Anna Thomas
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Anna Thomas

Little Elm, Texas, United States | SELF

Little Elm, Texas, United States | SELF
Band Pop Singer/Songwriter

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"Anna Thomas of Little Elm: Teen writes, sings beyond her years"

In many ways, Anna Thomas is like any 14-year-old girl. She enjoys spending time with friends, drawing and participating in activities at her church in Frisco.

But after a listen to her first EP — Splash of Red — many are stunned that the singer/songwriter is merely in eighth grade.

“It’s easy for me to forget her age and to expect more, because she sounds and acts so mature,” said Matt Gaskins, who instructs Thomas at Frisco’s Neighborhood Arts and Music School and plays guitar during her performances across North Texas.

Thomas is among the youngest singers to perform at House of Blues in Dallas, and she will make her first television appearance when she performs on Good Morning Texas on Monday. She performs regularly at McKinney’s Lone Star Wine Cellar.

The Little Elm teen — who is homeschooled — cites The Beatles, Switchfoot, Vanessa Carlton and Fiona Apple as her musical influences. Her love of storytelling is also evident in her songs.

“I like writing, because it’s a way to get your ideas out,” Thomas said. “I’ve enjoyed writing stories, so it’s cool to be able to combine that with music.”

Thomas began writing songs three years ago as part of a musical. She doesn’t plan to complete the script, but the creation and development of several characters helped her write about issues beyond her years.

“A lot of the [topics] she writes about are things that she has never done or experienced, but the characters have,” said Scott Thomas, Anna’s father.



A GREATER CAUSE

Splash of Red is available on iTunes. Thomas is donating all proceeds from the sale of her song, “Trace of Light” to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in honor of her aunt, who died of the disease.

To learn more, visit www.annathomasmusic.com. - Dallas Morning News


"Anna Thomas is only 13 years old and that makes her rather mature voice a pleasant surprise."

Anna Thomas is only 13 years old and that makes her rather mature voice a pleasant surprise. She is apparently working with some talented backup musicians, who only add to the attraction of her performance. “Little Red” is a fun tune that is enhanced by good musicianship.

“My Circle” seems to fit Thomas quite well. She has a strong and confident presentation that belies her years. “Break Apart” succeeds on the strong drum beat and the great atmosphere added by the guitar. If this listener had to vote on early experience, the vote for “best Anna Thomas song” would go to “Break Apart.”

She was born in Memphis and now lives in the Dallas region. Her father played with bands and her musical heritage goes back to a grandfather who was a band director and session player in Memphis. Granddad played on Stax record sessions, including Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes and The Box Tops sessions, according to information provided by Thomas.

She is currently working on a full-length CD and covers some of the better known artists. - Indie Update


"Anna Thomas dazzled the audience at Café Bohemia"

Anna Thomas dazzled the audience at Café Bohemia in Plano, Texas on Saturday, May 23rd, with a selection of sultry jazz and lively pop standards and originals. Her originals highlighted songwriting capabilities that have come a long way in a short time. Thomas is only 13-years old.

Of her originals, Thomas performed three notable songs, “Little Red” (a very sophisticated take-off on Little Red Riding Hood), “My Circle” (about comfort zones) and “Break Apart” (about confidence even one fails). In addition to having a grasp of the technical aspects of songwriting, Thomas demonstrated that she is starting to master her singing. She sang the jazz material with silky tones; the pop and rock standards with light and lively vocals.

Thomas performed alongside Matt Gaskins whose acoustic guitar work was exceptional. Gaskins’ fingers flew across the strings providing an entertaining counterpoint to Thomas’ vocals.

Gaskins is more than an exceptional guitarist. In addition to being a multiple instrumentalist, he is the co-owner (with Kelly Thomas) of the Neighborhood Arts and Music School (NAMS) in Frisco, Texas. The school has an exceptional staff of instructors as well as a state of the art recording studio. At a recent event at the school, it was noted that Gaskins has an wonderful way with the students that allows them to develop as musicians and allows them to have fun at the same time.

The patrons of Café Bohemia had a fun time. Thomas and Gaskins put on a great show. With Thomas demonstrating the level of songwriting and singing that she has at this point in her musical development, we can be sure that there will be much more to come from this talented artist. - Texas Music Journal


"Deep in the Heart of Texas -- Anna Thomas, Singer/Songwriter"

People are always sharing with me the names of artists that touch their hearts for one reason or another. Sometimes that artist's name is not a household word, but he or she may be an aspiring musician following their dream or following the Will of God in their lives, as the case may be.

In the past few months, the name "Anna Thomas" has come up in conversation and has been shared with me on several occasions. Several people thought I should check out her music--which I did. I not only enjoyed Anna's music, but became interested in the person--a very mature and driven young lady. (Well, you know me -- I'm a people person and the person behind the music is what makes the music special, or not) This young lady is blessed with voice as well as a talent for songwriting.

