Arlene Lagos's Blog, page 18

April 10, 2012

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT An interview with musician, John Thomas

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

An interview with musician, John Thomas

John Thomas is an emerging singer and songwriter in the Charleston, SC indie music scene who just released his self-titled EP, which contains what many think is going to be his first hit song, “jadeIwannaknow”. He recently shot a video for that tune with Director, Thomas Burke Heath at some iconic sites around the historic city where he resides. The piece is part homage to The Car’s “Drive” video, as well as Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer”, but mostly John at his compelling, charming best… strumming away on his graffiti-art guitar on the beautiful sands of Folly Beach and Charleston.

Check out a preview of the video here

How long have you been singing and playing guitar?

I’ve been singing since I could talk and I’ve been playing guitar for three and a half years.

Did you always know you wanted to be a musician?

I always thought it would be cool to be a musician but I never really thought about actually pursuing it as a career until people started saying I was good at it.

What kind of music/musicians inspired you growing up?

My mom always played Barry Manilow and John Denver, and my dad played Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day. So, I was pretty well-rounded as a kid musically. Both styles have influenced my writing equally.

Is your song “Jade I Wanna Know” about anyone specific?

Yes actually. I wrote it for this girl Jade Weatherford in my Physical Science class sophomore year.

I understand you recently made your first music video, tell me about that experience, who did you work with and what was it like?

Yes I did. The experience was kind of surreal honestly. When it was happening I was just living second to second and trying my best to do what director Thomas Burke Heath was asking, but looking back I’m blown away by what we put to film. Thomas is so intense in his work, and it was refreshing to work with someone who knew what he needed to get done, and just went out and did it. Very point to point. I work that way in the studio so we got along quite well.

When will you be premiering your video?

The music video premieres Friday, April 13th at Music Farm in Charleston, SC

The doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 8pm. The cost is $5 in advance and $10 the day of the show, all ages welcome. The opening act will be Chandler Brown There is also an After Party with The AfterEnglish to follow!

Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians?

My advice would be to make sure you are always doing it because you love it. Sometimes if I’m stressed with dates and stuff it begins to become work for me; I end up not enjoying myself, which was the reason I started in the first place. And if you’re not having fun you might as well quit and get a real job.

I heard your song “Jade I Wanna Know” topped the charts in Charleston, SC have you released it to other areas of the country and if so where?

So far, it’s still a local thing. Apparently some people in Russia have bought the single off iTunes, but otherwise it’s been kids in the local high schools listening.