Carly Thomas is bringing her ‘Say Yes’ tour to The Olive on July 18th.

Backed by an electric guitar and her drummer, the London, Ontario-based singer/songwriter’s show starts at 8:30 p.m.

Thomas was born in Thailand and raised in Argentina, France and various parts of the United States and Canada. Along the way she discovered her soul in music, and launched a career that started under the bright lights of Paris, where she played the famous Fête de la Musique when she was just 16 years old.

At 17 she moved to New York City, developing her craft and stage presence at open mics and clubs in Manhattan’s lower east side. She continued to play and write over the next decade, spending time living and traveling throughout Canada.

The ‘Say Yes’ tour will include 17 stops in Alberta and British Columbia.

“This tour is all about saying yes to adventure and possibility,” Thomas says. “It’s about taking my career to the next level and proving that even independent artists can carve out their own path and find success. We are very lucky in Canada to have such support and love of music.”

Thomas is supporting her most recent EP, Explode. She has also released two full-length CDs, Distance (2003) and Up This High (2010).

Explode was released last fall and features five brand new songs that showcase her insightful lyrics, understated vocals and radio-friendly indie rock style.

“I love the creative process, and I love being in the studio making records, but performing the work live is where the real connection happens,” she says. “I’ve moved around a lot in my life, so touring is something that feels familiar. I love meeting new people and playing in new towns, and it always brings inspiration.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if I wrote a new album on the road. And taking a huge part of this journey by train means I get to see Canada though a completely different lens.”

Thomas has shared the stage with artists including Trent Severn, Jenn Grant, Connie Kaldor, Matthew Barber, Ma Petit, and Sarah Smith with whom she toured eastern Canada in 2013. Last year, her song I Remember You was featured in a suicide prevention documentary sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Earlier this year, she won the 2015 Jack Richardson Music Award in the Contemporary Singer/Songwriter category.

-Weber