TA Thomas: A Love Letter To R&B

Now let’s hop right into this lead single, “June 15th” — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

“June 15th” is a very special record to me. Not only is it my debut single, it’s the day that I met someone who was a part of my life for a very long time. The story starts with two lovers who basically grew apart from each other. If you could imagine what a Cold War relationship would feel like, this is how I felt. It’s one of many stories I told about this relationship on my project. I specifically wanted to put this one out first because it felt different from everything else on the project. The melodies showcased my vocals in a way that I’ve never heard. Also showcasing my more vulnerable side as a man.

Of course “June 15th” comes courtesy of your still forthcoming debut solo EP — Any specific details; i.e. title, favorite selection(s), producer(s) credit(s), cameo appearance(s), etcetera, that you can reveal and / or divulge regarding upcoming said set at this particular point in time?

The title of my project is called Caught Between 2 Worlds. I made most of this project with one of my favorite producers of all time, Camper. I also worked with some of the best writers in the game, and an arranger friend whose harmonies sounds like modern-day Take 6. I can’t wait to share this project with you all…coming early fall!

As a songwriter, when you sit down to pen your lyrics where do you draw your inspiration from?

I draw them from real life experiences. It’s so much easier for me to write about the things I’ve been through, and am currently going through. It’s almost like therapy, a kind of release where I get to invoke the emotions of whatever it is I wrote about while singing.

Reflecting, tell me your whole inception into music — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Terence “TA” Thomas?

I pulled a lot of inspiration from my sisters who were in band in school when I was little. My family bought me musical instruments, and always supported my passion for music. Which led to me learning how to play the piano by ear, and eventually I started singing. I used to be the local piano guy in my hometown, and played at just about every church. Eventually, I went on to college where bigger opportunities, like singing backgrounds for different popular Gospel artists, started to present itself.

Now you’re a native of Mississippi, correct? And growing up in ‘The Hospitality State,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Growing up in the South, I was heavily inspired by Gospel, Blues and Southern Soul music. To name a few, Johnny Taylor, David Ruffin, Kim Burrell, Smokie Norful, Ray Charles, Joe, Brandy, Bobby Womack and Tank. I would say my style is a fusion of all of them combined.

In having said that, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

My sound is a combination of Southern Soul, Gospel, R&B and The Blues. No matter what I sing, you’ll always hear the conviction in my voice which comes from singing Gospel. The texture and tone I get from studying Southern Soul and The Blues. The sexiness and falsetto sweetness comes from R&B! When you combine all of them together, you get a TA! Lol.

Now initially you were a member of the then RCA Records signed group Next Town Down, right?

Yes, correct, we signed with RCA back in 2019 through Tunji (Balogun).

That said, what ultimately caused the group to disband?

The pandemic was really tough for us, as it was for the entire entertainment industry. Me and the boys decided to take a break from the group, and explore our solo endeavors!

Photo credit: Wulf Bradley

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

From the stories I tell, I want people to be able to connect with them and know that they aren’t alone in whatever it is they’re going through. I’m very tapped in with my spiritual side. Saying that, whenever I sing I’m an open vessel of God. So whether a person needs love, encouragement or just to hear a sound in-tuned with the heavens, I pray that my light shines through the music.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

It would be Donny Hathaway! Donny’s voice was so captivating that he didn’t need any stage props. Just one man, a piano and the crowd. His voice was so captivating that whenever you heard it you had to tune in. I’ve spent a great amount of time studying his style and stage presence.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

It would be Madison Square Garden! When I was little, I used to watch videos of my favorite artists performing there and it was the staple moment in their career. From the history of the venue and the audience it attracts, Madison Square Garden is #1 on my performance bucket list.

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B?

I am, I feel like R&B is naturally becoming preferred again. As with all genres, I feel like music plays in a cycle. We’ve lived in a Hip Hop era for a good amount of time now. I feel like since the pandemic people have naturally become more vulnerable and honest. People want to hear the soul, the conviction.

What do you feel has and will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Keeping God 1st and knowing that he’s the source of all sources. As long as I stay in tune with him, everything else will align itself.

Do you have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

I have a big love for cars and drag racing. My dad, uncle and grandfather raised me up going to different drag strips. It naturally made me obsessed with cars. So I’m very into sports cars, their functions and the overall design of new vehicles / concept cars!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

When I was in the group Next Town Down, me and the boys got to record One Sweet Day with Mariah Carey at Westlake Studios here in Los Angeles.

What’s an average day like for you?

Early mornings, I take my dog for a walk. Then, I’ll juice some fruits and vegetables for breakfast. Around 11am is gym time, and I usually stay in for about an hour and a half. My manager keeps my daily calendar and task list updated, so I’m aware of whatever it is I have to do in the day! Followed by checking in with my family, and a moment to pray and meditate.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

I’m super close with my fans, that’s my favorite part about doing music. I like to be up close and personal with them.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

My favorite part is being able to connect with the fans. My least favorite is being away from home so much. Moving away from Mississippi to L.A. was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make for my career. I’m a family guy, and I miss watching my nieces and nephew grow up.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Make sure that this is what you really want to do. Make a list of negotiables and non-negotiables as it relates to your career. Align yourself with whatever source it is that gives you your light. And most of all, do things from your heart that are authentic to your TRUE SELF. Don’t be easily wavered, always reassure yourself why you are doing this. Know who it is, what it is, what it sounds like, what it looks like, how it feels, what color it is, and how it feels!

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourself?

On a world tour! By that time, I’d be on my 3rd or 4th studio album.

As for the immediate, what’s next for TA Thomas?

Next for me is rolling out my debut project. Which has some crazy visuals, and more singles to follow!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

I’ll be performing on centerstage at Essence Festival this year. Excited to sing original music from my EP!

Any “parting” words for our readers?

I’m just happy to be here, and I appreciate all of you who’ve followed my journey thus far. I can promise you that the goal is to always give you my most vulnerable work, and timeless R&B classics.