Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with T. Thomason

T. Thomason’s career reached new heights when his single, “Hope”, reached #4 on the iTunes Pop charts and had over 40K streams in the first four days. It became an empowering anthem and was chosen as the theme song for Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival’s 2019 sizzle reel. Since then, he’s been hard at work preparing for his new full-length record, releasing singles including “Bliss”, “Loser”, and “Pleasure”. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure (pun intended) of speaking with this fast-rising star about all the new music on the way.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
T. Thomason: I grew up in a musical family. Music was always around and considered super important. It was always presented to me as a way to communicate emotions really honestly, and that drew me in.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
T. Thomason: My parents and my transition! My parents were so incredibly supportive from the get-go and never questioned my desire to do music as a career. They have only ever been encouraging and understanding and generous whenever they can be. My transition meant that I went from having a career as one artist to pretty much having a brand new career. It has felt like a gift and a curse at times, but I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to start fresh and continue doing what I love.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Pleasure”. What inspired the track?
T. Thomason: “Pleasure” was written on the last summer day of 2017. I was doing a self-guided course called The Artist’s Way, and I felt like I was finally coming back to myself after a long time of focusing on the grind. It felt like I was rediscovering joy and finally giving myself permission to be silly and relax a little.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that sticks out to you?
T. Thomason: There have been some recent highlights that have changed my perspective. The one that sticks out the most is being on The Launch and all that came with it, particularly being able to develop relationships with Sarah McLachlan and Marie-Mai. Playing the Bell Centre with Marie-Mai was mind-boggling and just made me hungrier to keep pursuing this dream and pushing back at any limitation that comes my way.

Other than the exciting and glamorous moments The Launch gave me, it’s been incredible to see the way these folks carry themselves in their careers and their lives: seeing their kindness, patience, and ability to listen and work with others. I’m so thankful to be learning these things up close from some really incredible mentors.

PC: Of all the songs that you’ve released, which one best represents you as an artist and why?
T. Thomason: I think it’s always about the current song that’s out. I feel really proud of “Bliss”, “Loser”, and “Hope”. I’m excited about “Pleasure” because it’s a feel-good song; it’s light and it’s silly. I think that’s a good representation of where I’m at right now. Even in the middle of the hustle, you have to take time to thoroughly enjoy yourself. Thank god for summer.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
T. Thomason: I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in the music industry is to be pleasant, professional, and kind while stating your boundaries. If you don’t define how you want to be treated, no one else will. Once your personal precedent has been set, you have to make sure you are ready to give that opportunity to others.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
T. Thomason: It’s a really exciting one! I’m looking forward to some more releases and heading back over the pond this fall! Gotta keep some things secret though, you know? [laughs]

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
T. Thomason: I love me some old Kanye.

PC: First album you bought?
T. Thomason: Avril Lavigne’s Let Go

PC: First concert you attended?
T. Thomason: Either Avril Lavigne or Bob Dylan…but my mom does tell a story about me really actively kicking her from in the womb at a Bonnie Rait concert, so maybe that should be where I start counting from?!

PC: Someone you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
T. Thomason: Oh god, there are so many: Ke$ha, Troye Sivan, Mary Margaret O’Hara, and Charli XCX.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
T. Thomason: Ke$ha’s Rainbow. The music and writing are frigging fantastic. She is such a good writer. Holy god. Yeah. She finds and keeps the thread of the story running through the song, and that is something I respect so much and am always trying to do as a songwriter as well.

This record was so raw and personal and honest. I really admired how she handled the press around it and how the industry rallied around her to support this release. It was a huge deal that she was able to put it out (if you don’t know what I’m talking about just go Google Kesha for a hot second and catch up). I think it was a big one for anyone who’s ever felt like their life was taken out of their hands. It was incredible to see her take back her power and create something so strong.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
T. Thomason: George Stroumboulopoulos’ living room!

PC: A must-have on the road?
T. Thomason: Earplugs…and Crocs.

To keep up with T. Thomason, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Pleasure” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.