Mike Thomas Band

Country artists have been writing and singing about home since the beginning. From Dolly Parton's "Tennessee Mountain Home" to Miranda Lambert's "The House That Built Me," stories about home -- whether it's leaving home, returning home, or building anew -- will always be deeply meaningful.

Ultimately, it's the memories we make and share inside the home that mean the most. But that doesn't stop us from getting sentimental about the house itself. Singer-songwriter Mike Thomas explores the true meaning of home -- and the pain of leaving one you've built -- on the reflective "Bricks, Boards & Stone," from his forthcoming album Diamonds (out March 24, 2023)

"I wrote this song in the late summer of 2020. The COVID pandemic was dragging on, and, like most families, we were spending more of our time at home," Thomas tells Wide Open Country. "A few months earlier, my wife Sarah and I decided that we'd put our home up for sale before the end of the year. It was a decision she'd come to terms with long before I could. This was the place I thought I'd stay until they put me in the ground or the old folks' home. We'd built that home 12 years earlier on a piece of land she found in a newspaper ad. We'd raised our kids there, buried two dogs out back and made lifelong friends just down the road. As much as we loved that house, we loved the small-town community even more. Leaving was hard, but at that point in our lives it was the right call for our family for a lot of reasons.

One evening as we were wrapping up our daily walk, Sarah and I were reflecting on all the memories we'd made in that house. We were only a few days away from putting the house on the market, and we were talking things through one last time just to make sure we were making the right decision. As we rounded the curve and our house came into view, Sarah mentioned that we'd carry the memories we'd made there for years to come. I replied, 'You're right. After all, the house is just bricks, boards, and stone.'

A few minutes later we returned to the house. I walked into our bedroom and grabbed my guitar. The lyrics and melody came quickly. It was an emotional write. This song was the final step in putting closure on a chapter of our lives. It ultimately helped me come to terms with leaving a place I loved.

I initially wasn't sure if I'd release this song, but the more I reflected on it, the timelier it felt. I read an article around that same time that an estimated 40 million Americans could lose their homes due to the pandemic. I remember going to bed that night feeling fortunate to have had the chance to make that tough decision on our own, when so many families had no choice at all.
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My hope is that this one will resonate with anyone who's ever had to leave a place they've dearly loved." - Wide Open Country

Mike Thomas is an emerging country/Americana artist steeped in tradition. Drawing from a wide array of influences and experiences, his music has been best described as “eclectic country with a vintage vibe.” Growing up in Knoxville, TN, Thomas’ musical journey has taken a unique path. He moved to Nashville in 2004 intent on pursuing a career as a songwriter but quickly grew discouraged and set music aside for an extended period. Thomas recalls, “I didn’t listen to the country music of the day. I had no frame of reference for the types of songs publishers and artists were looking for. I was naïve and learned some tough lessons in those days.”

After walking away from music for ten years to pursue his own small business, Thomas eventually got back into the swing of things in 2017. He draws influences from artists such as John Prine, Bob Dylan, Merle Haggard, Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, Delbert McClinton, and others, but he admits he is inspired and influenced by all types of music as long as the songs feel heartfelt and honest. One listen to Thomas’ music demonstrates the importance of authenticity in his art. Thomas’ raw vocals coupled with his genuine writing style give his songs a nostalgic feel that listeners cannot help but connect with. Mix that carefully crafted lyricism with real-life stories, and fans both old and new are sure to find that the music resonates on a deep level.

Thomas’ sophomore LP, Diamonds, is set for release October 14th via Electric 3 Records. Thomas was joined by many of the same musicians who contributed to his previous releases, including Donald Bright on electric guitar, Mark Huhta on pedal steel, Dave Colella on drums and percussion, Michael Sharp on keys, and Weston Woodford providing harmony vocals. In addition to producing, Sasser played bass on the album, and Joe Costa engineered and mixed the songs.

Today Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “Breaking the Distance” (PRE-ORDER). The song carries a big Americana-rock sound that is sure to appeal to fans of Jason Isbell as well as the more country-leaning work of Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty. Just like those artists, Thomas knows how to pen a soaring chorus to complement the straightforward rocking sound that has just enough of a country edge to remind you where he’s coming from. His band mates lay down harmonies that allow Thomas’ voice to ascend to new heights, while Donald Bright does the same with his guitar soloing. Lyrically, the song is about chasing a dream and working hard for it, despite the hurdles that life may throw your way.

Listen to the track and read our interview with Thomas below…
What is the story behind this song? Did something special prompt you to write it? What was the songwriting process like?


