SPECIAL INTERVIEW: RJ Thompson

Tell us how it all started. What had you first interested in music?
Going way way back my parents bought me a toy drum kit when I was only about 4 or 5. So my early years were spent learning how to annoy the neighbours! I was well into my teens before I picked up a guitar and started writing music.

What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?

Motivation always boils down to wanting to do the best for my family… my wife and little boy. As cheesy as it sounds everything I do is for them. In terms of musical influences, the musicians I work with influence me greatly. They are all phenomenal musicians and bring out the best in my writing.

What are your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
My one and only goal is to write, record and release music that means something to me and that hopefully resonates with people. If that takes me to big or small crowds, I don’t mind. I want to be able to look back at my musical life down the line with pride knowing that everything came from the heart, and hopefully meant something to people.

Success, what is the secret to it?

Honesty and hard work, I think.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

A couple of years ago I was lucky enough to be asked to perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It’s a hugely iconic venue. Daunting, petrifying, but the most amazing experience.

Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?

So many! My musical heroes are all of those guys and girls who are still doing it decades down the line, though. Springsteen, Dylan, McCartney… the greats.

The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Great question… hopefully a few albums down the line with people wanting more. That would be ideal!

The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
The industry is in an interesting state right now… and everyone is trying to keep up with new ways of doing things. I hope, and believe, that ultimately there is longevity in focusing on the music itself and the artists vision for it. It is an incredible feeling when something you have poured blood, sweat and tears into finally sees the light of day.

Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.

Nick Cave would be up there with one of my favourites. And obviously Sia stands out as an amazingly talented woman.

What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?

There certainly are. Towards the end of the year we’ll be touring my new album.

Tell us a bit about your latest record, how would you best describe your music?

The current single is a cover of Bob Dylan’s The Times They Are A-Changin’. It’s obviously a really well known song, but I wanted to release it because I know it resonates with a lot of people and certainly means a lot to me. My music, in general, edges towards the pop world, but it clings to a lot of older folk rock sensibilities as well.

Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?

Yeah, I’m finishing up a new album that I will be releasing in the Autumn.

Thanks for the interview! What final message do you have for us today?

Just a heartfelt thank you, really. I appreciate the support!

Website: https://rjthompsonmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rjthompsonmusic
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/rjthompsonmusic