the Throes of the Microscope -1996 and Armageddon Weather Channel-1998) Priya Thomas has covered a lot of ground for an indie artist in Canada.Her new Cd entitled “Home is Hollywood” will be out in August of 2000.

Group Members Priya Thomas- vocals, electric guitar, sequences

Instruments Sequences, Electric guitar, vocals: Priya Thomas

Albums In the Throes of the Microscope, Armageddon Weather Channel

Press Reviews “If you haven’t heard of Priya Thomas yet, don’t worry, you will... (Chart Magazine, 1997)"Off the edge, over the cliff vocals and unbelievably raw energy. Very interesting indeed..."(The Montreal Gazette-Brendan Kelly)"she brews up an eclectic blend of darkly passionate music as she alternately purrs and yowls in her distinctive vocal style" (Chart Magazine)"Pardon the dog-eared cliches, but if you're keen to veer in unexpected directions, inhale exotic aromas from the East, bask in rays of vivid colours and be open to the idea of lovely accidents, the music of singer-songwriter Priya Thomas should be a priority"(Now Magazine)

Location Toronto, Ontario - Canada

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