[Interview] Conscious Rocker Andrew Thomases Talks Falling in Love with Life Again + New Music
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Bay Area-based rocker Andrew Thomases communicates his message through heartfelt tracks about climate change, adventures and life experiences. Striving to inspire reassurance that life is a journey, the artist is committed to stirring curiosity in the hearts of listeners through a style he’s developed called “conscious rock.” Breaking into songwriting later in life, he offers some of the wisdom he’s learned in life in his compositions.
Thomases expresses overcoming burnout and rediscovers sense of adventure with his single “Exploring.” With the idea of escapism in mind, the artist hopes to inspire listeners to try new things and make life exciting again. Featuring motivating lyrics along with electrifying melodies and rhythms, fans are sure to feel rejuvenated.
Throughout his career thus far, Thomases embraces the experiences that have influenced him as an artist along with taking creative risks. We caught up with him to talk about how he developed his style, what’s coming next and more.
Musical Notes Global: Congratulations on your new single “Exploring”! It’s such an exciting and motivating song and really challenges listeners to redirect themselves out of routine-ish lifestyles. Can you describe what motivated you to write this song?
Andrew Thomases: Thanks so much for enjoying “Exploring.” Yes, it was certainly intended to be a motivating and inspiring song. I have seen that many of us (myself included) sometimes get a bit burned out with life. Dealing with the routine of day-to-day demands of work or home life, we all risk losing some of the spark we had in our youth. However, there is an antidote, and that is exploring. By exploring, I mean everything from learning new skills, to traveling to new places, to meeting new people. This is how I personally avoid the doldrums of midlife. In fact, teaching myself guitar and songwriting late in life has really given me energy and inspiration. It is this teaching of exploring new things that motivated me to write “Exploring” and hopefully pass on the benefits of “trying the untried” to my listeners.
MNG: What are you hoping people will take away from “Exploring?”
AT: The main takeaway is that all of us risk getting stuck in the rut of life, and the best way to avoid that is to look for things that inspire you. This may mean getting out of your comfort zone to try something new. Always thought of writing a book? Why not try? Want to see new places? Grab a backpack and explore. Have visions of playing an instrument or writing a song? Set aside some time to try it. Don’t be afraid to fail. You may surprise yourself. And, if something doesn’t quite work out, failure can build character. You will be proud that you tried. Move on to your next challenge and try that one.
MNG: The song begins with those soft acoustics and then ascends into upbeat melodies in the chorus. What was the process like creating those sounds?
AT: I have always loved the intro to The Smiths’ “How Soon Is Now.” I knew I couldn’t emulate that sound specifically, but I wanted something with that vibe. So I played two chords on the acoustic guitar, and then created a swirling swell of notes on my electric guitar. I added in some airy vocal pads and some catchy guitar licks in the background. All of this sits behind the slightly melancholic opening verse, where I sing about a hole that can hit us as we get older and start missing the adventure and newness of things, like when we were kids. After the line “Life can suck the life out of you,” the music dies down along with bridge bend on the guitar that drops the notes down low. There is then a slight pause and a drum fill that kicks the song into high gear. The increased energy corresponds to the uplifting message suggesting that, rather than getting down and stuck in a rut, get out there and try something new. The upbeat verses have a fun moving bass line, and each verse is then followed by an inspiring chorus with a bit of a call and response with ideas of how to increase excitement in your life. I certainly tried to expand my vocal range a bit to create an uplifting melody. I also added a fun bridge with the message of avoiding stagnation and getting out there and trusting your wanderlust.
MNG: You’ve described your style as “conscious rock.” How did you develop that style?
AT: From the outset of my music making career, I had the idea of creating music with a message. As you probably know, I came to songwriting late in life, so I wanted to impart to my listeners some of the wisdom I have learned in my 50+ years on this planet. Some of my songs have been directed to the insanity of our political climate, while others are focused on the risks of climate change. Other songs explain that it is alright if you are not perfect, while other suggest that we should not fritter away our youth. “Exploring” is a continuation of this conscious rock genre, with its uplifting message that we should all try something different. So, hopefully, all of my music makes the audience think a bit more.
MNG: You’ve mentioned that your move to San Francisco has inspired the music you create, along with other experiences throughout your life. What would you say has influenced your music most recently?
AT: The San Francisco Bay Area is a wonderful environment for making music and for exploring new things. There are great nightlife activities and fantastic music venues. Plus, we can be at the ocean in 30 minutes and in scenic mountains in a few hours. Great places to don a pack. There are certainly many other influences on my music. The current divisive environment influenced my song “Cure Me” as well as my single “Funkin’ Blame Game.” My growing concern about the environment and humankind’s impact on other species certainly influenced my songs “Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone” and “Outrun Evolution.” And, the recent loss of both my father and my younger brother during the pandemic influenced some personal songs, such as “Major Inconvenience” and the forthcoming “You Have One Job To Do.” And, obviously, hitting my midlife inspired my release “Exploring,” where I have forced myself to learn new things and stretch my music abilities.
MNG: How would you describe what your career has been like since your 2021 debut?
AT: Music has given me this great creative outlet. I look forward to coming home from work to practice music or start drafting new songs. Sometimes I hit roadblocks and get frustrated, but that is part of the process. It makes it even more valuable when you come across a great new lick or lay down a really good track. So, I have been focusing on creating music and increasing my skills with every new song. I am really happy with the songs I’ve released so far, but also think the best is yet to come.
MNG: You also recently released your single “Funkin’ Blame Game.” Can you tell us a little about that?
AT: Sure. “Funkin’ Blame Game” is a funky rock song, with hints of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and it takes a critical look at how our society is devolving into habit of pointing fingers at others. Few people, especially people of power, take responsibility or acknowledge mistakes; instead, they blame others. And the rest of our society is starting to do the same. So you will hear some of my frustration come out in that song, but it is still upbeat with a bridge that suggests we would all be better off without playing the blame game. Best of all, the song features an accompaniment on vocals from the very fabulous Anne Bennett. I think our voices really complement each other well.
For all of Andrew Thomases’ latest news and updates follow him on social media:
Facebook: facebook.com/AndrewThomasesMusic
Instagram: @andrewthomasesmusic
Website: andrewthomases.com
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