Based in Melbourne emerging singer songwriter Ráv Thomas' vast experience of live performances has culminated in the creation of his unique style, with honest and enchanting melodies and storytelling lyrics. The last two years have seen Ráv perform constantly, supporting and touring with the likes of Evermore, Vanessa Amorosi, Jimmy Barnes, Mental as Anything, Toni Childs and Diesel.
He released his debut EP Lily in August last year to a sold out show in Melbourne and debuted at #2 on the ARIA physical singles chart and #2 on the Australian Independent Singles chart.
Lily went on to stay in the ARIA charts for 2 months, and Ráv has since sold out a number of headline shows since both in and out of Victoria.
Ráv is one of the latest artists to embrace the Digitech Jamman as part of his on-stage arsenal. CMI's Robbi Thompson caught up with him recently and this is what he had to say:

RT: 2 months in the ARIA charts, the 2nd highest selling independent release in the country, a top 10 single…2009 was a big year for Ráv Thomas... what's new?
Ráv: 'Gearing up for a new single mate, then a record. We have 30 something songs and we gotta pick the good ones. You'd figure at least one of them would be good right? Gotta go one-better this year!'

RT: In the same style as your Lily EP and single?
Ráv: 'Yeah it's pretty acoustic. More acoustic this time.'

RT: Speaking of which, that looks like a new acoustic axe you have there?
Ráv: Yeah, it's not often I get any new gear - lots of gear isn't really my thing, but I do appreciate good stuff that does it's job well, making my job easy and enjoyable… this one is a Maton Performer which I am very happy with. And on the tech side, I did order it with an additional microphone pickup which can be blended with the bridge pickup for a really nice live sound which suits my stuff well. But that's about as technical as I get!'

RT: So what other gear are you running on stage, like effects and the like?
Ráv: 'Not a lot. I get tripped up! A few basic analogue pedals like a chorus, phaser, a little tube screamer, delay, a tuner, but recently I just got hold of a Digitech Jam Man-a big step for a 'non tech' person like myself! I've now got my head around it and have found it to be more useful than I thought-not only am I using it to loop little rhythm and percussive parts on the fly while I am performing, but as an mp3 player it also allows me the control over my intros and endings and even break music; and sometimes ambient fills can be the perfect cover for any live 'technical issues'. It's a handy little unit.

RT: In the last year you toured with/supported some big names. Any highlights?
Ráv: 'They're all highlights, some ripper singers there. Wish I could sing like Barnsey or Vanessa Amorosi.'

RT: What artists did you grow up with to end up with a style like this?
Ráv: 'It's weird because I really wanted to be in Kiss. I still do. So I'm not sure how this acoustic, singer/songwriter, lyrical style evolved. And not a single blast of pyro in our show. Yet…'

RT: What do you hope people are saying about Ráv Thomas?
Ráv: 'I'd like to think whoever happens to see us would be glad they did because of the songs. I reckon when judging any band or artist you should decide whether they achieved what they tried to do, even if they're not really your thing. I don't think this act is trying to be something it's not.'

I've been to check Ráv and the boys out - they definitely seem to be succeeding in achieving what they are trying to… keep up the good work boys.

If this sounds like your thing, check out Ráv's site: and have a listen to some sample video and audio. The Lily EP can be purchased through the site and posted free of charge and is also available for download on iTunes.

It’s here at last! One of a pair of Digitech’s new generation Jamman pedals, the Jamman Solo, is designed for guitarists and bassists packing a full-featured looper in a compact form factor. The JamMan Solo features USB connectivity and will sync to DigiTech’s free JamManager™ software that organizes and saves your JamMan Solo’s loops to PC or Mac. JamManager also lets you quickly create custom JamLists to take to your gig.

Features:
- Store over 35 minutes of mono, CD-Quality loops in 99 internal memories
- Optional SDHC card can store over 16 hours* of CD-quality audio in 99 additional memories (198 total)
- Record rhythm loops and solo over them on the fly, completely Hands-Free™
- Connect to your computer via USB and use the JamManager™ (Coming Soon) Loop Librarian software to organize and archive your loops.
- Aux Input lets you import music from CD and MP3 players
- Load up the JamMan with bass lines, drums, harmonies, and more; create an entire backup band, take it with you, and perform anywhere!
- Slow down or speed up any loop without changing pitch
- Metronome with multiple rhythm sounds and time signatures
- Rugged metal chassis
- Power supply included
- Optional footswitch adds additional Hands-Free™ functionality
*with optional 8GB or higher SDHC memory card
RRP $469