Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Thomas And The Angry Hearts

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

When my dad sang Baa Baa Black Sheep to me every morning before he left for work at the crack of dawn. I always woke up when he was on his way out, and I needed him to sing me back to sleep, I was 3 years old at that time.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I started writing poems (in secret) at the age of twelve. As I gradually became a bit more confident in myself, I realized that I had to turn my poems into songs; by then I was probably around 19–20 years old

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The Thomas And The Angry Hearts project started when my wife and I decided to try making music together again. The last time we tried, it was nothing but arguments—that was about 15 years ago. This time it went considerably better, and most aspects of our relationship improved the more we played together. We realized we needed a full band and managed to bring together the best group of people in the world, for us. We consider ourselves very lucky to have such wonderful people with us on this project.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

It’s difficult to describe sound with words, but the CEO, Tomas Linnes at the record label, Southbound Records, described it like this after the album release in January: In the kitchen there’s a huge pot of “Irish Music Stew.” It’s already simmering nicely with a bit of shanties, some Chieftains and Dubliners, and a dose of jigs ’n’ jollies. I add a bit of vintage VAMP, Staut, and Hellbillies to give it a Nordic feel, but quickly have to balance it with some Corrs and Cranberries for the sake of pop and language, a bit of Van the Man for class, and some U2 guitar licks here and there. Now it’s starting to taste good, so the final ingredients are a handful of well-written lyrics and strong vocal harmonies.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

When I understood that I have to let the words and melodies come out—they’re there anyway, layer upon layer—I just have to dare to feel, without filtering. When I managed to bypass the filters that say “this isn’t good enough” or “you’re not good enough,” a whole new world opened up.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

In the creative process while a song is coming together, it’s always the voice and guitar that are absolutely the most important. If the song doesn’t work for voice and guitar, it is usually shelved.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I’m not sure if they belong in the Indie category, but I recently discovered Kingfishr, and I love finding something that just hits right in the soul.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I have a strong need to process impressions from the world and the human lives I encounter. After I started making music, life became beautiful, much more often.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

That passion and love are some of the most important things in life, and it’s actually something you can choose. You can’t control how power-hungry lunatics wreak havoc in the world, but you can choose to hold on to loving life for as long as you live.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

That a good musical experience can give hope, joy, comfort, and a sense of togetherness in a way that no other medium can.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Any festival where the audience is dedicated to the music and wants to feel it. It’s not the size of the venue that matters most, but the engagement of the audience. That said, the Glastonbury Festival has always been a dream.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

It has to be Paul Simon. He is absolutely brilliant when it comes to melodic expression and a wordsmith I am very fascinated by. “There before the grace of you go I” is one of the most brilliant sentences in music I know, – For those who are completely, wildly in love and immensely grateful for it.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

https://www.facebook.com/tatahmusic

https://www.instagram.com/angryheartsmusic

www.tatah.band