Aged between 14 and 27, the talented members of this group are all family. Meet 20-year-old Delphine Thompson, the lead singer, and her siblings Charlene, 22 (pianist and vocalist); Jocelyn, 19 (acoustic guitarist and vocalist); and Rouvin, 14 (drummer).
They are joined by their first cousins Jonathan and Nathania Thompson. The siblings, aged 27 and 21, play the electric and bass guitars, respectively.
The sextet have been performing at family gatherings and church events since they were young. Most of them play multiple instruments, and a passion for music is very much in their blood as their parents are also musicians.
On Sept 8, the family is set to take the stage at the Malaysian Country Music Festival and Awards (MCMFA).
The event, aimed at revitalising the local country music scene and encouraging a new generation of musicians and fans, is an initiative by the country music division of the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan).
Other performers during the gala incude the legendary Os Pombos band, the OnStrings group from Sarawak, international award-winning Lyia Meta, and the duo of Raymond Chia and Mark Renesh. The gala, in aid of the Malaysian Association for the Blind, is supported by FMT.
MCMFA will mark The Thompsons Country Band’s first performance outside of family and church events, and they are excited to share the stage with the other illustrious artistes.
“Growing up, we played a variety of genres, including country,” shared Jocelyn, a 19-year-old college student. But a deeper interest in country music was sparked after her father, Ben, brought her and her siblings to watch a performance by Os Pombos earlier this year.
“We were immediately taken by the infectious energy of the music and the band. We were mesmerised by the fiddle solo, and it was the first time we had ever seen a violin played in that fashion.
“We were so impressed by the musical skills of each band member,” said Delphine, an International Baccalaureate graduate who will be starting university soon.
They shared their experience with Jonathan and Nathania, who live in Penang. They, too, have always loved country music, having been exposed to the genre by their own parents.
The bandmates have been practising hard on weekends for close to a month, with Jonathan and Nathania travelling from Penang to the Klang Valley for rehearsals.
“To help with jitters, we wanted to practise as much as we could, and we’ve definitely grown as musicians, not just as a band,” said Jonathan, a music producer.
This sentiment is echoed by Form Two student Rouvin, the band’s youngest member. “Country music has taught me many styles of playing, which I can apply to other genres,” he said.
During the gala, the audience can look forward to them performing an entertaining mix of songs by the likes of Chapel Hart, Keith Urban, Luke Combs and Thomas Rhett.
And during a preview enjoyed by FMT Lifestyle, their chemistry as a band was evident, reflecting their close relationship and years of jamming together. They are fledgling but promising, and listeners will find it hard not to stop their feet from tapping to the music.
Asked what they would like their peers to know about country music, they shared how country songs often tell a story, making them memorable. And with many crossover artistes these days, elements of country music can be found in many songs, including those that aren’t labelled as such.
“Even with us, I don’t think we play very traditionally. We add in our mix of pop, for instance. It makes it fresher and more fun,” said Nathania, a music teacher.
Indeed, they are all looking forward to MCMFA, which will certainly be a night to remember.
Charlene, a university student, concluded: “The best part is that all the funds go towards helping those who are less fortunate than us, and that’s something we’re very blessed and honoured to be part of.”
‘Malaysian Country Music Festival and Awards’
When: Sept 8 (Sunday) at 6pm
Where: Horizon Hall, Menara BAC, 52, Jalan Utara, Section 52, 46200, Petaling Jaya
Tables for the gala are available at RM10,000, RM5,000, RM3,000 and RM1,200 (inclusive dinner). Loose tickets are also available on a first come, first served basis. For bookings, send a WhatsApp message to 03-40317666.
Learn more about The Thompsons Country Band on Facebook and Instagram.