Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Buck St Thomas
My name is Buck St Thomas, I’m an indie musician and I make music both under my own name and under a newer project with my wife, Buffy.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My older brother is a great piano player so i’d say hearing him play at home.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
I learned some piano when I was young and I decided to play guitar in high school. A couple friends and I worked with a 4 track tape machine and I just grew to love recording and being creative.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My wife and I are working together on a project called Buffy, she’s an incredible singer and we actually met while in different bands on the same bill. So it has some qualities of the solo stuff I’ve done while mixing in other more full band elements.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s a home recording approach without going full lo-fi. Real instruments, leaving some imperfections. A bit melancholy at times, riding the line between happy and sad and living in the uncertainty.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Limitation is the greatest creative tool. Applying restrictions about what you can do to make the song is an incredible way to coax the creativity out
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
I work in Reaper, I use 1 microphone for nearly everything, mono recordings usually. Hardware keys/synths, real guitars and a Questlove Pocket drum kit.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Slimdan is so good. We always go back to Alex G, too. MJ Lenderman is awesome.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
We try to be honest with our lyrics, so hopefully they’re influencing it a lot. I know the music always comes from an emotional place.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
Just that- hope. Even sadness can lead to resolution and hope.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
The songs you love the most are the ones with character – don’t be a perfectionist.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Newport Folk Festival
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Thom Yorke
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Buck St Thomas https://open.spotify.com/artist/3KiADQLV8xnI7FHTJ2059L
Buffy https://open.spotify.com/artist/1JXq0XqF5IGUojJmLSWHOr?si=4Lc-qmz-TUiXRDLIuXVU6Q
IG Buffysongs
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
Make music with my wife kids!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they discover that nobody knows what they’re doing and we’re all making it up