I had the opportunity to interview Anna Thomas and would like to share with you what I learned in our chat, but first let me say thank you to Anna for allowing me to pick her brain so that others can get to know a little more about her and her music (and thank you to her parents for raising a grounded and beautiful daughter and special thanx to her dad for making the interview possible).

So world, meet Anna Thomas:

Q – Anna, For those who have never heard of you, can you please describe for me “Who is Anna Thomas?”

A- I am 13 years old and my birthday is in March. I was born in Memphis and now live in the Dallas Texas Metroplex. I am a singer/songwriter and love all kinds of music.

Q- How would you categorize your music for those that have not had the opportunity to hear it as yet?

A- It’s hard to give you one specific genre, but I guess it’s mostly Indie Pop or Indie Rock. I am influenced by rock, jazz, and pop music.

Q- I understand that one of your songs attained the number one spot on several music charts. Can you tell us a little about your song Trace of Light?

A. It has made several top ten charts on broadjam.com. It’s a song about hope and holding on through difficult times and trusting that things will be ok. For me my faith in Christ is what gets me through these times. I wrote it as a promise and as a reminder to myself not to lose hope. I was listening to Vanessa Carlton when the idea for the song came to me.

Q- What do you want people to come away with after listening to your music?

A – I want them to enjoy it and to be entertained. If they can relate or connect to the song in some way then that’s great too.

Q –How old were you when you realized that you were blessed with musical talent and how did you come to discover it?

A - In 3rd grade I was in my first church musical. I was afraid to take a solo but the director encouraged me to give it a try. I ended up really enjoying the experience and it boosted my confidence and made me want to try more musical things. I started realizing I could write at age 11 when I began taking music lesson from my teacher, Matt Gaskins. He was helping me with voice and guitar when I started showing him some songs I had written and we began co-writing and performing live over the last year.

Q – Did you have any musical influences in your family?

A – My grandfather is a musician and played on lots of music that came out of Memphis. He is a trombone player and played with the Memphis Horns and recorded at Stax studios. My dad also played in bands over the years and still plays regularly at church. My Aunt Kelly and my music teacher Matt opened a music school where I live called the Neighborhood Arts and Music School (NAMS). My mom is an artist, along with my sister, who writes amazing stories. My family is very creative and has always encouraged me to be creative.

Q – Are there any particular artists who have had an impact on you or inspired your musical style?

A – Switchfoot, Vanessa Carlton, Fiona Apple, Ingrid Michaelson, The Hush Sound, A Fine Frenzy, and all sorts of Japanese music.

Q – What instruments do you play, which is your favorite, and why?

A – Piano and a little guitar. I’m figuring some stuff out on the accordion and that is pretty interesting. I’ve found the keyboard to be most helpful for writing and I think one day it would be fun to get a keytar!

Q – What are the names of 5 artists you have recently played in your iPod or CD player and which one is your favorite in that list?

A- Regina Spektor, The Beatles, Adele, The Kooks, Switchfoot. Switchfoot is my favorite. I have memorized every song on every single CD of theirs.

Q – I can’t forget the standard “duo” question, so if you had the opportunity to record a duo with any artist of any genre, who would that person be?

A – Jon Foreman. No question!
(CathyAnne's sidenote -- for those that do not know who he is.. check out Switchfoot!)

Q – For such a young age, your lyrics are deep. Many of your contain particular symbolisms which seem to reflect a deep faith in God, is that where you get the inspiration for many of your songs?

A – Absolutely! I would say that most of my songs are heavily influenced by my faith.

Q – Is there anything in particular that you believe God has been teaching you lately?

A – I think He is teaching me not to be so hard on myself.

Q – Would you share how you go about writing your songs? Do you write both lyrics and music?

A – Yes I do. I have no particular technique though. I’ll either have something I really want to write about and then add a melody or I will have a melody stuck in my head and I will add words.

Q- Of your own songs, do you have a favorite? Tell us a little about it and why is it your favorite?

A – I have a couple. Right now I think Little Red and Trace of Light might be my favorites. I like Little Red because it’s upbeat and fun. I like Trace of Light because it is sort of my own personal testimony.

Q – Are there any plans to record a CD or to attempt to secure a record deal in the near future?

A - I’m sort of in the middle of working on a full CD right now. I have about 15 originals to sort through. I already have an EP that can be purchased online or at shows. I’m hoping to get the new CD finished so people can buy it before I lose my youthful charm! :)

Q – Are you currently concentrating your performances in Texas or will you be venturing on a tour at any time in the near future?

