#Inspired #133 - Cayley Thomas

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Cayley Thomas is a singer-songwriter from Edmonton in Alberta, and has just released her debut album ‘How Else Can I Tell You?’ - which is filled with catchy melodies to match her standout vocal range and personality. She took a moment to talk to us about her inspirations. 


Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Mmmm, I am going to say Patsy Cline, Carole King and The Beatles. I grew up listening to those artists (among many others) but I think those three in particular inform my writing quite a lot. (Honourable mention to Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin.)

Is there a certain film that inspires you? 
‘Mouthpeice’ by Norah Sadava and Amy Nostbakken. It was adapted from their award winning, internationally acclaimed stage play and directed by Canadian film director Patricia Rozema. When I first saw their play back in 2016 it was like nothing I had ever seen. You can read more about their work here: http://www.quoteunquotecollective.com/mouthpiece

What city do you find the most inspiring? 
I always have trouble with ‘favourites’ because I love to travel and can find something interesting just about everywhere I go. That said, my partner and I drove down to Nashville and Memphis last summer and that was pretty damn inspiring. There is just soooo much amazing music history down there and everyone was real friendly. 

Who is the most inspiring person to you? 
I'm gonna go fully cliche here and say 'my mom' because it's true. My mom is f*cking amazing. She has worn so many hats over the course of her lifetime. Teacher, dancer, documentary filmmaker, feminist, world traveller etc. These days she works as a full time activist using her voice to advocate for some of the most marginalized among us. She works mostly in substance use, harm reduction, suicide prevention as well as arts advocacy. She is constantly taking action on both a local, national and international level. Her impact in the world is very tangible and it ripples outwards to those around her.

What were your inspirations when writing the track? 
When I was working on 'Sunshine' I was listening to the song ‘Spooky’ by Classics IV a lot as well as Jefferson Airplane ‘Surrealistic Pillow.’ Really any of that old analog tape stuff from the late 60’s / early 70’s - that's my jam.

How would you like to inspire people?
I think you have to be brave with your life so other people can be brave with theirs. You never fully know who might be affected or inspired by the art you make. And that is one of the most beautiful things about this practise. That idea that your song / podcast / newsletter / photograph / dance etc. could be the thing that passes the light off to someone else.


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