Ashley Thomas

Ashley Thomas

Ashley Thomas is a musician from Southampton who moves between soul, jazz, nu-jazz and related contemporary club-influenced styles. Raised on a wide range of music including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Marvin Gaye, David Bowie and Parliament, he starts playing drums at an early age and later takes up guitar, bass and piano.

After moving to London to focus on a professional music career, he attracts interest from major record and publishing companies because of his songwriting. He then pursues a more underground direction, combining 1960s and 1970s soul and funk with broken beat and nu-jazz. His approach is shaped by artists such as 4Hero, IG Culture and Bugz In The Attic.

His music is built around classic vocal hooks, syncopated rhythms and carefully structured songs. He also sings, with vocals that range from restrained delivery to a more forceful style.