A – Right now it’s pretty much all in the Texas area. It’s definitely a goal of mine to play in Japan one day. I’ve always wanted to go there. But if you know of any gig opportunities, let me know!

Q – Have you considered trying out for American Idol? If not, why?

A – I have thought about it. But I won’t be old enough for 3 more years, and I am not a patient person. I just want to keep pursing music and doing what I love.

Q – When was the last time you cried and why?

A – Hmm…. Wow, I cry a lot! I cried at my church camp this summer almost every single day.

Q – When was the last time you laughed and why?

A – I laugh even more than I cry. I laughed just now!
- Heart-throscopy


"Anna Thomas on Mevio"

“The first time I heard Anna Thomas I knew she was something special. One thing that has become increasingly rare in today's music scene is to find an up-and-coming artist that can write and perform clean and simple songs in a thought provoking way. In my opinion Anna has joined the ranks of Ingrid Michaelson and Regina Spektor in doing just that. Anna has earned a home on the Mevio Radio playlist for the foreseeable future.” - mevioradio.com


"Salim Nourallah on Anna Thomas"

“I've been a working musician/producer for over 20 years and have never come across a young talent as formidable as Anna Thomas. She's only 13 but has a voice that resonates and soars effortlessly like that of a singer 3 times her age. Almost as if an old soul is living within her… Her words also convey a depth and wisdom far beyond her age. Listen carefully to her music and if you're not deeply moved, I doubt if you can be moved...”

Salim Nourallah

Artist/Producer - Dallas Producer of the Year


"Pete Harris on Anna Thomas"

"Anna Thomas is not only a great voice but possesses song craft beyond her years. This young musician has a great future ahead of her, and we'll get to enjoy it too."

Pete Harris

harrisradio.com


- harrisradio.com


Discography

Break Apart
Splash of Red (EP)
Hush (Single)

Photos

Bio

Singer/Songwriter Anna Thomas is a musical contradiction, because, at only 14 years of age, she delivers her original jazz/pop/soul music with both the infectious energy of a newcomer and the expert skillfulness of a seasoned veteran. Salim Nourallah describes her this way; “I’ve been a working musician/producer for over 20 years and have never come across a young talent as formidable as Anna Thomas.”

Immersed in music even before birth, her grandfather played sax in the legendary Stax record sessions in Memphis for Elvis, The Box Tops and Issac Hayes. As many successful artists, Anna began her own musical journey in church, where she began singing in musicals at the age of 8. Shortly thereafter, she began writing and arranging her own music. Originally entertaining friends, family and the congregation, Anna’s ambitions soon flourished into something more.

In 2008 Anna began working with Matt Gaskins, a multi-instrumentalist University of North Texas graduate, first as a student, and then a collaborator. Anna continues to write and co-write with Matt and they have developed a great partnership for creating and performing amazing music.

Now living in the Dallas area, Anna performs regularly at many wineries, coffee shops and listening venues including The House of Blues, Poor David’s Pub, and The Lone Star Wine Cellar. Recently she was on the program Good Morning Texas as one of the hot young performers in Dallas. She captivates audiences with sets that blend her original music with unique covers including songs by such artists as: The Beatles, The Hush Sound, Radiohead, Switchfoot, Melody Gardot, The Police, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson and even Ozzy Osbourne!

Anna’s music is in rotation at many college and indie radio stations around the world. Many of Anna’s original songs have been featured on various indie radio shows including Indies Top 10 and Mevio Radio. She also has had several songs in the Top Ten Pop and Rock charts on Broadjam, including the song “Trace of Light” at number one.

What Are People Saying About Anna?

“I've been a working musician/producer for over 20 years and have never come across a young talent as formidable as Anna Thomas. She's only 13 but has a voice that resonates and soars effortlessly like that of a singer 3 times her age. Almost as if an old soul is living within her… Her words also convey a depth and wisdom far beyond her age. Listen carefully to her music and if you're not deeply moved, I doubt if you can be moved...”
Salim Nourallah
Recording Artist/Producer

“The first time I heard Anna Thomas I knew she was something special. One thing that has become increasingly rare in today's music scene is to find an up-and-coming artist that can write and perform clean and simple songs in a thought provoking way. In my opinion Anna has joined the ranks of Ingrid Michaelson and Regina Spektor in doing just that. Anna has earned a home on the Mevio Radio playlist for the foreseeable future.”
Brent Bradley
MevioRadio.com

“What a beautiful voice! So fresh, unique and current.”
Becky Hyden
KHYI/KXEZ
Hyden Entertainment

"Anna Thomas is not only a great voice but possesses song craft beyond her years. This young musician has a great future ahead of her, and we'll get to enjoy it too."
Pete Harris
harrisradio.com

“Anna Thomas is only 13 years old and that makes her rather mature voice a pleasant surprise.”
Indie Update