Interview with the male Lady GaGa-Thomas King
You know, what started out as a few simple interviews is now an exploration of what it means to be an artist. When people think of a musician, most people think of the stereotypical rock star type covered in tattoos or something along those lines. What I’ve discovered it that artists are very diverse and each one has their own obstacles to overcome, their own unique audience, and a different experience as a musician.
My most recent interview is with Thomas King who developed a whole universe to organize and better communicate his values. I’m in love with his latest single “One Nite Stand” very GaGa-esque. Listen to it at www.thomaskingmusic.com and look out for his new album coming out soon.
How is being a musician in the United States different from being a musician in Austria?
The main difference is the amount of opportunities. I always say “For every single opportunity in Austria, you get a thousand in the States.” Austria is a country with a great classical music background, and all the world-famous classical musicians come to Austria.
In contemporary music, you reach a plateau pretty quickly and there is no where to go, especially if you are doing original music. Another difference is that Americans are a lot more excitable and supportive when it comes to music and new ideas.
Your Kingtom ideology is very unique, can you tell us what it is?
The Kingtom is my universe in space—my kingdom of high-energy pop music. It consists of six planets brought together by and gravitating toward logical center, LOVE. I call this center the ‘Great Uniting Star’. I invite my audience to enter my universe and through my music, experience the power of freedom, excitement, beauty, passion, joy, peace and love.
Which element of the Kingtom is the most important to you?
The Great Uniting Star because it is an expression for what I stand for as an artist. I believe that music has the great potential to unite people and bring out love, excitement and happiness in them. This is why I chose the yin yang at the center of my logo that is partially rotated to form a heart. This powerful body then sparks a fire, which reflects the passion I have for music, generating a majestic light and energy needed to keep my universe in rhythm and the audience dancing.
Who are your musical influences?
My two role models that I adore musically are Michael Jackson and Prince. Both are phenomenal entertainers and performers, who in my perception, have always focused on the artistry and music rather than on making money.
Do you have a musical family?
I must have inherited my creative side from my mum because my dad is a businessman. I have played music and have been on stage pretty much all my life. At the age of four, I got my first drum set and started playing drums. At the age of nine, I had become a child actor for theatre, and in high school, I joined a ballroom band as a singer and toured all over Austria.
You are a very high energy entertainer, have you studied dance or theatre?
I have never studied dance or theatre, but as I mentioned above, being a child actor made me failiar with the at age at a young age. I haven’t abandoned the stage since and probably never will. I guess my high-energy nature comes from my passion for what I am doing. On top of that, I love to dance. so you will rarely see me stand still when you watch me perform.
Tell me what your newest release is going to be about.
I tried to incorporate different elements of my personality into the songs. “The King Lives On” is about spreading my message to the world. In “One Nite Stand” I show that I am not afraid to show my feminine side. “Do You Believe” portrays my theatrical side in which I am seducing a girl to join my Kingtom. “In the Dark” is an intimate ballad about feelings that have been left in the dark for a long time, and finally “Make It Loud” is a straight up feel good rock tune.
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Madison Square Garden in New York City. That place is magical. And the big soccer stadium in Vienna, Austria, because it is always great to come home.
Your stage performance is very theatrical, what do you plan on doing on stage for this new album?
The stage show will be a spectacle. A blend between a traditional show and a musical, with dancers, animation, and explosions. When the beat fires up, I’m in the zone and hopefully my audience will join me on this ride.
Check out his music at www.MySpace.com/ThomasKingOnline or www.ThomasKingMusic.com
-Sheena Felix
