Photo credit: Tristian Parks
“Baby Come Back” is such a heartfelt and relatable tune – I think at some point each of us has to come to terms with ‘the one who got away’ and are haunted by the memories of what once was. Can you share the story and inspiration behind this song?
Thomasina: The writing process for this song was very different from any song I had written before. Most of my songs are very personal and are a way for me to work out my own feelings or deal with something going on in my own life. When I wrote this song I actually wasn’t heartbroken. But I think this gave me a unique songwriting perspective I haven’t had before. It let me build a character from scratch and decide what they are feeling and why and how they act on those feelings. I loved the imagery of being haunted by someone else so while I was creating the narrator’s character, I had to sort of make up this other character. I had to understand why the narrator was so deeply upset and convince the audience this other person is worth being upset over. Overall I learned a lot about myself as a writer with this song and it might be one of my favorites!
What was studying at North Vermont University like, and what are some of your favorite memories from that time?
Thomasina: I loved my time at Northern Vermont University! I made some really cool friends and learned a LOT from the projects I worked on there. Only one of the songs I created in college ever made it out of Vermont and that is Break My Heart which was part of my final senior project. Creative people thrive around other creative people and being surrounded by people who love music and want to make as much music as they can, was one of the best parts of college. My favorite memory from college was probably every time I realized I had no idea what I was doing. I booked so much time in our campus studio and just messed around with the board trying to figure out how everything worked. I spent hours trying to mix a song before the first semester ended and I wouldn’t have ProTools for a while, just to get in my car and realize it sucked. But what was so fun about that was being hungry to learn as much as I could. Also, my professors were amazing. The most supportive and brilliant people I could learn from!
Producing and engineering your music is an impressive feat – do you hope to encourage other up-and-coming female artists to do the same?
Thomasina: When I chose to major in Audio Production in college, I knew I mainly wanted to be a musician. But I also knew how easy it is to be cast aside or looked over as a woman in this industry. I decided I never wanted to give someone a reason to look over me, so I would soak up every aspect of the industry including producing and engineering. I love collaborating with other producers and seeing what we come up with together. But I am also a major control freak and want to be in the room for everything. I always want to be able to articulate the end goal or the vision for a song and being familiar with the engineering side of music is vital for this.
What was it like working with FLAK on the acoustic version of “Not Over”?
Thomasina: I loved working with FLAK on "Not Over!" I had never collaborated with someone before in this way and had no idea how it would go. I sent him a demo of me singing with my piano a song that I had just quickly come up with to see if he liked it. He did and he quickly sent back his spin on it with his production style. After the release of the original he sent over the acoustic version with his piano and I fell in love with it. I love putting lyrically sad songs to fun upbeat pop productions but I also love when you can strip back a song and see what it’s really saying. "Not Over" is actually a pretty sad song about two people desperately trying to make their relationship work and not believing that it’s really over. But you can forget how sad it is when FLAK is making you dance!
Photo credit: Christian Kapoukranidis
Would you say that moving to LA has influenced your music and sound?
Thomasina: I’ve only been in LA for a few months so I don’t think it has changed my sound too much yet. But I am collaborating with more musicians in LA and am starting to pick up on the style for sure. I totally believe “you are what you eat” as it applies to music. If you listen to a lot of one style, you’ll start to notice that’s what you’re creating. Also, if you surround yourself with great music and great musicians, you have to grow and that’s what I am always trying to do.
What’s next on the horizon for you, what should fans keep an eye out for?
Thomasina: First on the agenda is the music video for Baby Come Back! This music video is a vision brought to life, I am so excited to share it. It’s out now everywhere so definitely give it a watch. I got to collaborate with two of the most talented dancers I know and my close friends, Kirsten and Cam (Kirsten and Cam Creative Duo). The music video lets you into the mind of the narrator of Baby Come Back and it is just the coolest project I’ve ever worked on. There is more music on the horizon! I have so much music on deck that’s ready to go this year, I can’t wait!
Interviewed By Vanessa Siebrass
FOLLOW THOMASINA: