A Dirty Dozen with THOMAS THUNDER – September 2021

According to a recent press release: “The impressive debut album The Pharaoh’s Temple written by 14 year-old prodigious songwriter and drummer Thomas Thunder is an epic Progressive Metal/Rock album composed of nine powerful songs. Guest musicians include Derek Sherinian (Sons of Apollo, ex-Dream Theater), Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal (Sons of Apollo, ex Guns n Roses) and Tony Franklin (The Firm, Jimmy Page). Thomas began his journey as a musician when he started drum lessons at age five. He started playing in a performance band by age eight at School of Rock, and it was there that Thomas was inspired to start songwriting himself. At age 10 years old, Thomas released his first single, and he was awarded a prize in the Eventide Theater Songwriting competition. Thomas has also been featured on the British Prog Rock blog, participated in radio and Podcast interviews, and landed the cover of American Pride Magazine. He also has achieved three Number One hits on the independent music chart The Fabchart.” We get Thomas to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets the band put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

My new album The Pharaoh’s Temple is a Progressive Metal/Rock album that consists of nine songs written by me, and I play drums on all of them.  Special guest musicians include Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, Derek Sherinian, and Tony Franklin. Since, this is my debut album I’m still building my fan base.  There are songs inspired by Dream Theater, Tool, The Doors and Genesis; all bands that I listen to and admire.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

Ever since a little child I have loved music.  I started playing drums at age 5, and took to it quite naturally.  I played with games and apps where you could arrange your own music  at 7 years old.  I also taught myself how to use Garage Band at about 8 years-old.  The first time I listened to Pink Floyd’s The Wall I immediately wrote my first song.  I was nine years old at the time.  That song won a songwriter’s award with The Eventide Theater competition.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

As I mentioned previously, Pink Floyd’s The Wall was the first album that inspired me to write.  I had a drum instructor at the time who encouraged me to listen to bands like Dream Theater, Animals as Leaders and Avenged Sevenfold, as the drumming is phenomenal in those bands.  I got hooked, and have been listening since.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

My 5 main musical influences include Dream Theater, Sons of Apollo, Tool, Pink Floyd and Rush.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

My dream is to play live with the guest musicians on my album: Derek, Bumblefoot and Tony.  My other dream is to play with Rush.  I love that band, the drumming of Neil Peart and the songwriting.  Absolutely amazing!

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would describe my music as Progressive Metal and Progressive Rock, like Dream Theater and Sons of Apollo.  I also have some musical influence of classic rock like The Doors, Pink Floyd and Genesis.  I also wrote 2 power rock ballads on the album, that include lyrics.  I think people have a right to their opinion, so I try not to get bothered by other’s opinions.  Nothing cringe worthy, yet.

7. What’s the best thing about being a musician?

Well, I’m only 14 years old, but the best thing is to express my art through song, and playing the drums.  I also play keyboards, bass and some guitar.  Being able to express myself through music, however I want to, is the best thing about being a musician.

8. When the band are all hanging out together, who cooks; who gets the drinks in; and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

Well, I’m a 14 year-old solo artist, so this remains to be seen.

9. When was the last time you were star struck and who was it?

Well, working with Derek, Bumblefoot and Tony, I felt star-struck (and still do).  Having their support and musical talents on my album is a dream come true.  Recently, the band Rush liked and shared one of my drum cover videos on Instagram stories, and this blew my mind.  I still can’t believe it!

10. If you weren’t a musician, what would be your dream job?

I am a musician, nothing else.   That’s all I’ve ever thought about.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over”, even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Well, I’m just starting out and I hope to make the best decisions possible, and learn from my mistakes.

12.  If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

This is such a difficult one to answer, but I have two: The Doors and Rush.  I love The Doors music.  Such a great band musically.  I’d love to play drums on their music.  John Densmore has such an amazing, unique style.  The other band is Rush.  I’d love to drum along to Neil Peart’s phenomenal drum grooves.  He inspires me everyday!

THOMAS THUNDER LINKS:

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Category: Interviews