Thom Donovan

Thom Donovan
Thom Donovan performing with Lapush at the Duck Room in St. Louis, MO 2008.
Background information
Birth name Thomas Joseph Donovan
Born (1974-07-24) July 24, 1974
Origin St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Occupation(s) Guitarist, Songwriter, Singer, Producer
Instruments Guitar, Voice, Bass, Keyboards
Years active 1995–present
Associated acts Lapush, Wyclef Jean, Will Hoge, Ruby Amanfu, Rossi, Kendall Morgan, Stir

Thom Donovan (born Thomas Joseph Donovan, July 24, 1974, in St. Louis, Missouri) is an American musician, guitarist, songwriter and producer. He has released four solo albums and is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band Lapush. His international performance career has included concerts across the United States as well as cities around the world. Donovan's music frequently appears in film and television. He had a recurring role in the ABC musical drama series, Nashville, as a musician.

Childhood and early life

Of Irish and Italian descent, Donovan, the middle of three children, was born in St. Louis, MO. His father's record collection inspired him to begin writing songs at a young age. Thom Donovan was educated at Lindenwood University where he graduated with a BA in Music, studying under John McClellan (Luciano Pavarotti). At Lindenwood, Donovan performed in a master class with Scott Tennant of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.

Career

Early work (1995–2000)

While in college, Thom Donovan formed a duo with his brother, Stephen Donovan, called Elevator to a Penthouse. The duo's primary influences were Velvet Underground and the sounds of Motown; which the brothers had discovered in their father's record collection. An album, bigelectricheart, was recorded on 8-track, half-inch tape.

STIR and Lapush (2001–2008)

In 2001, Donovan formed Lapush with his brother, Stephen. Singing and playing guitar and working as the band's primary songwriter and producer, Lapush marked the first time Donovan would front a band on his own. However, Lapush would have to wait, as later in 2001, Donovan briefly joined the band Stir in studio during recording of their 3rd album (which was never officially released). He then agreed to tour the album once it was released, and played a few St. Louis area gigs with the band from 2002 through 2003. However, the band was dropped from their label and then went on hiatus, allowing Donovan to concentrate on his own project.

In 2004, Lapush signed to 456 Entertainment (Fontana/Universal) and released their debut album, Someplace Closer to Here, in June 2005. Later that same year the band would make their television debut performing on Last Call with Carson Daly on NBC. The album featured the singles, "Aurora", "Quit You Now" and "Say Something". Songs from the album were featured frequently in film and television, including Moonlight on CBS[1] as well as Laguna Beach and The Hills on MTV.[2]

The band's second album, Modern Blues was released in 2007 and featured the singles, "Closer", "Run" and "Leave The Light On". Modern Blues was dedicated to the memory of Donovan's father who died in 2006 from pancreatic cancer. Donovan penned the song "Closer" for his father. Songs from this record were featured on several television shows. Lapush also performed with Nikka Costa, Matt Nathanson, The Sounds and Hot Hot Heat. Donovan produced and mixed both Lapush albums in his home studio, The Control Tower.

Lapush officially broke up in June 2008.[3]

Thom Donovan with Lapush (2008)

Solo career/Nashville (2008–present)

"I Love How You Love Me" was the first single released by Donovan in 2008. This is a cover of the 1961 hit originally recorded by The Paris Sisters and produced by Phil Spector. Donovan's first solo performance was opening for OneRepublic in St. Louis, MO on July 26, 2008.[4] Cast A Light, Donovan's debut full-length solo album was released on March 30, 2010 through his own imprint, Lapush Recordings. "September Glows", the final track from Cast A Light has been featured on KROQ-FM[5] in Los Angeles and has also been featured on MTV.[6] Songs from Cast A Light have appeared in television shows on MTV, and VH-1. Donovan celebrated the release of his first solo album with two performances at SXSW in Austin, TX on March 17, 2010.

Donovan composed music for Nettwerk/Revelry Music Group from 2010–2012. He currently writes for JMHB Music and Kobalt Music Group and resides in Nashville, TN.[7] He released his second solo album, Mercury Maybe, on March 27, 2012.[8] The first single, "Drive", was re-recorded and taken from the original Elevator to a Penthouse sessions. Donovan also collaborated with Ken Harrison and Roberta Carter-Harrison from Wild Strawberries on Mercury Maybe. Donovan and Harrison co-wrote "Division Street", "Liza", and "Still All Right". Roberta Carter-Harrison sang on "Drive" and "Still All Right".

