Gareth 'Gai' J Thomas 'Toms' (born Bangor, Wales, 14 September 1976) is a Welsh singer songwriter, music artist and producer. In 1992 he co-formed the popular Welsh language ska rock band Anweledig. From 1997 to 2007 he performed using pseudonym Mim Twm Llai. He has also worked as an actor and writes music for television and theatre.
Toms mainly writes in narrative form, allowing lyrical rhythms to guide the music. Some have dubbed him a poet, his early solo material (Mim Twm Llai) was compared to Welsh language pop/folk pioneer Meic Stevens and latest work described as Waitsian. Toms's music styles include folk ballad, reggae/ska, blues, rock and pop, all peppered with experimental tendencies.
His latest release is an eco-concept album titled Rhwng y Llygru a'r Glasu (2008). This brought two more BBC Radio Cymru RAP Awards to his collection, one for best songwriter and the other for best artist. The album was recorded at his home in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd, using clean energy and drums salvaged from junkyards; the album artwork and packaging from recycled material. Songs contain issues on sustainability, questioning our existence and purpose in the world today. Music styles on this album range from 'inferno' blues to 'junkyard' rhumba. The album was the first release on his own micro label - Sbensh.
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