Conversations with Heather Thomas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Thomas.

Hi Heather, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started drumming in a 5th-grade band, got lessons, and played in all the different bands through high school, continuing on to receive a degree in Percussion Performance from Central Washington University.

I then spent years in Seattle playing in numerous bands, touring with two-time Grammy Nominated artist Mary Lambert, and writing and releasing original music under my own name.

In 2020 I set off on a year-long tour with the intention of spending each month in a different city: Los Angeles to San Fransisco to Austin New Orleans to Memphis to Nashville to Chicago to New York City to Philadelphia and then a month-long tour back through the US to my hometown Seattle.

The pandemic interrupted my travel plans but I still managed to spend each month in a new location and visit each of the cities on my list.

When I returned to Seattle, I worked up a 12-song album which I then took to California to record at Carriage House Studios in Silver Lake, Los Angeles with producer Sheldon Gomberg.

After spending the winter with a community of artists in Bombay Beach, CA I made the journey back out to Nashville where I intend to put a band together to perform and tour as I prepare to release the upcoming album.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road is long and winding, definitely not always smooth, and every van I’ve ever driven has broken down along the side of it at some point.

While the adventures and high points are well worth the rough ride, some struggles I’ve experienced include intense income insecurity, challenges with raising funds for creating artwork, and stress over the amount of work required to bring any project or vision to completion.

Artists also face a lot of criticism and outright abusive behavior from strangers on the internet, which can make it difficult to share their process or ask for help.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a drummer and singer-songwriter, singing my originals and leading the band from the drum set.

I’m most proud of the songs I’ve released and the in-studio videos I’ve created that showcase this unique combination of rhythm, melody, and lyrics. What sets me apart from others is my ability to lay down settled-in grooves while singing both powerfully and tenderly.

I think that the catchy-ness and sing-ability of my melodies make my songs stay in people’s heads once they’ve heard them.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Think about the people who you aspire to be like and look up whether they offer lessons. It’s always a good move to take some lessons with anyone whose playing/singing/songwriting you admire, as everyone’s approach is so unique.

You can always expand your understanding. Also, find out who the best artists in your city are and go support them, talk to them, and ask them if they’re willing to spend some time with you.

I don’t hesitate to pay a little more than is comfortable for the opportunity to work with someone great, as I’ve found the lessons I’ve learned to be invaluable compared to their cost.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heatherthomasmusic.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/heatherondrums
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/heatherdrummer
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/heatherondrums
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgtTHTXyKe6yzl-yCQtpALg
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/heatherthomasmusic
• Other: linktr.ee/HeatherOnDrums

Image Credits:
Josh Loney, B. Anthony Nelson, and Chris Daniels