Meet Patrick Thomas | Artist & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patrick Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patrick, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe not taking risks will cause to have thoughts such as “what if?” Taking risks has allowed me to be free, have no regrets and jump for the moon with that possibility of falling in your face. But with all risks, you must have faith. And I believe I was put on this earth to use the gifts God gave me to make music.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art through music started when I was 7 years old when my parents forced me into piano lessons lol cause God knows how much I hated it at first. But through my teenage years I began to get really good at it, playing at church, jazz band, talent shows. I naturally picked up singing just by growing up in the church. Once I realized I was able to both sing and play I began to fall in love with music . Learning to perform covers of All the hits out at the time. I remember my father having me on the piano for hours at a time until he felt I practiced enough for that day. Fast forward to after college, I was still the kid on piano playing and singing for events and churches, etc. so transitioning into being an actual artist , getting into the studio was pretty challenging. Learning how to track vocals behind a mic was a lot different than just singing out loud . But through consistency and learning from others I managed to figure it out. What separates me however is I believe with my background in being a musician I believe I hear things a lot of artist don’t hear, I speak the language of music and I based on that I can understand what chord progressions make sense for a particular production and what melodies are cohesive with these progressions, etc

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in LA has caused me to experience things I never would have growing up on the east coast. If my hometown best friend were to visit me out here, i first have to take him on one of these beautiful LA hikes. A couple of my personal favorites being Paradise Falls and Runyon Canyon. And of course we would have to hit the beach and enjoy the ocean breeze , Malibu or Manhattan Beach. LA has the best flea markets and thrift stores so you know we’d have to check those out to put some swag on maybe the Rose Bowl Flea or Silver Lake Flea Market. For food I would have to introduce them to the LA Street tacos, and some Korean BBQ. My 2 favorite things to eat out here . We can catch a lakers game , walk through Hollywood and see the walk of fame.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I first have to shoutout my close friend turned brother Steegey, also an aspiring artist. When I moved out to LA, I knew artistry was my passion but I had so many questions in how to go about it. When our friendship grew, he took it upon himself to help me realize my true potential and kept me consistent. When you have someone that holds you accountable and genuinely wants to see you win, it’s a great feeling. Another shoutout to my church home Efaith and my Pastor Kyler Franklin. This church home has been a blessing to me, with their support,
Prayer, giving me a place to worship while challenging me as director of music to improve and be more creative musically.

Instagram: Boookofelie

Image Credits
Patrick Thomas