Gai Toms
Gareth 'Gai' J Thomas 'Toms' (born 14 September 1976 in Bangor, Wales) is a Welsh singer-songwriter, producer and actor. In 1992 he co-formed the popular Welsh language ska rock band Anweledig. From 1997 to 2007 he performed as Mim Twm Llai. Now performs using his childhood nickname with his band of bandits (Gai Toms a'r Banditos).
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Gareth J Thomas |
| Born | 14 September 1976 Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales |
| Origin | Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, Wales |
| Genres | Folk, brythonicana, rock, pop |
| Occupation(s) | Composer, producer |
| Instruments | Guitar, bass, drums, banjo |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Sbensh / Sain (UK) |
| Associated acts | Anweledig |
| Website | www |
Gai Toms writes mainly in Welsh Cymraeg, his mother tongue, he also writes in English. He is considered a folk singer songwriter, but music styles vary from folk revival to indie rock, depending on album concepts and themes.
Background
Toms was raised in the Merionethshire village of Tanygrisiau near Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales. His father, Robert Meurig Thomas was a bus driver, his mother, Margaret Gwenda Ellis, a seamstress and school caretaker. His elder sister, Elaine, was big musical influence on him, and sometimes accompanies him on backing vocals.
Praise
In March 2012 Toms won the prestigious Cân i Gymru music competition.[1] with Philip Lee Jones. Due to massive cuts in royalties for Welsh artists, he participated in the show/competition several times under different guises.
Gai Toms has won 10 BBC Cymru RAP awards, most for best songwriter.
Gai Toms discography
- Orig (Album/CD - 2019) Recordiau Sain
- Gwalia (Album/CD/LP - 2017) Sbensh
- The Wild, the Tame and the Feral (Album/CD - 2015) Sbensh
- Bethel (Double Album/CD - 2012) Sbensh
- Rhwng y Llygru a'r Glasu (Album/CD - 2008) Sbensh
Mim Twm Llai discography
- Yr Eira Mawr (Album/CD - 2006) Crai
- Straeon y Cymdogion (Album/CD - 2005) Crai
- O'r Sbensh (Album/CD - 2002) Crai
Anweledig discography
- Byw (EP/CD - 2004) Crai
- Low Alpine (EP/CD - 2001) Crai
- Gweld y Llun (Album/CD - 2001) Crai
- Scratchy (EP/CD - 2000) Zion Train collaboration. Crai
- Cae yn Nefyn (EP/CD - 1999) Crai
- Sombreros yn y Glaw (Album/CD/Cassette - 1998) Crai
Other releases
- 2014: Brython Shag (writer / guitar) Sbensh
- 2005: Dore, Bob Delyn a'r Ebillion (bass) Sain
- 2006: Llythyrau Ellis Williams (sings Dilyn Gorwelion)
- 2006: Dan y Cownter 2, compiled by Huw Stephens (one song as Mim Twm Llai)
External links
References
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