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Brendon Thomas Evolution Of Themes

The Man Behind Foreverinmotion Talks About Honesty Through Pain

© Danny Brown

Brendon Thomas, Foreverinmotion.net
In the concluding part of our special interview, Brendon Thomas of Foreverinmotion tells us why honesty will always be his chosen path, regardless how painful it may be.

  • Genre: acoustic / rock / folk
  • Brendon Thomas (instruments / engineering / production)
  • Sounds like: Damien Rice / Sigur Ros / Bright Eyes / Dashboard Confessional
  • Home: Chester, Vermont, US
  • Foreverinmotion

The Truth Is In Here

One of the constant themes that runs through the songs of Foreverinmotion, the conduit for Brendon Thomas to share his music with the world, is honesty. Whether it's the brutal kind of a man admitting to his failings, or simply a message of hope on even the darkest day, Brendon never shies away from often painful subjects.

Here, in the concluding part of our special interview with him, Brendon tells us why he's ready to share the meanings behind the songs on The Beautiful Unknown, how he can hopefully inspire a new generation of musicians and how to make the perfect snack...

Special thanks go to Brendon for taking the time to talk to us, and to Mike Cubillos at Earshot Media for his help arranging everything.

Brendon Thomas Interview

Suite: Your songs are very open in their subject matter – does this make the writing process easier or more difficult?

Brendon: I don’t think I consciously write anything in a way that will make the process easier for me; songs and ideas come when they choose to. Sometimes I’ll write a metaphor, and no 2 people will interpret it the same. Other times I’ll write something straightforward and everyone will understand the same message. It just comes out, and that’s that, and I think I kind of prefer that it works that way.

Suite: You've also begun to share the meanings behind your lyrics on the new album, such as in Hot Air Balloon [a song about the suffering experienced by a close friend of Brendon's]. Is this something you always wanted to do, or would you be just as happy with people interpreting them in their own way?

Brendon: I think it's special for my fans to know where I’m coming from, and to read about what the songs mean to me. That doesn’t mean that I want everyone to interpret my songs in the same way… I’d love for each person to have their own intimate connection to the music. I guess I just want to share mine with them.

Suite: Now, you used to teach kids guitar lessons back in Vermont - I read that these same kids now have bands of their own. Are there any names we should be looking out for?

Brendon: Check out Serenata. I taught those kids a few years ago, and now they shred faster than I ever could! (laughs)

Suite: You quote Icelandic band Sigur Ros[a hugely atmospheric band who often sing in a dialect invented by the group themselves] as a big influence on your musical tastes. Would you ever want to have one of your songs covered by them, and if so, which one?

Brendon: Hmm, you know, I don't know if I can think like that - their music is beyond me and they can only do their own thing.

Suite: As well as the Icelandic connection amongst others, there's a very Scottish feel to And The King Would Say. How did that come about, and are there other national styles you would like to experiment in?

Brendon: You know, I definitely feel that. To be honest, it started out as just a chord progression and melody that suited the lyrics, but I like that you point that connection out. I’m not sure what other nationalities I’ve borrowed from subconsciously, but I’ll definitely think about that! (laughs)

Suite: Now so far, you've mainly toured North America. With the reviews and the reception that The Beautiful Unknown is getting, are there any plans to take the Foreverinmotion experience cross-country or further afield?

Brendon: Well, initially, I'm going to be on the road most of this summer and fall hitting the States to promote the album. But I'm definitely hoping to play Canada and do some overseas touring sometime next year, if not by the end of this year, so fingers crossed!

Suite: And finally, Brendon, what's the best mix for a peanut butter and banana sandwich? [Brendon is renowned for his love of this delicacy.]

Brendon: You want lots of peanut butter on both slices of bread, and a full banana cut the long way in slices. Lay the slices down and squish the pieces together. Behold - perfection… mmmm! (laughs)


The copyright of the article Brendon Thomas Evolution Of Themes in Indie Music is owned by Danny Brown. Permission to republish Brendon Thomas Evolution Of Themes in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.



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