We recently connected with Demetri Thomas and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Demetri, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Seven years ago, my mother, the late Elaine Hrones Thomas passed away at 89 after a heart valve procedure at Cedars Sinai medical center. Following that, My sister and I sold my Mother’s apartment building in West Hollywood and I was blessed with a lot of capital. Having a choice to purchase a condo in Palm Springs vs. a music career investment left me in a quandry. A lady at my church recommended my music producer, Kosta Lois to me as I was looking to record some of my music.I asked myself” Should I take a risk to follow my dream, Or should I take the practical route and buy real estate that would only give me an average payoff?” I decided to go with my gut and take a chance with my music. Kosta and I began producing my music project and much to my surprise it was magic. Everything in our arranging and producing with all the musicians we hired came together so perfectly..In those creative moments, I realized that this is what I was truly meant to do. My older sister, the prudent one asked me afterwards “What were you thinking? How do you expect to get a record deal with that elaborate project in this difficult day and age of music? My response to her was this.“Sis, this is my only shot to make my career happen and I have to have the faith to see this through! As one friend told me, Success is rarely convenient. So, did this pay off? The answer is in may ways, YES! Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely struggles as an independent musician. But this music project, all the songs, and the videos and all the people who came together to make it happen afforded me the exposure and recognition I so deeply needed as an artist in the music industry, the Greek Conmunity and surrounding communities. I earned the respect of my piers with such songs as “My Daddy’s From Texas”, Time to Decide, You Are My Destiny, and I Can Hear You Say I Love You to name a few. Now when I do shows, the people show up and they enjoy hearing the songs that are there on the internet and all major music platforms. I’m still seeking new ways to promote myself and my music, but taking a risk for my dream was well worth it and has been very rewarding. Now all that’s left is this show and taking it on the road. And that’s what I’m gonna do. Living the dream one step at a time.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I started young as a child actor in commercials and television. My Mother took me for voice lessons with renowned musicologist Richard Loring who worked with big singers and Entertainers ( Johnny Mathis, Jack Jones, William Katt among others) After graduating Beverly Hills High School, where I was very involved in the performing arts department, I made a decision to dedicate my life to singing and writing songs. The repetitive process of writing song after song caused me to be very proficient at that creative process while working with many talented collaborators as well. I believe my Music is special because it’s melodic, catchy snd always spreads a message of hope. My music is full of positivity. And I truly believe that is what people need these days is music that will make them feel good and lift their spirits.. My music is also an outgrowth of my Orthodox Christian faith and I use that very subtly to produce music to spread a positive message. That is what sets me apart.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I first began writing songs, they were all pop songs. Then in my thirties by shear osmosis I started writing Country pop songs, and I couldn’t figure out how this was happening. Thus, the reason why today I am now a Country pop singer and songwriter. I had to pivot in response to the Universe’s call to change my brand of music. And frankly, I think it was a good decision because in this genre, you can tell a good story, have a great melody and it’s all clean cut music. (except for the drinkin’ and smokin’.)references sometimes used in today’s Country market.)
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
You might find this amusing. But when I first began singing, I had a very Vegas-y way of performing and singing my songs. One of my associates, Craig Sharmat, a very well known guitarist who was producing my music at the time told me”This isn’t working dude!” So he suggested I go to the record store and pick up some of my favorite artists like “Luther Vandross, James Ingram and Kenny Rogers. I studied their phrasing and slowly lost the Vegas vibe I was so used to portraying. My High School musical theatre teacher Bruce Hertford even used to do Elvis impressions of me in front of the whole class to get me to stop singing that way. I was so blessed to have these valuable mentors to help point me in the right direction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demetrithomasmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demetrithomasmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCT51
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetri-thomas-562a17aa/
- Twitter: https://x.com/DemetriThomas19
- Youtube: https://www..youtube.com/@demetrithomasmusic5857
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/demetri-thomas-1
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Photos by Craig Allyn
Kosta Lois- music producer