Gareth Thomas Reignites his Creative Spark on New Single ‘Lilly Knows Electricity’
Best known as a founding member of Goodshirt and Fazerdaze, Gareth Thomas returns with Lilly Knows Electricity, a bright, infectious indie-pop single inspired by an unexpected encounter that reignited his passion for songwriting.
Following the breakdown of a long-term relationship Gareth felt creatively depleted and in a slump. Recognising he needed a fresh start, his sister handed him the keys to her campervan and encouraged him to spend New Year’s at AUM Festival.
Parked up at the festival, Gareth and his friend Francis found his sister’s psychedelic onesies in the camper. They put the festival outfits on and Francis turned to Gareth and said:
“We should go and see this band from Wellington, the guitarist Lilly makes guitar pedals and solders them – Lilly Knows Electricity.
The band from Wellington was Mermaidens, and they delivered an electrifying set that New Year’s Day. Gareth and Francis wanted to tell the band (Lily, Gussie and Abe) how much they loved their performance, but decided that two middle-aged fanboys in psychedelic polar fleece onesies were probably better off admiring them from a respectful distance.
Back at the campervan, Gareth began writing a series of playful limericks inspired by the performance, punctuated by Francis’s words: Lilly Knows Electricity. By January 2, the demo was complete, and Gareth emailed it to the band.
“I sent the demo to Lily and the band hoping they’d enjoy it” Gareth says. “I was relieved when Lily replied enthusiastically that they were awestruck to be such a source of inspiration – she then went on to say that one of their latest recordings had been inspired by Sophie – one my Goodshirt songs!”
It was a remarkable full-circle moment – a reminder that music is an ongoing conversation. Songs inspire new songs across generations and vice versa. For Gareth, it completely reignited his love of making music.
The final version was recorded between Gareth’s home studio and Broom Studio, blending acoustic piano and drums with vintage synthesizers and drum machines. A colourful indie-pop soundscape, inspired by the disco grooves of ’70s favourites Hot Chocolate. Gareth’s Goodshirt band mates joined the party with a writing credit shared by drummer Mike Beehre, and vocalist Rodney Fisher chimed in with backing vocals for the sing along choruses.
The accompanying music video, directed by Briar March, embraces Gareth’s love of retro technology and glitchy aesthetics. Distorting an old television they found on Trademe created copious amounts of vibrant colour and analogue goodness as “Lilly”, an electric goddess, casts her glitch filled spell upon Gareth.
While Gareth’s songwriting has always been rooted in curiosity and wit, Lilly Knows Electricity also reflects a deeper belief in music’s ability to heal, reconnect and move people forward.
