Jefferson Thomas, the internationally touring singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, has released his sixth studio album, Southbound. Known for his distinctive blend of Americana, Thomas embraces a more “twangy” sound on this latest project while remaining true to his diverse musical influences.
“Country music is what I grew up on,” Thomas explains. “People always heard those influences in my playing, even if I was doing rock or funk. They’d often suggest I ‘go country,’ but I never wanted to do it as a marketing move. I adore old-time country and bluegrass and resent seeing its rich legacy cheapened.”
His journey into music was inevitable, shaped by a childhood immersed in the industry. With a father who played thousands of gigs and a mother who sang, Thomas was drawn into a world where financial stability was often uncertain, yet artistic wealth was abundant. By eleven, he was playing bass at his parents’ gigs; by fifteen, he was performing professionally across the U.S. His musical path led him to college on a music scholarship, where he honed his craft in the music school’s recording studio and released his first album at nineteen.
Over the years, Thomas developed a vocal and musical style deeply rooted in American traditions. His music embodies a “melting pot” of influences, spanning rock, vintage country, R&B, and classic soul. He refuses to be confined to one genre, preferring instead to create music that is both modern and nostalgic.
His previous releases gained him a loyal following, and a live video of his song “Jacksonville” from an NPR broadcast introduced him to a global audience. The viral success led to his first European tour, and he has continued to tour internationally every year since.
On Southbound, Thomas leans into the country and folk influences that have always been present in his work. The album’s first single, “She’s Been Going Through Some Things,” is the most rock- and pop-oriented track on the record. The album then shifts into the humor-laced, mandolin-driven “Cocaine Killed All of My Friends,” followed by a diverse mix of sounds, from country-pop (“Keep Working,” “Bigger Than You and Me”) to bluegrass (“Hooverville”) and classic rock (covers of The Band’s “It Makes No Difference” and Tim Hardin’s “If I Were a Carpenter”).
The album also includes two tracks deeply personal to Thomas: “Looking for Cowboys,” written in tribute to his father, and “Shiny Stuff,” a song inspired by his mother’s love for traditional country music. “She always hated modern country and wished people would still do old-time country tunes. So I wrote one for her,” Thomas shares.
His journey to Southbound was not just a musical evolution but a personal one. “I lived in New York City for years and got caught up in the whole pseudo-intellectual thing, caring too much about critical acclaim and making ‘important’ music instead of just making good music. It took me years to break free from that,” he admits. His move to South Carolina was a turning point, allowing him to embrace his musical instincts without overthinking how he would be perceived.
Thomas’ ability to blend storytelling with rich, melodic compositions has cemented his place in the indie music scene. His work continues to captivate audiences, whether through his recorded music or energetic live performances. With Southbound, he delivers an album that is both a reflection of his roots and a celebration of his artistic freedom.
For more information on Jefferson Thomas and to stream Southbound, visit:
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