Exposed Vocals interviews Thomas Wayne

An American Singer-Songwriter (born March 30, 1994) from Las Vegas, Nevada. Playing around the Reno music scene (between 2011-2014), Thomas got his feet wet with various artists and playing small shows to practice. Heading into 2015, Thomas focused on the writing and composure of his works. Late December 2015 Thomas’ Ep Winter was released. At the moment he is focusing on promoting and playing locally in Vegas.

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

Thomas Wayne: I actually just created my Twitter account for my music profile about a week before Randy Morano messaged me. Got a message from you guys a short while after! I wanted to sign up with Exposed Vocals because I really feel like I am a competitive contender in the music industry today and I want to share my music with as many people as I can. With you guys it helps simply with exposure, that’s awesome!

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Thomas Wayne: I was born and raised in Henderson, Nevada, a suburb just outside of Las Vegas. Moved to Reno, NV (between 2011-2014) to attend college at University of Nevada-Reno and eventually falling back into the music scene of the dark corners of Reno. Back in Sin City now, and it feels good. I can remember when I was young I thought playing music was awesome. I’d listen to country from my folks and rock and roll from my brother. Really gave me a path to head down,

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Thomas Wayne: Wayne is both my middle name and my late grandfather’s name. Bastian is my real last name and I thought Wayne was more suitable.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Thomas Wayne: I think sharing music online is a great way to promote new tunes and gets different markets around the internet, doesn’t help with sales, especially when you have have a hot new track and not much happens with it. I think free sharing really is a way to prove to the online community you are putting your all into that song right then and there. I actually just released my new EP Winter at the end of December for free. I’m getting my feet wet, looking for the right audience, and any help along the way is a friend of mine. When the point happens and I’m selling albums, I’ll still have free tunes for email followers!

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or Thomas Waynes looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Thomas Wayne: As I continue my journey into my music career, I keep finding more and more useful methods to get gigs and airtime. You have to have to be crafty. If you think the direction you are going into the music career is where you’re going to end up, you might be wrong. Be patient, with time your skills will improve, you’ll have a bigger set to play with and can build a fanbase. Don’t give up just because what you wanted to happen didn’t, make sure what does happen doesn’t go unnoticed.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Thomas Wayne: Oh yeah, you just gotta keep going at it. That crowd won’t get upset about one knick in the road, but if you stop, might as well walk off stage. Don’t give into the fears of failure, learn and push forward.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Thomas Wayne: I actually haven’t toured as a solo performer yet.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Thomas Wayne: Sometimes I will sit down and write something from time to time. You know simple chords and melodies. Other times I find myself getting lost out at Red Rock Mountain, right outside of Vegas. I like nature and it gets me fired up for something new. I’ll usually start with a simple rythme part or bass line. After that you gotta add a hook, spice the song up. Top it all with some melodies and focus on creating natural sounding beats. I use very little percussion equipment in my tracks, but I always make sure youfeelthe beat.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Thomas Wayne: Thomaswayne.bandcamp.com You’ll find all of my work on there. Links to Soundcloud, Facebook, even my website. Twitter is fun and I like going to stageit.com, pretty much you play at home shows for people around the world. Fun stuff.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Thomas Wayne: Bandcamp page, my album from May 2015, Songs of Rejoice for the Common Soul. Love the songs I wrote, but record all of it with an old Windows 98 mic headset. Just listen, terrible quality. Lol.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Thomas Wayne: Half a million bucks… Wow! I would spend this really getting a polished album out as soon as I could and promoting online. I would spend my time writing and composing, possible tour and really build up a fanbase. Pretty much bust my butt if I had such a great opportunity.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Thomas Wayne: I’m hoping to get a midi plugin for a soundboard to really enhance my current sound. I am working with a Yeti Blue Mic. I get a really good raw tone out of this thing. Still learning lots about it but I’m ready for more plugin based songs.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Thomas Wayne: Right now I’m researching many marketing techniques, but I really haven’t gotten far on my own. I’m looking for marketing help and also really to learn all about it. So far I’ve found that Facebook and Soundcloud help me the most.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artist (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Thomas Wayne: Hmm. That’s good, so many to choose from. I’d have to say I would love to tour with Tim McIlrath from Rise Against on an acoustic tour down the road. When I was first learning I didn’t a teacher or someone really to me to play guitar. RA was a band that’s always held a place in my heart.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Thomas Wayne: Well right now I’m composing with my good friend Matt Boyles. As well I’d like to say if you’re in the Vegas area I’ll be around some bar on the outskirts of town, come find me. More shows, new ep, and much more to come!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Thomas Wayne: If I wasn’t making music I would probably trying to cook. I think the art of cook is just as cool as painting, music, film, etc.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Thomas Wayne: My first album that was actually mine was Echelon by Thirty Seconds to Mars. Seriously remember re-listening to that old CD over and over.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Thomas Wayne: Keeping focused on day-to-day activities such as working, school, etc. That has come with practice of balancing my schedule. I know how to organize my time because I keep focused on whatever task is at hand, no matter what is on my mind. Keep focused and learn patience. Take it day-by-day.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

Thomas Wayne: Watch out for my new Ep later 2016. Show in Hawaii in Waikiki in late February. Shows in Vegas rest of the year. Getting going on a Youtube channel and really plunge forward into the New Year!