In November 2013, Donovan performed with Ruby Amanfu at Voodoo Fest in New Orleans, an event that also featured artists such as Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, and The Cure.[9]

Donovan released his third solo album, Canon, on June 17, 2014 through AWAL. Donovan collaborated with Wyclef Jean and Ruby Amanfu on the album's first single, "Shipwreck".[10] The video for "Shipwreck" was directed by Anthony Matula and features members of the Nashville Ballet. Donovan composed the lyrics for "Shipwreck"—inspired by Arthur Brooke and his poem, The Tragicall History of Romeus and Juliet (1562). The album was mixed by Grammy award-winning engineer, Vance Powell.

Rossi (2012)

Rossi (2012–2013)

In January 2012 Donovan formed Rossi with Kendall Morgan. Prior to launching Rossi, the two co-wrote a song called "Overload," which Morgan released as solo material and was featured on CBS's The Good Wife.[11] The group's first two singles, "Ossetia" and "War Within", were featured on My Old Kentucky Blog's radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio.[12] Rossi's debut show was March 2, 2012 at The Basement in Nashville opening for Mona. "War Within" has been featured on Simon Raymonde's radio show on Amazing Radio in the UK.

On March 5, 2013 Rossi's third single, "Your God", appeared in an episode of Body of Proof on ABC.

Will Hoge (2016-Present)

Donovan was tapped by Will Hoge to play guitar on his studio album 'Anchors'. Donovan officially joined the band in late 2016, and has spent the last year touring with Hoge. Hoge and Donovan originally spoke of Donovan joining his band years prior, but Donovan's schedule did not allow for him to join at the time.

Television appearances

Donovan had a small role in the ABC musical drama series, Nashville, as the keyboardist in Avery Barkley's band. The show was written by Academy Award winner Callie Khouri. The series was picked up by ABC on May 11, 2012.[13] Donovan appeared in 8 episodes in Season 1. During Season 2, he performed with Deacon Claybourne and Scarlett O'Connor. He returned for Seasons 3 and 4 as a guitarist for The Exes. Donovan has appeared in all 6 seasons of the show.

Musical equipment and sound

Donovan has been credited with a unique sound and approach to the guitar. Rick Anderson, Allmusic comments: "Tout Le Monde" features what is probably the best six-note guitar solo ever recorded." Donovan cites a combination of traditional blues, classical and electronic music as sources for inspiration on the guitar. In an interview with Amplifier Magazine Donovan states: "The idea is to blend two things together that have no business associating with each other. I enjoy composing on the computer as much as composing with an acoustic instrument. I want to take sounds from the past and help push them into the future."[14]

Donovan's songwriting owes much to the sound of Motown. Songs such as "Closer" contain the classic Motown beat. Donovan wrote "Closer" in memory of his father. His father was a huge fan of Diana Ross and The Supremes. Donovan found inspiration in the drum pattern from "Stop! In The Name of Love" as he wrote "Closer".[15]

Donovan uses numerous effects to create his guitar sound, most notably a Digitech Whammy pedal. The guitars he uses live are a Gibson SG and Fender Telecaster outfitted with a Bigsby. Donovan's main amplifier is a Vox AC30.

Influences

Donovan's earliest influence was the sound of Motown and The Beatles; which he discovered within his father's record collection. Other influences include: The Smiths, and Radiohead.

Film and television

Donovan's music appears regularly in film and television including: Body of Proof on ABC, The Good Wife on CBS, Moonlight on CBS, The Hills on MTV, The City on MTV, and Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County on MTV.

