Who Is Rai Thistlethwayte? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on April 21, 1980, Rai Thistlethwayte is a prominent Australian singer-songwriter known for his distinct musical style that blends various genres. As of 2025, Rai is 45 years old, carving a niche for himself not only as a successful musician but also as an influential figure in the Australian music scene. With an impressive portfolio that includes solo works and band collaborations, he has gained substantial recognition over the years.
| Occupation | Songwriter |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 21, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Westmead, New South Wales, Australia |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Rai Thistlethwayte's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Rai Thistlethwayte stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). He maintains a lean physique, weighing about 180 pounds (82 kg). While specific body measurements are not widely publicized, Rai's engaging stage presence and charismatic personality contribute greatly to his on-stage persona.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Rai Thistlethwayte is reported to be in a committed relationship. Although he tends to keep his love life private, whispers of his romance with a fellow musician have surfaced, capturing the interest of fans. Rai often credits the encouragement from his partner as a driving force behind his creativity and career endeavors. Information regarding his family remains relatively guarded, ensuring a level of privacy in his personal life.
Born into a musical family, he started learning from his mother, a classical piano teacher, before his fifth birthday. His father, Ian, is a language teacher and a bass player and guitarist who played bass in a Sydney-based band called 'The Plebs', which formed under the name 'The Centaurs' in Sydney in 1963.
Net Worth and Salary
Rai Thistlethwayte has established a robust career over the years, leading to an impressive net worth estimated at $1 million to $5 million in 2025. His earnings stem from various avenues, including music sales, streaming royalties, and live performances. Moreover, Rai's involvement in music production adds a significant boost to his annual earnings.
Thistlethwayte performs solo under the artist name 'Sun Rai.' From April to May 2009, Thistlethwayte toured the Australian east coast as a solo artist for the first time, where he simultaneously played bass with his left hand on a synthesiser, while playing keyboards with his right hand and singing, along with Matt Smith (guitar) and Al Hicks (drum
s).
He played a second run of shows at the end of 2011, this time purely solo. In July 2012, Thistlethwayte commenced a national Australian headline tour. He moved to Los Angeles in mid 2012. In late 2012 he started performing under the name 'Sun Rai' (pronounced "Sun Ray"), mainly around Los Angeles.
In 2013 he formed a new Facebook page for Sun Rai and started releasing music through his own social networks, usually using a 'pay what you want' business model. In June 2013 he opened for Norwegian one man band, loop pedal artist and soul singer "Bernhoft" around the United States and Canada. He opened for ZZ Ward in Atlantic City.
He played a late night set after "Puss in Boots" (an all-female group featuring Norah Jones) at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City in June 2013. His debut release as Sun Rai, a four-track EP entitled 'Pocket Music,' was self-released on 4 June 2013.
Track 1 from Pocket Music, 'San Francisco Street,' has been played extensively on KCRW and featured on blogs such as 'Filter Magazine.' His music was also recently featured during the second season of House of Lies. He toured the United States and Canada in October and November 2013 opening for Danish indie-pop singer "Oh Land".
In January 2014, Sun Rai collaborated with jazz drummer Ben Vanderwal at Sound Baker Studios in Perth, Western Australia.
They primarily tracked live in the studio, and recorded an EP entitled 'Escargot.' It was released independently in April 2014, and subsequently the two artists embarked on a successful Australian tour, playing two nights at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club in Melbourne, Venue 505 in Sydney, Smith's Alternative Bookshop in Canberra, and also a sold-out show
at the Perth International Jazz Festival in June 2014.
As of May 2025, Thistlethwayte was performing as a member of Sammy Hagar’s band on tour and at his Las Vegas “Best of All Worlds” residency along with bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Career, Business and Investments
Rai's music career began in the late 1990s, and he quickly rose to fame as the lead singer and pianist of the band "Thirsty Merc." His contributions include hit singles like "In the Summertime" and "Mousetrap Heart," which solidified his status in the industry. In recent years, he has expanded into solo projects, showcasing his versatility as a musician. Besides music, Rai has explored business opportunities related to music production and songwriting, continually seeking to invest in projects that resonate with his artistic vision.
Social Network
Rai Thistlethwayte maintains an active presence on social media platforms, connecting with fans and sharing insights into his creative process. You can find him on Instagram and Twitter under his official handles, where he updates followers on his music and personal endeavors. His authentic engagement has cultivated a loyal fan base, eager to witness his evolving journey.
Education
Rai Thistlethwayte honed his musical skills at a young age, studying music in Australia before embarking on a professional career. While specific details about his educational background are not extensively documented, his commitment to both his musical craft and continued learning is evident in his diverse body of work.
In his early teens, Thistlethwayte listened to classic rock and early metal, then blues and jazz. He started writing songs around the age of 15. After finishing high school in 1997 he was awarded a scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he commenced a Bachelor of Music in jazz piano in 1998.
