With the recent release of his brand-new single “Go For A Drive,” Hunter Thomas quickly earned recognition as one of the Red Dirt music scene’s hottest emerging artists. Signed by Thirty Tigers, his self-titled debut album due out in 2022, and several more singles planned for release between now and then, we had the incredible opportunity to chat with Hunter about the new single, what to expect from the album, why it was important for him to write the majority of and step into a co-producing role for his debut album, what songs he can’t wait for us to hear, and much more.

Single Review: "Go For A Drive"

https://www.facebook.com/HunterThomasCountry

1. Tell us a little bit about your brand-new single “Go For A Drive.”

“Through this song we wanted to capture that perfect moment when you’re on the road and feel like everything is calm and at peace in the world. We had a lot of fun creating this song, and I really enjoy singing it live.”

2. Why did you feel “Go For A Drive” was the best first representation of your music to new fans?

“It was stuck in my head for quite a while.  I feel this song is something we can all relate to.”

3. Your self-titled debut album is set to drop in 2022, but there are several more singles planned for release between now and then. What can we expect to hear from those upcoming singles?

“Upbeat music, with modern production and a bit of a 90s country feel.”

4. What will the album show about you as an all-around artist that just listening to the singles doesn’t give us?

“I believe the album has a little something for everyone on it and it will show the versatility of my writing, and maybe a few sides of our band’s sound people haven’t heard yet.”

5. You co-produced the album with guitarist Kyler Watson. Why did you feel that producing the album was the best way to go, rather than bringing in an outside producer?

“I believe in Kyler’s creativeness and the way he makes the right music to go along with the lyrics and melody of the song. His style in country music and his ability to come up with ideas is something I really groove with.”

6. You also co-wrote nearly every song on the album. How important is it for you to write the songs that you perform? And what factors do you look for in a song if choosing one from an outside writer?

“Well, actually I was the only writer on all of the songs except for maybe 2 of them. I co-wrote a few parts with some other writers. I enjoy co-writing and I like to get other influences in there. I like writing with people that put good imagery in the songs and that understand the vision I’m going for.”

7. Is there one song from the album that we haven’t heard yet, that you can’t wait for your fans to hear? And why that song in particular?

“There are 3 I’d like to talk about briefly. “Tell Me Something Good” is a newer song that I really believe in, and I’m seeing that it’s making people excited. Also, “Nichols Hills.” We open every show with it and it slams. Lastly, I have a song called “Yoga Pants.” It’s actually among our crowd favorites. We recently had 400 college kids singing it back to us at a show.  I know it sounds kind of out there, but it’s the song I’m known around Oklahoma City and the college towns for.  We will see if it makes this record.”

8. For the release of the album, you’ve signed with Nashville-based record label Thirty Tigers. What did they bring to the table that made them the perfect label for you to partner with for the release of the album?

“Thirty Tigers allows me to be myself and be in complete control of my music and image.  They distribute my music on a large scale without me having to change who I am. I’m very thankful to work with them.”

9. Although partnered up with a Nashville label, you are part of the amazing Red Dirt music scene. How has being a part of such a renowned scene caused you to have to elevate your music to new heights the most?

“I’ve always just wanted to make the best music I can. The Red Dirt scene definitely inspired me, but the reason I strive to always be better is for the fans. I want to give them something to be happy about and I truly feel like it’s a duty to give people an amazing product. If someone gives me their time to come to a show or listen to my music with their hard earned dollars I want to go the extra mile on giving them something great. I appreciate each and every person that listens to me.”

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

“I don’t know if I’m in a position to give advice.  I’d like to see more success myself and then I feel like my advice will hold more weight. With that being said, a few things I could tell other artists: Be the best version of yourself, and don’t overly compare yourself to others. There are things you can do that they can’t, and vice versa. People want authenticity, so just be real and put emotion into your music (that’s super important). Also, it’s not going to be perfect, but try to get as organized as you can and focus on what matters. And just have fun!”

Learn more about Hunter Thomas by visiting his official Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/HunterThomasCountry

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