Carly Thomas moved to London three years ago to escape the B.C. grind and be closer with family. It turned out to be just the kick her career needed, with the release of a new EP Explode.

The progressive indie folk artist talked about her album release, her eclectic musical style and the decision to make London home after a life abroad.

Explode, Thomas’ third album – and first since moving to London – has been a few years in the making. While the Toronto music scene originally had priority, she found instead that London was the right choice for her career.

“I would have never guessed it but the scene here is so supportive, and it’s really growing,” she said. “It was a good time to get in this area and play around here. It’s been awesome.”

Where multiple music, culture and student circles are connected, the Forest City just continued making sense.

“I’ve gotten a really great response from people, and artists have helped me out,” she said. “I’ve met so many good players that just want to play and do something. [They] just want to be part of it.”

The new album – available instore at Grooves and online at Bandcamp – also let Thomas expand from her previous work.

“I want to be pushing those boundaries of defining a genre,” she said. “But I’ll also have the lyrical content, which I think is sort of my style, because I really do consider myself more of a writer than a guitar player.”

“But musically I want to stretch some boundaries and not keep [making] the same sound.”

Originally born in Thailand, Thomas lived in Argentina, France and multiple U.S. cities before moving to B.C.

She said while each place influenced her, two stood out when it came to defining her style.

“When I lived in Paris and I lived in Buenos Aries it was so rich in culture, and Argentina has very European flair, there’s a lot of attention to the arts even [in] the schools.”

Moving constantly wasn’t easy, but for Thomas, music became her rock during the emotional ups and downs.

Recalling youth in Buenos Aries, a dean suggested she put on a show for the school – something that freaked out a then ninth-grade Thomas, but she found it was worth it.

“When I did [the show] I felt so good about it,” she said. “That was the turning point for me because I realized music was how I was known now.”

Even with a global viewpoint, it was mostly North American music still held her attention.

“When I first learned to play I was hugely inspired by Ani DiFranco, just because of her guitar playing and writing, Oasis … Nirvana songs and The Offspring,” she said. “My style wasn’t influenced directly by one – [there] was a broader appeal instead.”

Amazing skill and clean-cut lyrics make Thomas a great force on stage. With a backing band she’s able to experiment more, bringing out new unexpected sounds including mild EDM and edgier electric guitar chords.

With opening acts Deni Gauthier and The Sarah Halabecki Band, the release show was a great success.

“We had a fantastic turnout at Call The Office, filled with lots of supportive fans and fellow artists who came to celebrate with us, the band and I were thrilled to have such a captive audience. It was received with open hearts.”