Glasgow-based singer-songwriter Ant Thomaz has built his career on authenticity, gratitude, and connection. With roots in Southern Louisiana and a deep love for storytelling through music, Ant blends folk, soul, zydeco, pop, and rock into a sound that feels both timeless and raw. From his early days busking on the streets of Glasgow and forming the funk-driven band DOPESICKFLY, to headlining stages and crafting heartfelt solo work, Ant’s journey reflects a lifelong passion for songwriting. His latest single, “Feet on the Ground,” written with his wife Frances, is a tender tribute to love, presence, and the beauty of staying grounded through life’s chaos.
HI ANT THOMAZ, WELCOME TO WORLDAUTHORS.ORG! PLEASE INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO OUR READERS. HOW DID YOUR JOURNEY AS A MUSICIAN AND SONGWRITER BEGIN?
I’m a singer-songwriter based in Glasgow, Scotland. I have always loved songwriting since I was 12 years old. I would buy records just to see lyrics and who wrote them. Professional I began about 11 years ago meeting my wife that’s when I started songwriting and my musicianship more seriously. I’m started a band call DOPESICKFLY and went to have a great wee music journey.
YOUR NEW SINGLE “FEET ON THE GROUND” IS DESCRIBED AS A SINCERE LOVE LETTER AND TRIBUTE TO REAL LOVE. CAN YOU SHARE THE STORY BEHIND WRITING THIS TRACK WITH YOUR WIFE, FRANCES?
Our song Feet on the Ground seeks to convey the genuine meaning of love, which goes beyond mere romantic feelings. I believe that many people misinterpret this term, causing its real importance to diminish over time. That’s why Frances and I aimed to emphasize that while reminiscing about or looking forward to love is enjoyable, experiencing love with someone right here and now is invaluable, as long as our minds aren’t preoccupied with the past or future. To me, anyone who feels and gives love is extraordinary, because it involves more than just saying I love you; it’s about showing that love in actions. Throughout our lives, we will encounter ups and downs, and it’s essential to comprehend each other’s perspectives, put our pride aside, focus on one another’s requirements, and be compassionate. Loving requires significant effort, but every moment spent in love is truly precious.
THE SONG SPEAKS ABOUT STAYING GROUNDED AMIDST LIFE’S CHAOS. HOW DO YOU PERSONALLY KEEP YOUR “FEET ON THE GROUND” AS BOTH AN ARTIST AND A PARENT?
Meditation helps me a lot, and my caring family gives me stability every day. We talk about everything, which shows how important communication is. Working together and seeking advice from wise people improves my understanding and reduces distractions.
YOU’VE BLENDED INFLUENCES FROM FOLK, SOUL, ZYDECO, POP, AND ROCK INTO YOUR SOUND. HOW HAS YOUR SOUTHERN LOUISIANA HERITAGE AND YOUR GLASGOW JOURNEY SHAPED YOUR MUSIC STYLE?
Growing up in a Cajun French environment and around Glaswegians feels like home due to the similarities in culture, lifestyle, and music. Zydeco resembles Ceilidh, making it natural for me to blend genres; limiting myself feels forced. Both cultures emphasize being authentic. I cherish my Cajun French heritage and Scottish Celtic & Glasgow with my whole heart, they embraced me like family and taught me to be myself as a songwriter.
FROM BUSKING ON THE STREETS OF GLASGOW TO PERFORMING AT FESTIVALS AND SUPPORTING ICONIC ACTS, WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
Having my family with me to enjoy those times together made them magical and doing as a independent and being able to me legends with my daughter and wife is still a pitch myself moment
YOUR BAND DOPESICKFLY BROUGHT A LOT OF ATTENTION WITH ITS FUNK-DRIVEN ENERGY, AND NOW YOUR SOLO CAREER IS THRIVING. HOW DIFFERENT IS THE CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN WORKING SOLO COMPARED TO WITH A BAND?
It’s a huge difference because DOPESICKFLY started because 7 friends were just hanging out and happened to be musicians and have loads of fun. We all have input, that’s why the sound is unique because every member brings different styles to the table like Funk, jazz, hip hop rock world music.
The shows are very energetic, theatrical and absolutely mental. Lol, turns into a dance offs.
My solo music I think it’s a bit more personal, more of personality and a different approach to songwriting, singing and recording wise, it’s me and mate Chris in the studio playing all the instruments so it’s more creative freedom but I love doing them both.
MANY OF YOUR SONGS HIGHLIGHT THEMES OF CONNECTION, GRATITUDE, AND PRESENCE. WHAT ROLE DO YOU HOPE YOUR MUSIC PLAYS IN PEOPLE’S LIVES WHEN THEY LISTEN TO IT?
I hope it helps someone find inner peace and live life to the fullest.
LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOU IN THE NEAR FUTURE, NEW PROJECTS, COLLABORATIONS, OR UPCOMING PERFORMANCES YOU’RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT?
New album will be out next year, so loads of touring. Upcoming performance I’ll be headlining one of my favourite venues, Barrowland in Glasgow. That’s definitely an exciting bucket list moment.
You can connect with Ant Thomaz on Instagram @ant_thomaz, Facebook @AntThomaz, TikTok @antthomaz1, and X @AntThomaz1