Thom LaFond

Songwriter & Producer

When did you first get into music?

At age 9 I began teaching myself Guitar & Drums. I’m 30 now.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career in music?

It was an obsession from day one. I began recording myself and gigging at age 13.

How has your music evolved since you first began creating music?

It has turned away from guitar oriented music and more towards songwriting & production.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Passion. I love music, and there is nothing that could sway me away from the sounds.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

I am writing songs and recording everyday. I am a Videographer as well, and this year Ive added 100 self-produced videos to my YT Channel/Socials. My goal is to tell a story with music. That story is my own thread & my own ingredients. I Produce my music from the ground up by laying in my own drums, and adding layers and musicians in the direction my ear is leading me.

What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

I have been gathering my camp to finally release music under my own name. I have always been with bands, so it has been hard to make the time or intention to release my solo efforts. The pandemic has offererd me much time to pursue my own direction. May 20th I’m dropping my first official release on all streaming platforms. “In A Hurry” This single will be followed by 2 albums that are in the late stages of production.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art.” Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

I have lived soley off my music for 14 years. There has been a lot of struggle in that time. For 2 years, I lived in a small cabin in the woods without running water or electricity at 9,000 Ft. Although, it’s been tough to stay afloat financially, I’ve just been letting it all feed into the music. MORE INFO: https://www.westword.com/music/banshee-tree-is-willing-to-give-up-running-water-to-play-music-6043749

What are the 5 albums that have helped make you the person you are today?

The Beatles - The White Album

Jessica Hoop - Hunting My Dress

John Coltrane - Coltrane’s Sound

Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Airplane Over The Sea

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

What is the best advice you have received?

Be aware of your surroundings.

Tell us about your single, “In a Hurry”. When does it release?

“In A Hurry” arrives May 20th at 9am in all time zones. It features vocal talents of Daniel Rodriguez from the transcendental folk band, “Elephant Revival” as well as my childhood bandmate Chris Duffy on bass. The harmonies were done by Katie Mintle & Carolyn Hunter. I played drums, guitar, glockenspiel, wurlitzer, and synths. We did the bass and drums live at Introvertigo studios in Boulder, and vocals and instruments were layered in at my bedroom studio. After it was tracked, I mixed it in 24 hours with Jay Elliot, who engineered the drums, bass & guitar session. It was mastered by my friend K. Vandy who has worked with Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, SZA, Lenny Kravitz, and countless others.

What’s next for you? Is there a new EP or Album in the works?

I have 2 albums written. I am releasing an LP on Octave Records In Fall 2021, followed up by my independent LP. (I’ve been writing tracking this at home all through isolation)

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

For now, follow me on youtube: Thom LaFond Fb: Thom LaFond IG & TikTok; @thomlafond

My spotify artist profile is here, but wont be Live till “In A Hurry” Is released May 20th. https://open.spotify.com/artist/2NVtDeFBzHMUFQlzDswS8a?si=mAvSbDa_RZWhIIYRuwC9Dw