Interviews: THOMAS THUNDER

We have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band THOMAS THUNDER from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his WEBSITE.

1.Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

My name "Thomas Thunder" came from playing the drums in my house, and that from standing outside the double bass sounded like thunder. So my family started calling me Thomas Thunder, and I stuck with it.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

I love Prog Metal. I was introduced to it by my drum teacher when I was eight years old. He suggested I listen to Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, and Porcupine Tree. I did and got hooked.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

I'm a solo artist, but the guest musicians on my song are Derek Sherinian, Ron Bumblefoot Thal, and Tony Franklin. I had followed Derek on Instagram as I'm a big fan of his music. He posted for artists to send him music and he'll listen to it and play on it if he likes it. So, I sent him a song, and he contacted me and my mom to say he thought it was impressive that I was only a kid. He played on my first song when I was 12 years old. Last year, he suggested for I write an album, and he referred both Ron and Tony to play it. They agreed, and a dream came true: I had professional musicians (that I'm a fan of) playing the songs I write. I still can't believe it. It's very emotional to hear what you write come to life. I'm so thankful to them for playing on my album.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Since I'm a solo artist, my favorite band is a three-way tie: Sons of Apollo, Tool and Dream Theater. I listen daily to them.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Different things inspire my songwriting. Initially, the first time I heard The Wall by Pink Floyd, I wrote my first song that won a songwriting contest when I was ten. For this song release, Crystal Illusion, I was inspired by the movie Nosferatu. I was in a songwriting group for my music school (School of Rock) and we were writing a soundtrack for the movie. There were only 5 kids in the group and we each wrote our own songs. I was inspired by the movie to start writing this song, and after I determine some of the melodies, I thought it reminded me of an evil wizard with a magic crystal trying to take over the world. So I called it Crystal Illusion. Sometimes I get an idea and I write a song around it, other times I'm inspired by a movie or song.

6. Where was your last gig?

Since I just turned 14, playing live is something I want to do. I do perform in live settings with my group School of Rock around Southern New England. I plan on getting musicians who can play my music to perform live. My dream of all dreams would be to perform with Derek, Ron and Tony some day.

7. Whom would you like to feature with?

My dream has come true with Derek, Ron and Tony. I'd love to have them on future songs as well.

8. Whom not?

I don't have anyone on this list.

9. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

I've been luck to have been performing on stage since I was eight years old, so it feels natural to me. However, I hope to perform in front of large audiences, and I'm excited for that!

10. What bands have inspired you the most?

I get a lot of inspiration from Tool, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo and Avenged Sevenfold.

11. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Well, this one I don't think has happened yet. Although, I do get asked to listen to people's music or follow them on social media a lot.

12. What do you think of your fans?

I think without fans you won't have success. Making music for others to listen to and enjoy is a huge part of success. Without them, all you have is your music with no one to listen to it, and enjoy it. Fans are part of one's success.

13. What do you think of our site?

Congratulations. I think you're doing great!

14. Something you'd like to add?

My music video for Crystal Illusion will be out later in August, so keep an eye out for that. You can find me on Instagram and you can visit my website https://thomasthundermusic.com/home for links, latest information and Merch if you're interested. Thank you very much!