In the latest edition of RSL Magazine, we turn the spotlight on TA Thomas, an R&B artist who has been making waves with his soulful melodies and deeply personal narratives. His journey from the lively ambiance of his mother’s beauty salon to the glittering stages of the music world is a tale that resonates with the spirit of our readers who find strength and inspiration in stories of perseverance and creativity. Take a look.
RSL: How did being raised in your mother's beauty salon influence and inspire your passion for singing?
TA: My mom’s beauty shop was my first practice stage. The shop would be filled with beautiful ladies and I’d be in the corner singing up storm. I can remember turning my mom perm boxes and other hair equipment into a drum set. She’d let me do my thing until she got tired of hearing the noise of course. Swooning the ladies became second nature to me because of growing in moms beauty shop.
RSL: When did you realize you wanted to be a musician?
TA: It was 2001 at a youth service at church. Me and my sisters started a sister brother duo. I remember singing the lead part of this song and seeing the crowd reaction. I saw a couple of people crying and it was in that moment I knew I possessed something special the ability to make people feel something!
RSL: As an individual with a musical inclination, how did you manage to find a balance between academic performance and pursuing your passion for singing while attending Jackson State?
TA: To be honest with you it was the reason why I left Jackson State. It was hard to find that balance. My passion for music was pulling me out of the class room as opportunities presented themself. I eventually left school to join the group “Next Town Down”.
RSL: You were apart of the group Next Town Down, what were some experiences that helped you with your current solo career?
TA: I consider those years of being in the group as artist development. I learned so much about being an artist and the studio. From us making our viral YouTube videos that process taught me how to make content and how to translate authenticity into my original music.
RSL: You are no stranger to going viral. You've managed to do it on musical.ly, now known as Tik Tok as well as other social platforms with "from TA With Love". What impact did this have on your career?*
TA: “From TA With Love” has become a staple moment in my career. I have so many new fans that have discovered me through this content series which of course leads them to my original music. It’s been three years now and the videos are still going viral.
RSL: Not only did you get your first artist placement on Chris Brow's Breezy album, it was also nominated for a Grammy. Where were you in life at that time? And what impact did it have on you?*
TA: During the time I got the placement I was working on my project “CB2W”. That opportunity gave my access to different writers and producers I really wanted to work with at the time. It taught me that consistency is essential to being successful in the music industry. It’s so easy to give up if the return isn’t seen quick enough. But in due time if you keep working hard the fruits of your labor will eventually come to fruition.
RSL: You released your first single June 15th this past May, what was it like to put out your own work?
TA: It was a release for me to be honest. Every record on my project is like venting pieces. To set the tone with my 1st project by putting out real stories to my fans I’m very thankful for that. Also to put out music that I feel connected too means a lot to me.
RSL: What is the significance of June 15th?
TA: June 15th is a love tale turned Cold War. A song of reflection of what was once a great relationship, now growing apart. Not for the typical reasons, but simply two people growing older and things changing.
RSL: Fast forward to September, your debut album Caught Between 2 Worlds is released into the world. What was that like?
TA: I mean to release my first project alone was a big moment for me. This project was almost a year and a half in the making. I’m very thankful to have put out this body of work and collaborated with some of my favorite songwriters and producers. To this day I still get emotional listening to some of these records as I was dealing with those stories in real time.
RSL: What was the inspiration for this album?
TA: This project is an embodiment of love, vulnerability and growth. An illustration of my journey of maturing, whilst cherishing the love I once held so dear. A lot of the subject matter was topics from my personal journal. Real life stories and shit that really happen.
RSL: What can we expect next?
TA: You can expect more new music, stories and content. I’m about to take my fans on a journey back home and give people a sight of who TA really is. Stay tuned!