British singer/songwriter and pianist Tophy Dye is currently completing his debut album, ''Skeletons''.

Self-penned and co-produced by Dye, here he experiments with several genres, incorporating classical, jazz, electronica, folk, rock and pop. One track even features Gregorian chant. At the centre are Dye and his piano, and the stark and sometimes brave subject matter.

Dark coming of age track ''I Will Be Your Child Tonight'' deals with sexual exploitation while electro pop track ''Marmalade'', despite its unrequited love-themed lyrics, provides light musically to some of the darker parts of the album. For ''Aeroplane'' he channels his inner-Billie Holiday with a jazz-style ballad that sees him throwing in modern references such as texting and even comparing his love interest to an unreadable DVD. Elsewhere, Dye covers teenage crushes, homophobic bullying, bereavement, and adult relationships with honesty reminiscent of early Joni Mitchell or Tori Amos.

Tophy discovered at the age of nine that he could play the piano despite never having had lessons. After studying at Leeds College of Music, he moved to London switching his focus to become heavily involved in campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. Notably, Dye was education officer for gay equality group Stonewall. He continues to give lectures on preventing and tackling homophobic bullying in education for trainee teachers at universities across the country, also raising awareness with staff and students in schools.

Dye says of his first foray into the world of music,
‘It’s a personal album. Of course I wanted to tell my story, but it was also important that I made something that didn’t alienate people by drifting into self-obsession. There’s a range of experiences I’ve documented here in a very personal way but I hope it’s something others can find themselves in’.

‘Skeletons’ will be released on digital and CD formats, including stunning album artwork from illustrator Jeanette Clement, at a yet unconfirmed date.

For more information visit www.tophydye.com or contact info@tophydye.com