Neil Thomas has toured extensively as lead singer and bassist with Matthew Herbert, as a beatboxer with Shlomo and the Vocal Orchestra and performed countless shows of his own original material. He's currently writing and recording for the looming release of his debut album.
On Friday 22 June, Neil performs at The Pheasantry at Pizza Express. Ahead of the gig, Neil tells Kingsroad.co.uk about Daisy, cycling and talks with a record label...
Tell us about your gig coming up at The Pheasantry.
I'll be performing my own material which is a blend of soul, folk and blues... there may be a few surprises too.
What's your history with King's Road?
I'd actually never been to the King's Road before visiting the Saatchi Gallery last year. I've lived in London all my life, but for some reason I'd never found reason to go! I might buy a pair of shoes from R. Soles next visit.
What for you is special about performing at The Pheasantry?
It's a lovely room with great sound and an intimate atmosphere. The stage is low, central and it always feels like you're more able to connect the song to the listener in that kind of room. Oh, and the food is good!
What's coming up next?
I'm in talks with a label at the moment. Hopefully I'll be putting together an album in the coming months. I've been used to doing it all on my laptop, but hopefully it'll sound like it was recorded at RAK Studios in St. John's Wood. Everything that comes out of RAK sounds fantastic.
When you aren't writing or performing, what are your five favourite pastimes?
I think, in no particular order, they'd have to be:
1. Watching pretty much any HBO TV series (The Sopranos will never be bettered).
2. Reading thriller novels (currently enjoying Stephen Leather's "Dan Shepherd" series).
3. Working out. Weights, NOT cardio (I'm far too lazy).
4. I like cycling whenever the weather permits. I can get from Notting Hill to Piccadilly in about 20 minutes.
5. Walking Daisy, a two-year-old Westie who likes to run after balls, but doesn't seem to have grasped the whole bringing-it-back bit yet.
Tickets for Neil Thomas are available to book online at PizzaExpress Live or by calling 08456 027 017.
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