Exposed Vocals Interviews Tom B. Stone
My name is Thomas b. stone and I am a time-traveling, quantum hopping, auditory magician-musician hybrid god-king thing…from space? I’ve found that I like to approach music from the perspective that values the fun and joy that comes with creativity, and although I tend to create in an eclectic fashion (having produced songs ranging from trap to house to metal and even some jazz) I most often lean towards electronica and future-beats as my primary genres. When it comes to music I have been referred as “ambitious with a bankroll of potential”.
At this time I am currently working on my 3rd official EP release titled “Pygmalion” I plan to mainly distribute this EP via bandcamp, soundcloud, and any other site that supports free downloads to the consumer, as I make music for the soul purpose of being heard and enjoyed. In the past I had released EP’s on many different platforms including the release of the EP “cheshire” which can be found on itunes. However, I kept a certain zeal towards free releases as the EPs can still be found on bandcamp.
While I am juggling the release of “pygmalion” with the everyday life of being an alien hybrid creature walking among humans, I have taken some time aside to work on a few album releases. However, these won’t be released for about a year or two down the line as they will be giant works that will require most, if not all, of my time and attention. That aside, I (Thomas b. stone) am a new and emerging artist finding himself flying solo in the musician creative world after a small falling out with a few friends and close musical associates. These trials have not effected or dampened my drive as I still look forward to making music everyday and am eager to work alongside amazing artists.
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Tom B. Stone: After releasing a sneak peak for my latest EP “Pygmalion” I was contacted by exposed vocals over twitter. I saw the opportunity to really move my musical career forward and decided to sign up.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Tom B. Stone: I was born and raised by a single mother of 6 in the small town of Iort Wayne, Indiana ( I love my mom :D). Life was somewhat hard dealing with poverty and living in a small town that is honestly quite outdated in terms of being current. I decided to pursue my dreams of becoming an artist after dropping out of college. For years, I had denied the chance or ability to pursue anything truly amazing. It wasn’t until I took that 1st blind step that I realized that true happiness comes in the form of doing what you love, regardless of circumstance.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Tom B. Stone: The name is somewhat of a mystery. It’s kind of an inside thing.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Tom B. Stone: I love online sharing, in fact every song I have ever made is available for free on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and Youtube, as well as Toneden. I feel as though people should feel apt to share their art. I make music for the chance to express and be an artist, money is just paper covered in weird symbols.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Tom B. Stone: Sure. It’s actually as simple as just doing it. Call a few places, upload your music wherever you can, and try to move forward. Giving up or giving in is just an illusion that you face when you are challenged on your devotion, not to your dream, but rather to yourself.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Tom B. Stone: Everyone makes mistakes sometimes, that’s just a part of life. I choose to remain calm and see how I can improvise around it. After all, most of the times the audience has no clue that you screwed up. If you keep the vibes fun, they’ll love it, regardless.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Tom B. Stone: I’m actually getting funds together to go on tour soon, I want to travel through most of the connected states, and eventually go across seas. So here’s high hopes that I can make that dream a reality!
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Tom B. Stone: My inspiration usually comes in the form of free form creativity and observation of other creators. When I hear a Robert Glasper piece or a flying lotus track I almost become overwhelmed with the need to create as much as I can. My process however is a little weird, I like to light incense, place a drop of lavender oil on my forehead, grab a cup of tea, or coffee, and then invert for about 5 mins…i also tend to smoke a cigarette beforehand, but I’m really trying to quit.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Tom B. Stone: I’m not sure if I technically have a website, but I do use a few platforms to share my music. You can find me on Bandcamp, Toneden, Soundcloud, Spotify, itunes, Youtube, and many other platforms.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Tom B. Stone: I’m embarrassed to admit I have a copy of Steven universe’s “stronger than you” on my mp3 player at the moment. That show is awesome.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Tom B. Stone: I’d probably work tirelessly on my 1st album release. I have really wanted to make an official album for a while now, but I want it to be a masterpiece that has been finely crafted with a powerful message.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Tom B. Stone: I plan to get a full studio in the near future, complete with all kinds of instruments. I’ve been really itching to record actual instruments rather than work with pure synths. Currently i’m working with little more than a computer, a midi controller, and some flat response headphones.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Tom B. Stone: A lot of times I simply don’t. It seems a little odd, but I always feel that if you are truly talented, promoters will seek you out. I always look forward to improving my musical abilities, before I look forward to promotion.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Tom B. Stone: That is the hardest question I could even think of. I feel like saying J Dilla, performing in a city subway. Mainly because it would be a chill time to perform in a fun environment, where people can choose to listen or simply walk away. #hippymusicianlife
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Tom B. Stone: Next I want to work on touring and traveling. I just finished “Pygmalion” and I am looking to make a decent set that I can use to go forth with. I want to work alongside other artists and learn musicianship and I don’t feel that will be possible if i’m just sitting at home.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Tom B. Stone: Drugs…tons and tons of drugs
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Tom B. Stone: If I recall correctly the 1st album I ever bought was Eminem’s Marshall Mathers LP. I don’t remember what I was thinking, I think I was 10-11 at the time.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Tom B. Stone: Pretty poorly actually, haha. Most of the time I settle down and push forward as best I can, I try to make sure i’m healthy in terms of sleep and stress, by keeping my actual responsibilities to a minimum. Less time in bars and women and more time in DAWS and music theory books.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Tom B. Stone: A large progression in terms of musical ability and presence, I have a lot of plans in the works, and any fan of mine should look forward to seeing my face, name, and voice LITERALLY EVERYWHERE.