George Thomas

Some people can elevate a familiar musical aesthetic to the status of experimental sound simply by the power of voice. Had an established reggae artist like Shaggy vocalized the new single 'Shaking Me Down' by George Thomas it would have been novel largely for the instrumentation - but otherwise unremarkable. In the hands of Thomas himself however it becomes a masterpiece of originality owing to the lucid, quivering originality of his vocal style. That is the kind of power that shapes whole careers in music, and the multi-talented Thomas (he wrote the original screenplay for 'He-man, Master of the Universe'!) has much more material on deck with which to make it happen. Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with the talented musician to talk about his consummately flexible approach to songwriting, the life experiences that shaped his style, and his hopes and expectations for the days ahead.

ALEXIS: Your song ‘Shaking Me Down' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
GEORGE: I loved It! Everyone wants to have their work appreciated and I’m no exception.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
GEORGE: The expression 'Shaking Me Down' often refers to one who is being robbed. I was watching the television show 'Hardcore Pawn' while Lester (the owner of the shop) was going on about how some tow truck driver was 'shaking him down' and I thought... 'Hey that would make a good idea for a song!' So that’s where the concept for it originated.

ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
GEORGE:That’s a tough question; I found I had a deep affection for music even as a small boy. I loved all kinds; classical, jazz, rock, pop, rap... you name it, I enjoyed it. I suppose that added something to my vision of the world.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
GEORGE: I would say that I am all of these things in one form or another.

ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
GEORGE: I enjoy working with other people. I try to make everyone feel welcome and accept their ideas. I set up an atmosphere of mutual respect wherein ideas flow freely. All my life I had to work at jobs I didn’t love, so when I work with the band I want to make it enjoyable.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
GEORGE: My mother loved to sing, my father loved the piano and I had a brother who wanted to sing but for some reason never got the chance. I guess I picked up the sword for him.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
GEORGE: The most rewarding thing about being an artist is the freedom of thought. The most challenging aspect of the process is getting started. Once you build some intertia it’s like a snowball rolling downhill - it just keeps getting bigger!

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
GEORGE: Elvis, Roy Orbison, Gene Pitney, Chris Isaak... really I could list a thousand artists here. I loved them all, from R&B groups to the BeeGees. I tried to learn from everyone.

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
GEORGE: I don’t think that’s happened yet!

ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
GEORGE: Keep your ego on a tight chain.

ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
GEORGE: I’m back in the studio again and I just finished a new song entitled 'You and I Alone'.

ALEXIS: Thanks for speaking with us about your life and passion for music, George. Your work is deeply original and we're certain the market will soon recognize you as an innovative and electrifying artist!

http://www.GeorgeThomas.tv