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

Hi THOMASINA, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Art is all about taking risks. It’s about being vulnerable and way too honest and putting yourself out there for people to fully see. It can be terrifying because not everyone is going to understand it. But when you take the risk and share your art, you find your community. You find people that relate to you and maybe needed to see that someone else felt the same way. Photographer, Gina Milicia, said, “A comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there.” I have a hard time getting out of my comfort zone but when I am writing songs it feels like I can tell my story with no limits. I’ve had to accept that not everyone is going to get it or like it. I write songs to work through my own emotions most of the time. Sharing them is a risk but it’s worth it when I find other people who relate through my music.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am extremely excited about my upcoming EP, A Long Way Down, coming out March 22nd. A lot of times when I start working on new music, I’ll hit roadblocks along the way but with this project, it was just an open road. Everything fell into place perfectly and I have to believe it’s because this project was meant to happen. About a year ago I started writing songs about a break up and it was very therapeutic, it reminded me why I started writing songs in the first place. Sometimes when you write songs you don’t expect them to go anywhere, you just write them down so the thoughts have a place to go. But I was looking at all the songs I had written and realized there was a story glaring back at me that came together in 3 songs. The EP has been a healing experience for me and I hope it finds other people who need it.

I’ve learned so much from this EP but one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to trust your gut. You know when what you’re doing or where you’re going is right for you. And you definitely know when it’s wrong. When you surround yourself with good and put your own peace at the center of your life, you naturally start moving in the right direction. That sounds super hippie-dippie, I know, but it really is true.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am from Boston and have only been in Santa Monica about a year, so I know many of the places I mention are going to sound touristy to locals. But! I love riding my bike on the path from Santa Monica to Venice or taking a walk down Montana. I only just went to the Chinese Theatre for the first time recently and that was so cool! Window shopping at Century City is always fun too. Irori in Del Ray is my new fave sushi spot and there’s a New York inspired 99 cents pizza-by-the-slice place across the street with garlic knots that are to die for. My friends would say I’m a total home-body, but I’m trying to get out more. LA is huge so there are always new places to go and things to try.

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 have so many people in my life that have made me who I am as a person and as an artist. I had amazing music teachers growing up and incredible professors in college, all who were dedicated to teaching their students the joy of making music.

My sister is the first person I send most songs to. She is as supportive as she is brutally honest and I wouldn’t have it any other way. She is confident and headstrong and gives the best pep talks.

I am also so grateful to my parents. Not everyone gets to say their parents were 100% supportive of them going to music school so I feel pretty lucky in that regard. They have always been there for me no matter what, and having that safety net has allowed me to grow and challenge myself to become who I am.

Website: https://www.thomasinamusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomasinamusic/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thomasinamusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWUBLOudUaaxM5KtGaA4KVA

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hiZCml4gcBWUxAVpCjj73?si=NycX9Yz1S7CydSUa02EMaA&dl_branch=1&nd=1&dlsi=a048fb64ad0048a6

Image Credits
Lo Weaver, Victoria Luzuriaga, Christian Kapoukranidis, Tristan Parks, Jo Choi

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