Mike Thomas is an emerging country/Americana artist steeped in tradition. Drawing from a wide array of influences and experiences, his music has been best described as “eclectic country with a vintage vibe.” Growing up in Knoxville, TN, Thomas’ musical journey has taken a unique path. He moved to Nashville in 2004 intent on pursuing a career as a songwriter but quickly grew discouraged and set music aside for an extended period. Thomas recalls, “I didn’t listen to the country music of the day. I had no frame of reference for the types of songs publishers and artists were looking for. I was naïve and learned some tough lessons in those days.”
After walking away from music for ten years to pursue his own small business, Thomas eventually got back into the swing of things in 2017. He draws influences from artists such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and others, but he admits he is inspired and influenced by all types of music as long as the songs feel heartfelt and honest. One listen to Thomas’ music demonstrates the importance of authenticity in his art. Thomas’ raw vocals coupled with his genuine writing style give his songs a nostalgic feel that listeners cannot help but connect with. Mix that carefully crafted lyricism with real-life stories, and fans both old and new are sure to find that the music resonates on a deep level.
Thomas’ sophomore LP, Diamonds, is set for release October 14th via Electric 3 Records. Thomas was joined by many of the same musicians who contributed to his previous releases, including Donald Bright on electric guitar, Mark Huhta on pedal steel, Dave Colella on drums and percussion, Michael Sharp on keys, and Weston Woodford providing harmony vocals. In addition to producing, Sasser played bass on the album, and Joe Costa engineered and mixed the songs.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “Breaking the Distance” (PRE-ORDER). The song carries a big Americana-rock sound that is sure to appeal to fans of Jason Isbell as well as the more country-leaning work of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Just like those artists, Thomas knows how to pen a soaring chorus to complement the straightforward rocking sound that has just enough of a country edge to remind you where he’s coming from. His band mates lay down harmonies that allow Thomas’ voice to ascend to new heights, while Donald Bright does the same with his guitar soloing. Lyrically, the song is about chasing a dream and working hard for it, despite the hurdles that life may throw your way.
Listen to the track and read our interview with Thomas below…
What is the story behind this song? Did something special prompt you to write it? What was the songwriting process like?
I wrote this in my twenties as I was holding down three part-time jobs and working seven days a week to support my young family. I’d spend what little free time I could find writing songs and playing open mics and songwriter nights around Nashville. I didn’t make much money, and I hardly saw my wife. I’d recently moved to Nashville to chase a dream, and things weren’t working out the way I’d hoped – a familiar story for many in this town! I actually wrote most of the lyrics one night while standing behind the counter at one of my part-time jobs. It was approaching closing time, and the place was nearly empty. I was asking myself a lot of tough questions in those days – that’s where this one came from.
I learned during those years that some guys started out with more than I’d likely ever have no matter how much I worked. “Some guys are born, ‘neath a golden sunrise / others stand in the shadows every day of their lives.” Even still, I’ve always admired those who are willing to persevere in spite of tough circumstances. Those who refuse to let the distance between the “haves” and “have nots” break them down. The ones who keep grinding and keep dreaming. Those who keep pushing when they’ve every reason to make excuses and give up. I’ve been fortunate to know and be inspired by many of these people in my life, and I’ve aspired to be one myself. That’s the essence of this song.
Sometimes you have an idea of what a song will be, but when you go into the studio and record it, that completely changes. What happened in that regard for this song? What was your studio time like? And did this song turn out like you expected, or is it completely different?
Going in, I knew this one would be a hard-driving track with a rock edge. I had a general arrangement in mind, but I really have to give credit to Tres Sasser for taking this song where it needed to go. I wasn’t even sure that it was strong enough musically to make the cut, but as soon as I played it for Tres, he latched onto it and insisted that we could make it an album track. We were really pleased with the finished product and decided to release it as a single.
What is your favorite part of the song — lyrically, musically?
My favorite part of the track starts at the 2:42 mark. There is a short, driving bridge followed by a great guitar solo played by Donald Bright that leads into the final verse. We broke the last verse down to emphasize the lyric, “You get home late / the Devil’s in your easy chair / you walk that floor all night wishin’ he’d just disappear / the cold burn of Comfort / the ringing in your head / morning’s gonna come and you’ll do it all over again.” I’m really fond of that lyric. I feel like it encapsulates that period of my life pretty well.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
My music is typically described as “Americana” or “neo-traditional country,” but to me it’s simply country music. My musical tastes and influences are eclectic, and I think that comes through in my songs, but in the end, I make country music. For a while, I had a hard time describing my music. I hesitated to call it “country” because mainstream country music had gone so far off the rails. I do think that real country music is experiencing a resurgence with numerous artists making great, authentic country music. I’m thrilled to get to play a small part in that resurgence.
