Biography
THE HERMIT is the creation of electronic explorer Hamish Thomson whose voyage through new musical landscapes has no borders. Time spent holed up in experimental recording sessions aiming to combine his talent as a percussionist and drummer with his passion for electronic music pays off with a sound that combines the freedom of technology with the sensual organic quality of traditional instruments.
"I started as a drummer for other bands and had always contributed to the writing and vocal harmonies. I had the ability to play other instruments and sing but it took me a while to find my style and be brave enough to go on my own." Starting THE HERMIT, I found myself needing to compose, produce and play all of the instruments myself – even if I was struggling with a guitar line that could have easily been played by someone else. It was an extremely liberating process that produced the first HERMIT album." This was the independently produced and released Flying Out of Solitude.
Independent in more ways than one, Thomson played all the instruments on the album, composing spontaneously, and working on emotion with whatever produced the right noise. Unconventional sounds that found their way into the music of THE HERMIT originate from a curious collection of objects. A toaster oven, vintage air organ and the distorted hum of effects pedals combined with real live drums added a texture and richness typically not found in the music of his peers.
Nettwerk Productions took notice and quickly signed him to a contract under their boutique label Nutone, and re-released Flying, a remarkable debut which was nominated for a West Coast Music Award as Best Independent Release. The following year, Thomson was honored with two more West Coast Music Awards nominations for Male Artist of the Year and Best Electronic Release.
When the time came to record his second Nettwerk release Wonderment, Thomson welcomed collaborations with other talented musicians and vocalists. Guest vocal appearances include Martina Sorbara, Frazey Ford (Be Good Tanyas), Allison Shevernoha (Paper Moon), Shelley Campbell, CR Avery and Amalia Townsend (Sekoya). No longer having to go it alone, he tapped into a deep lyrical well allowing both words and music to express his vision. "I see the music as imagery when I write – every song has a visual accompaniment in my head, sometimes it may be a full story or it may be strong colors or tones helping to create the mood of the song."
The progression from Flying Out of Solitude to Wonderment was largely inspired by the birth of his son Lachlan. Thomson's reflection on this experience expressed, in fact inspired, the new CD title 'The anticipation', the event, the whole journey was amazing. Now watching him grow and discover the little things in life: such as his own reflection or running water, things that I may take for granted. Now I find myself taking an extra moment to enjoy the little things…This experience has had such a huge impact on me and my music and has truly inspired me to communicate these feelings through music." Sentiments best described by the song 'SirReal' where Thomson plays his heart & soul out, “I was actually envisioning myself on stage at Wembley Stadium releasing all the overwhelming emotions I had at the birth of my son."
And while you may not see THE HERMIT playing venues the size of Wembley just yet, you can expect to hear echoes of the epic sounds of his teenage heroes (U2, Eno, Kate Bush, Marley, The Police) combined with the resonant sensibilities of the tracks on THE HERMIT’s studio albums. Live, there are minimal electronic loops used, instead, each 'layer' of sound is played by a different member of his band who are; Hamish Thomson-drums, Robert Mitchell-keyboards, John Frederiksen-bass, and Mike Rogerson- guitar & keyboard and a rotating cast of guest vocalists. True to Thomson’s creative process, the music is accompanied by projected visuals producing a full sensory experience. Electronic, organic and fully engaging, THE HERMIT is centered by Thomson – still behind his kit - orchestrating a musical journey you hope never ends.
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