Discography (Solo career)

Albums

  • (2018) Sea of Stories
  • (2014) Canon
  • (2012) Mercury Maybe
  • (2010) Cast a Light

Discography (Lapush)

Albums & EPs

  • (2007) Modern Blues
  • (2005) Someplace Closer to Here
  • (2003) an EP by Lapush

Collaborations

  • (2018) My American Dream by Will Hoge. (Credits: guitar)
  • (2017) Anchors by Will Hoge. (Credits: guitar) * Peak Chart Position: #6 Americana Chart.
  • (2016) Buffalo by Shelly Fairchild. (Credits: co-writer "Lies").
  • (2016) Live guitarist for Shelly Fairchild.
  • (2013) Touring guitarist for Ruby Amanfu.
  • (2013) Love Out Loud single by Ruby Amanfu. (Credits: co-producer).
  • (2013) 1 EP by Sealt. (Credits: producer, co-writer).
  • (2013) Your God single by Rossi. (Credits: producer, co-writer).
  • (2012) War Within single by Rossi. (Credits: producer, co-writer).
  • (2012) Ossetia single by Rossi. (Credits: producer, co-writer).
  • (2012) Through Frozen Forests EP by Aaron Espe. (Credits: co-writer on "Turn") * Peak Chart Position: #5 iTunes UK singer/songwriter.
  • (2012) Three by Aaron Espe. (Credits: mastering).
  • (2011) Overload single by Kendall Morgan. (Credits: producer, co-writer).
  • (2011) First Days Of Summer single (alternate version) by Carter's Chord. (Credits: producer).
  • (2011) Again single (alternate version) by Carter's Chord. (Credits: producer).
  • (2003) Untitled, Unmastered, and Unemployed by Stir. (Credits: co-writer, guitar). Recorded for Capitol Records.
  • (2002–2003) Touring guitarist for Stir.
  • (2001) nevertheless EP by Flynova. (Credits: guitar, writer on "You're Still Pretending").
  • (1999–2000) Touring guitarist for British rock band, Fono. World tour with Goo Goo Dolls and Robert Plant.
  • (1996–1998) bigelectricheart 8-track demos by Elevator to a Penthouse. (Credits: co-producer, co-writer).

Television Appearances

Episodes 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 615
Episodes 504, 505, 513, 517
Episodes 408, 412, 414, 415, 418, 421
Role: guitar for The Xs (Gunnar Scott, Scarlett O'Connor)
Episodes 315, 316, 317, 318
Role: guitar & keyboards for Triple Xs (Gunnar Scott, Scarlett O'Connor, Avery Barkley)
Episodes 201, 206, 207
Role: guitar & keyboards for Deacon Claybourne, Avery Barkley, Scarlett O'Connor
Episodes 102, 106, 107, 108, 109, 111, 112, 121
Role: keyboards for Avery Barkley
Performed 2 songs with Lapush

References

  1. ↑ Moonlight on CBS CBS.com.
  2. ↑ MTV artists Lapush MTV.com.
  3. ↑ Official Lapush website Archived May 9, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Lapush.net.
  4. ↑ Thom Donovan to appear at Live On The Levee with OneRepublic July 26, 2008. Songkick.com.
  5. ↑ Thom Donovan on Jonesy's Jukebox on KROQ January 30, 2011. kroq.radio.com.
  6. ↑ MTV artists Thom Donovan MTV.com.
  7. ↑ Writers Ink With New Nettwerk One/Revelry Joint Venture March 7, 2011. Musicrow.com.
  8. ↑ Tumblr Mercury Maybe — New release Thom Donovan March 27, 2012. Tumblr.com.
  9. ↑ Ruby Amanfu's solo Voodoo debut smoldered Saturday on the Flambeau stage November 3, 2013. NOLA.com.
  10. ↑ Nashville Cream Canon — New album Thom Donovan June 19, 2013 nashvillescene.com.
  11. ↑ I Think I Love It Blog March 20, 2012. ithinkiloveit.com.
  12. ↑ Today’s MOKB on SIRIUS XMU Blog Radio Playlist April 17, 2012. myoldkentuckyblog.com.
  13. ↑ Nellie Andreeva (May 11, 2012). "ABC Picks Up To Series '666′, 'Last Resort', 'How To Live', 'Nashville', 'Penoza', 'Neighbors', 'Zero Hour', 'Red Van'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
  14. ↑ Amplifier Magazine Someplace Closer To Here by Lapush (Review) August 19, 2005. amplifiermagazine.com.
  15. ↑ Lapush Homespun: Review of Modern Blues by Annie Zaleski July 4, 2007. Riverfronttimes.com.
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