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Thomas Hunter fuses timeless classic style soul with R&B as well as a sprinkling of rap to bring his effortlessly classy, soulful songs to the fore as strong contenders for chart success.
Thomas Hunter, from North Carolina, USA has spent most of his life mastering the art of commercial songwriting. With his own blueprint method of creating songs from observing his life as well as others around him, his songs wrap you in a blanket of seduction and passion. His warm, melted chocolate voice oozes through you in waves leaving you totally at his mercy and begging for more.
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His life-long love of music drew him to learn piano from a young age and
to formal vocal training which earned him college scholarships in both
disciplines. Thomas went on to study Commercial Songwriting
and Music Psychology. Thomas has worked with many influential and
accomplished industry individuals including Grammy nominee Rodney Shelton, guitarist Calvin Edwards and choreographer Barry Lather (Nasty Boys - Janet Jackson).
As a regular live performer, working with function bands as well as a rock
band, Thomas has learned the craft of being a versatile and rounded artist.
Finding his niche in Soul and R&B, Thomas has a catalogue of enough
material for 11 albums ready and waiting to record.
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His debut album 'EROS', produced by Rodney Shelton and featuring the awesome Joe Lindsay on guitar, is a showcase of Thomas' heartfelt classic love songs. Using the name of the Greek God of Love, EROS also symbolizes the four most important areas of Thomas Hunter's being... Emotion - Romance - Oneness and Sexuality. Beautifully written songs delivered directly from the heart with an amazing vocal talent, right up there with legends such as Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Donny Hathaway, all major influences in Thomas' music development.
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| Interview with Thomas Hunter |
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- Could you briefly tell us about your background? Like, when were you
born?
I was born in South Carolina in a small town called SPARTANBURG. At a very young age I think I was around three, I moved with my family to Florida where I lived and grew up in the city of OCALA.
- Who did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to many different artist but my R&B /Soul influences came from listening to the great groups such as the Temptations, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, The Dells, The Dramatics, New Birth. All of the old greats groups gave me influence but there were also soloist who I loved, like Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, and Donnie Hathaway just to name a few.
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- How old were you when you began studying classical piano and voice?
I was quite young when I began to sing but it wasn't until I was about
17 that I started to take my knowledge of music to the next level, First
thing I did was take private lessons, which added fuel to the fire that
was already burning in my soul and prompted me to seek other avenues of
learning.
- And, have you always wanted to be a singer? What about a particular favorite
--- the biggest influence?
Yes! I have always loved to sing and wanted to be a singer! There is something
inside of me that wants me to share my life with others through song. My
biggest influence? Well that’s very hard for me to pinpoint, .there were
and are so many artist that I love and respect. I can appreciate the vocal
styling’s of many singers, both men and women, and have borrowed many
techniques from them to make me the singer I am today.
-When did you start as a professional?
I would say I started with the release of my first single " For Ever Alone " in the late 90’s. the song was # one most popular and most requested
in my city.( I guess it helped that I knew most of the people there huh?)
lol ,I am so grateful for my blessings and the blessing of friendship is
at the top of the list.
- How did you hook up with Rodney Shelton? And tell us more about him.
I was taking a private course in music and one of the students knew and
referred him to me as a possible producer of my work. Rodney was nominated
in 1992 for a Grammy. The song was "Kissing You" by the artist
Keith Washington.
- Could you tell us a little bit about your debut CD "EROS",
the concept behind the idea and your impressions? And why the title 'E-motion,
R-omance, O-neness ,S-exuality"?
I would love to take all of the credit for the title but in actuality the credit is not all mine. I was looking for one word that would describe love, I was asking friends for help and Daryel Miller, a friend came up with the concept. I thought it was perfect. It embodies all that I am and what this Cd represents.
- Lets' talk about your sound and style...please break down your style
Hummm let me think…. I would say my sound is the sound of yesterday… today, and my style is Gritty, yet smooth and soulful.
- How did you get interestd in the late 80's modern soul grooves?
This was a time (not to take anything from today) when music had lyrics
that talked about personal experiences and emotions. They were easy to
understand in listening, and easier to relate to because it spoke to the
everyday person. The common bond that brings us all together as human beings
is our understanding of the language ….the language of music.
- What's the most exciting thing about being a singer?
The most exciting thing for me is to be able to share and carry my audience or listeners on a musical journey. I love sound and I love being able to shape and bend it with my voice. Its an experience that generates in me an excitement that I cannot explain!
- Have you ever had a memory in your career that you can't forget?
Yes, several, one being the time performing for two million people as
a feature performer with Paramount's "RETRO ACTIVE" show…it
was the start of a real roller coaster ride! Another was performing the
song "The Heart Of A Champion" written by Melvin Harrison and
myself at the Summer Olympics passing of the torch.
- What really drives you or motivates you to continue to play music?
Every morning I wake up and thank my maker for the gift of song.
It is something special to me to be able to have something to give to the
world in some way…you know…make a contribution…to humankind. Music allows
me the opportunity to help people in a way that loses something when you
try to put it into words but when I try words and music, I have something
altogether different. It comforts, it expresses, it speaks to and for many
in many situations. I love being the Vehicle for the expression.
- What is music for you?
Music for me is a way of life. It's a spiritual part of my being ..my
soul ….it's a personality that belongs…. to me ..it's a way for me to
express my feelings … good…bad.. Or indifferent . A way of travel on
this endless journey.
- Would you like to say something to your fans?
Yes! To all of my fans… thank you for your love , support and appreciation of my music. Thank you for opening your ears your hearts and minds and welcoming me into your lives. I appreciate you and promise to do my best to give you my best… at all times.
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| Albums |
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| EROS - Thomas Hunter(US-CD, 2009) |
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| Producede by : Rodney Shelton |
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| 1. |
Come Home Girl |
| 2. |
I Loved You The First Time |
| 3. |
'Im Forever Yours |
| 4. |
Strong Love |
| 5. |
Step A Little Closer |
| 6. |
I'll Be Good To You |
| 7. |
Friday Night |
| 8. |
You're My Angel |
| 9. |
Love Is bBue |
| 10. |
Just Go |
| 11. |
Find Your Destiny (Bonus Track) |
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Aug 15, 2009 |
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