"We create from a place of love" - Ant Thomaz On His New Single, "Feet on the Ground"
Independent singer-songwriter Ant Thomaz opens up about his new single, challenges he faced as an artist, why he believes streams don't define success, future plans, and more.
Glasgow-based singer-songwriter Ant Thomaz has traveled a unique path - from busking on the streets to performing at major festivals, from fronting the funk-driven band DOPESICKFLY to stepping into his own as a solo artist. With roots in southern Louisiana, his sound is shaped by folk, soul, pop, zydeco, and rock. His new single, Feet on the Ground, co-written with his wife Frances, is a tender tribute to love, presence, and gratitude.
In our conversation, Thomaz opened up about the gear behind his songs, the lessons he's learned as an independent artist, why he believes "streams don’t define success", the financial balancing act of a modern musician, his hopes for future collaborations and live shows, and more.
Eugenia Roditis, Musicngear: Your new single “Feet on the Ground” feels deeply personal and organic. What instruments and gear did you rely on in the recording process to capture that warmth and sincerity?
Roland keyboard, Eastcoast acoustic, Höfner Ignition Violin Bass Limited Edition Sunburst, Yamaha electric guitar & cheap drum kit.
Musicngear: From busking on Glasgow streets to major festival stages, your sound has traveled many settings. How has your gear shaped the way you create and perform?
The gear changes based on whether we recorded the song in the studio. We obviously learned how to play them because your imagination is more alive during recording. This is different from busking on the street, where you have to keep things simple. Both approaches work, though.
When we used to busk, a small drum was enough, and an East Coast acoustic sounded great. A beginner bass guitar worked for us at that time. It helped us understand that having too much gear can make you a lazy player when you're just starting out. We had to learn how to be great musicians first with cheap equipment, and then we stepped up to better gear.
The ultimate goal is that as many people as possible hear and are inspired by the music. It's a marathon, not a race. I'm grateful for the journey. We create from a place of love.
Musicngear: When it comes to promoting “Feet on the Ground” and your upcoming projects, what are your main goals? Do you think in terms of streams, live shows, media coverage, or do you approach promotion differently?
It's a mix of strategies like touring, festivals, supportive roles, local radio, and possibly international radio. Patience and persistence have always been our strength, and keeping in mind that streams don't define success. I'm grateful we can create and release music into the world independently; We engage with people in real life, the grassroots way, which has always been a positive aspect in a noisy environment.
Understanding who you want around you saves time, which is crucial for me as an independent artist. Our small team for public relations and social media is fantastic, and I'm very happy with it. I prefer to conserve my energy and concentrate on my strengths while delegating tasks to those more knowledgeable, like my wife. She effectively manages email inquiries, music promoters, and public relations.
The ultimate goal is that as many people as possible hear and are inspired by the music. It's a marathon, not a race. I'm grateful for the journey. We create from a place of love, so all is good!
Musicngear: What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist, and what advice would you give to musicians trying to overcome similar obstacles?
As an independent artist, the most important lesson I've learnt is being prepared to find solutions. Rather than whine, I concentrate on what I can do to improve things. I grew up in a multicultural home, so we were taught that you face challenges in life most of the time that have nothing to do with you, don't adopt other people's anxieties & some needs sorting out, face it, and learn how to get a better result.
As a singer-songwriter-musician, I’m grateful to have started my career in Glasgow. It's an excellent place to learn independence and problem-solving early on. Treat everyone with respect and take the time to learn live performance. Even a short 20-minute support slot deserves commitment. Always perform your best, as the audience could be anyone.
Music is heading back to basics. I think people miss people and real feedback.
Musicngear: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and is there a particular festival or venue where you dream of performing?
Collaborate with any artist, it would be Bob Marley, Damon Albarn from Gorillas & Blur, Bob Dylan, Corinne Bailey Rae, Sandi Thom, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, Kings of Leon, Faithless & Sade.
Festival: Mainstage Glastonbury, mainstage Belladrum, Hyde park, Isle of Wight Fest
Venue: Wembley, Sell out Barrowland, Glasgow, Fruit Market, Glasgow, All the OVO Hydro, O2 Academy
Musicngear: What are your thoughts on the value of music blog coverage today and where it’s heading, especially with platforms that connect artists with bloggers and curators, like SubmitHub, Groover, Musosoup, and Wallstream?
I've never really gotten into SubmitHub, Groover, Musosoup, and Wallstream, but I understand why they exist. I personally respect the independent blogs and reviews that are a bit more organic. I love emails from the person who directly wrote the review.
Music is heading back to basics. I think people miss people and real feedback.
Musicngear: Making a living as a musician today comes with its own set of challenges. How do you personally navigate the financial side of your career? Do you rely solely on music, or do you balance it with other work to sustain your artistry?
I've been in the healthcare field since I was 20 years old, so almost 14 years, I absolutely love it, and obviously music, songwriting & producing for other artists, and publishing & writing top liners, basically living life.
Musicngear: Imagine you could gain one superpower to take your live shows to another level. What would it be?
Flying in the crowd like Flaming Lips, but leave the rubber hamster ball lol!
Musicngear: If one of your songs were turned into a Netflix series, which track would you choose, what would the storyline be, and who would you cast in the lead role?
My next single is called Flying, it's coming out in October, so I would use that song. The storyline would be similar to the movie Office Space, the comedy from 1999, and the cast would be the Scottish comedian Kevin Bridges, Dave Chappelle, Frances Thomaz, Wanda Sykes & Steve Buscemi.
Musicngear: With "Feet on the Ground" out in the world, what's next for you?
Touring and weekends, making it home on Mondays to take and pick up my wee daughter from school.
We'll be releasing a new single in October called Fly so we're really excited about that!
Connect with Ant Thomaz
Facebook / X / Instagram / Bandcamp / Spotify
Listen to "Feet on the Ground"
About Eugenia Roditis
Eugenia's passion for music was ignited from an early age as she grew up in a family of musicians. She loves attending concerts and festivals, while constantly seeking fresh and exciting new artists across diverse genres. Eugenia joined the MusicnGear team in 2012.
Contact Eugenia Roditis at eugenia.roditis@kinkl.com
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