Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrance Thomas.
Terrance, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey started at a very young age, singing, dancing, playing drums, and directing the choir at my church at the age of five. As a kid, I quickly understood that my purpose in life was greater than just me. I remember the cheers, the excitement, the smiles, and the feeling that came over me anytime I was singing or dancing. It became my safety net and it became my dream to have a career in music. In high school, I began to branch out and learn other genres of music such as classical, jazz, and musical theater. I wanted to master my craft and become exposed to a more diverse environment so, after two years of studying speech communications and theater at Wartburg College, I packed up and moved to Chicago to continue my music education. In 2010, I graduated with a BA in Music Business and Vocal Performance. Also, in 2010, I moved to Dallas, TX and since, I became a dancer/drummer in Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Ensemble, released my first single entitled, “Crazy,” became a certified group fitness instructor for Life Time Fitness, and started 1st Fridays with Terrance T which is a dance fitness class influenced by hip hop, R&B, bounce, afrobeat, and pop music genres. As of January of 2019, I am a full-time singer for El-Live Productions where I have been a part of three resident bands in some of coolest venues in Singapore, Doha, and now Bangkok performing six nights a week.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely been bumpy. As an artist, I believe that one of the major struggles come from within. Self- esteem, comparing yourself to others, feeling like you’re not good enough, feeling like your time has passed, and doubting your destiny are just some of the battles I have had to fight within my own mind. I have tried out for both American Idol and the voice and didn’t make it. For a while, the only stage I was getting on was the one in my group fitness class. Mentally, I was so hurt, sad, and disappointed. I felt like so many people were depending on me to “make it” and I felt like I let them down. I got consumed in working a 9 to 5 and adulting to the point that I lost sight and there were people in my life that didnt even know I could sing. It was very hard to watch performances, award shows, and live shows because I’d become overwhelmed with emotion. Knowing I was equally yet uniquely talented, and not understanding why I didnt have the same platform and opportunities. Life broke me down in ways that I couldn’t imagine but in the end, everything that I’ve been through has prepared me for this very moment.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Passion drives me. There is so much discourse in the world today and people go through so much to survive and take care of their families. I am so happy that I can be the creator of the moment and environment were nothing, but yet everything matters. To provide a space and addictive energy that allows people to feel good, have fun, feel important, and be empowered to stretch and become the absolute best version of themselves. This is what I aim to do as an artist whether I am singing on a stage, or teaching a group fitness class. When I come back to the states from touring, I plan to continue with my 1st Friday dance fitness classes, put out more music, and grace many more stages. I also want help to provide an outlet for other artists who may have lost their way to be refueled allowing them to perform, network, work towards fulfilling their dreams.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family and friends have been some of my biggest supporters. My sister, Lakesha Sproles, has been my mentor and number 1 supporter for all my life. I would not be where I am without her. My Life Time fitness family and “dance fam” in Dallas has also been a remarkable support system and have afforded me with so many great opportunities. Tonye Browne and Bandan Koro African Drum and Dance Emsemble became my support system and provided me the opportunity to connect to my roots and channel my divinity, affirm my potential, and pursue my passion.
Contact Info:
- Email: terrancethomasmusic03@gmail.com
- Instagram: @lovemusiq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TThomasmusic/
- Other: www.youtube.com/channel/UCaRqUeNcbpJLtwSRi4juQtw
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