We have a secret weapon at The Standard, and it comes in the form of a French-Moroccan music maven named Annie O. After years in the music industry representing such greats as Lou Reed, Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Pearl Jam, and Peter Gabriel, we nabbed her to curate The Annie O Music Series, a regular concert series in the airy Penthouse of The Standard, East Village.
On Monday, November 20th, Annie O brings Finding Thomas to the Penthouse alongside Annie Hart. After growing up in NYC, the singer-songwriter supported other artists for years, and now he's ready to take the stage as the front man. Annie O caught up with him before he makes his debut.
On Monday, November 20th, Annie O brings Finding Thomas to the Penthouse alongside Annie Hart. After growing up in NYC, the singer-songwriter supported other artists for years, and now he's ready to take the stage as the front man. Annie O caught up with him before he makes his debut.
Annie O Presents: Finding Thomas and Annie Hart
Monday, November 20, 7-9PM
The Standard, East Village Penthouse
Free with an RSVP to AnnieO@StandardHotels.com
ANNIE O: Where are you based?
FINDING THOMAS: I was born and raised in NYC. I spent a few years in Western Mass., but now I’m based in the city.
Tell us about your new songs. Is there an EP in the works?
I am currently working on an EP and planning to be finished in 2018. It will consist of some old and some new songs. One song that will be on it is “Halfway,” about finding a balance in love between being too nice and being too mean.
We hear that this will be your first show as Finding Thomas, as well as your first show ever in NYC. Is this true?
This is my debut show in NYC and for Finding Thomas. I have been in many bands as a bassist or a drummer, but this is my first project as a lead singer with my original songs. Everything I will be playing has been written by me.
How do you write a song?
The process of writing a song is very unpredictable for me. I don’t usually know what I’m writing as I’m writing about it, but once I’m done, I search through the stanzas and hope to find something honest. As a singer-songwriter, honesty is the most important thing to me, so the moment I put any intention into my work, it falls flat. Sometimes I hear a chord progression and the lyrics start flowing out. No matter what, it has to be natural.
Tell us about growing up in New York and how it's molded you as an artist.
There is a lot to be said about growing up in New York. When I think about how it molded me as an artist, the first thing that comes to mind is the rhythm. Everywhere in New York you are surrounded by sound, whether it be pleasant or dissonant. A friend of mine once noticed the similarity between some of my rhythmic patterns and the sound of a subway passing by. If that's not New York influence, I don’t know what is.
Who are some major sonic influences for you?
I take a lot of influence from classic rock, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, The Who, David Bowie, The Doors, and more recently The Killers, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Keys, and Arcade Fire.
Are there any tracks by other artists you currently have on repeat?
Recently I have rediscovered ELO after their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I reheard Electric Light Orchestra's "Mr. Blue Sky" and "Evil Woman" for the first time in years and haven’t been able to turn them off ever since.
If Finding Thomas had a superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, I would choose telepathy or telekinesis or something like that. I love the idea of being inside someones mind. I imagine I’d be able use their stories for songs or maybe even write as them. I’d have to have telepathy to really explore and see the full potential of what I could do. Also, controlling someone could be cool, too.
What can we expect from your debut at The Annie O Music Series?
Expect to be blown away! The premiere of Finding Thomas will melt your face!
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to continue making music and to explore different facets of art. Music is my calling and I can confidently say I will be making music and different forms of art the rest of my life.
