Photo credit: Ryan A Stadler Photography
Best known for his work in Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos, Minnesota singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Jr. Thomas returns with a collaboration that pays homage to the golden era of soul music. Teaming up with Philadelphia production duo Maxwell Perla & Vincent John – AKA Eraserhood Sound – he’s proud to present his new album Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood, set for release this fall via DeepMatter Records.
A project that began with a songbook of tunes Thomas had been working on alone, Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood came together through the magic of collaboration, and Thomas’ drive to find the perfect musicians and studio combination to fulfil his vision. After hearing Eraserhood’s work with Kendra Morris, Angelo Outlaw, and Say She She, he knew he’d found the perfect match: “The Eraserhood sessions were fuelled by focus, hard work, and pure determination. In the late summer of 2023, I approached Vince and Max from Eraserhood with the vision of making an album—despite not having a single song written. We booked a winter session, and I spent the next four months writing.”
Fast forward a few months, and Thomas flew out to Philadelphia alongside his confidant on keys, Raynier Jacildo (The Volcanos, The Black Keys) for 4-days in Eraserhood’s Philly studio – formerly owned and purpose-built by Questlove. The results of working in a studio rich with history are clear when listening to Jr. Thomas in the Eraserhood. An authentic, analog-focused take on soul music, it pays respect to the genre whilst joining a growing movement that seeks to bring the uplifting energy of the music to a new generation of listeners. Following in the footsteps of recent breakthroughs from the likes of Jalen Ngonda, Thee Sacred Souls and Pale Jay, the record moves between sunshine-ready, groove laden cuts like ‘Can’t Leave You Alone’ and ‘By Your Side’, whilst also finding space for bluesy contemplation on tracks like ‘Never Be Another’ – a heartfelt tribute to an old friend of Thomas’ from Minneapolis.
Lyrically, the record is introspective, digging into Thomas’ reflections and lessons learned from his younger self. Across the 9-track run, he explores the mishandling of relationships and the effects of intoxication – be it from love or alcohol – whilst also handling themes of addiction and loss with a sensitivity and maturity that can only come from a life of experience and decades of learning. “’Life of the Party’ reflects on the years I spent drinking and using, capturing the search for something deeper in the depths of addiction. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see those experiences as a source of inspiration.”
Born in 1981 in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, Jr. Thomas (AKA Thomas McDowall) grew up with a deep appreciation for classic Jamaican music, ’60s & ’70s funk/soul, and ’70s singer-songwriters, all of which have shaped his musical journey. He first rose to prominence as a member of Minneapolis-based reggae & ska group The Dropsteppers, before moving to Los Angeles to form Jr. Thomas & The Volcanos. Dedicated to producing music reminiscent of the golden era of Jamaican reggae, the band rose to prominence with two well-received albums, the second of which ‘Rockstone’ released on acclaimed revivalist label Colemine Records.
