Ali Thomson is a Grammy and Emmy nominated, multi award winning songwriter and music producer. Over the last 30 years his songs have been recorded by artists from all over the world achieving many international hits (Roch Voisine, Laura Pausini, Girls Aloud, Mark Owen, Brian Kennedy and many more). He was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to London shortly before his 17th birthday. A few years of jobs, bands and recording sessions followed before landing a publishing contract as a songwriter. His recording career started with A&M Records and his debut album featured the hit song “Take a Little Rhythm” which achieved Top 10 success in the USA, Canada, Japan and various other countries. A follow up album “Deception is an Art” was released to critical acclaim but Ali decided to curtail his brief time as a recording artist to pursue his ambitions as a songwriter.

“I don’t think I was prepared psychologically or emotionally for the world of the pop star and I found the music business frustrating to navigate at such a young age”. However, in 2018 Ali decided to go back into the studio and record his 3rd album, “Songs from the Playroom”. Ali explains, “I love working with new artists and collaborating with other writers and producers but I’ve always had a desire to record my own music again. The music business has changed so much since I made records in the 80’s and it has opened up for artists to release music without the restrictions and pressures of working with big record companies. I really did this music for myself but hope that my experience and creative instincts have helped to make something that others might enjoy”.

“Songs from the Playroom” is a collection of 9 songs that are musical sophisticated but still melodically engaging. Ali recorded most of the album in his own studio with the occasional guest musician. Guitar legend Robbie McIntosh (John Mayer, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders) features on several tracks along with the brilliant Robin Mullarkey (Jacob Collier, Laura Mvula, Jesse Ware) on bass guitar.

The opening song “Aqua Blue” is a collaboration with long time song writing friend Peter-John Vettese (Annie Lennox, Julian Lennon, Sia) and “Song for a Broken Heart” features a sax solo from Supertramp’s John Anthony-Helliwell. Ali grew up with his older brother as a member of Supertramp during their most creative and successful period. “Growing up in and around such a hugely successful band was definitely an influence on my understanding of making music. John agreeing to play on this song is particularly pleasing”.