I wrote this in my twenties as I was holding down three part-time jobs and working seven days a week to support my young family. I’d spend what little free time I could find writing songs and playing open mics and songwriter nights around Nashville. I didn’t make much money, and I hardly saw my wife. I’d recently moved to Nashville to chase a dream, and things weren’t working out the way I’d hoped – a familiar story for many in this town! I actually wrote most of the lyrics one night while standing behind the counter at one of my part-time jobs. It was approaching closing time, and the place was nearly empty. I was asking myself a lot of tough questions in those days – that’s where this one came from.

I learned during those years that some guys started out with more than I’d likely ever have no matter how much I worked. “Some guys are born, ‘neath a golden sunrise / others stand in the shadows every day of their lives.” Even still, I’ve always admired those who are willing to persevere in spite of tough circumstances. Those who refuse to let the distance between the “haves” and “have nots” break them down. The ones who keep grinding and keep dreaming. Those who keep pushing when they’ve every reason to make excuses and give up. I’ve been fortunate to know and be inspired by many of these people in my life, and I’ve aspired to be one myself. That’s the essence of this song.

Sometimes you have an idea of what a song will be, but when you go into the studio and record it, that completely changes. What happened in that regard for this song? What was your studio time like? And did this song turn out like you expected, or is it completely different?

Going in, I knew this one would be a hard-driving track with a rock edge. I had a general arrangement in mind, but I really have to give credit to Tres Sasser for taking this song where it needed to go. I wasn’t even sure that it was strong enough musically to make the cut, but as soon as I played it for Tres, he latched onto it and insisted that we could make it an album track. We were really pleased with the finished product and decided to release it as a single.

What is your favorite part of the song — lyrically, musically?

My favorite part of the track starts at the 2:42 mark. There is a short, driving bridge followed by a great guitar solo played by Donald Bright that leads into the final verse. We broke the last verse down to emphasize the lyric, “You get home late / the Devil’s in your easy chair / you walk that floor all night wishin’ he’d just disappear / the cold burn of Comfort / the ringing in your head / morning’s gonna come and you’ll do it all over again.” I’m really fond of that lyric. I feel like it encapsulates that period of my life pretty well.


How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?

My music is typically described as “Americana” or “neo-traditional country,” but to me it’s simply country music. My musical tastes and influences are eclectic, and I think that comes through in my songs, but in the end, I make country music. For a while, I had a hard time describing my music. I hesitated to call it “country” because mainstream country music had gone so far off the rails. I do think that real country music is experiencing a resurgence with numerous artists making great, authentic country music. I’m thrilled to get to play a small part in that resurgence. - Glide Magazine

Americana Highways is hosting this premiere of Mike Thomas’ song “A Song Like That,” featuring Dan Baird on guitar, from Thomas’ forthcoming album Three Reasons Deluxe Edition, due to be available on May 13. Three Reasons Deluxe Edition was produced by Tres Sasser; engineered and mixed by Joe Costa; and mastered by Alex McCollough at True East Mastering. The songs were recorded in Franklin, Tennessee and the album will be distributed by Electric 3 Records.

“A Song Like That” is Mike Thomas on electric guitar and vocals; Dan Baird on electric guitar: Don Bright on electric slide guitar; Tres Sasser on bass; Dave Colella on drums and percussion; Michael Sharp on keys; and Weston Woodford on vocals.

Oh yeah! Get down to the groovin’ guitar sounds with three electric guitars — Dan Baird and Don Bright accompanying Mike’s guitar — and swaggery, sizzling vocals. Looking for a sexy song, “one that grabs you by your soul and sets you right again, like a late night call from a long lost friend. I’ve been searching for a song like that.”

We were searching for the final song for the Three Reasons Deluxe Edition album. We’d tracked a couple of songs, but we felt like we still hadn’t found the right one. A few days later my wife asked me if we were finished recording all the tracks. I explained that we were having trouble finding the right song to finish the record, which prompted her to ask me what kind of song I was looking for. As I tried to describe to her what kind of song I wanted to record, I realized that I was searching for the same type of song I am always searching for – a song that makes a connection with the listener. A song that “says it all in about 3 and a half.” So I guess you’d say I wrote a song about the songwriter’s never ending quest to write a song that makes an honest connection with his/her audience. — Mike Thomas - Americana Highways

A gloriously twangy slide guitar, beautiful vocals, and lyrics which pull strongly at a listener’s emotions all combine to make Mike Thomas’ new single, “Diamonds” (out June 17, 2022), sparkle and shine. A hyper-personal story of Thomas’ father underpins the song, but anyone who’s had a turn of bad luck will understand the message in this stunner of a tune. It’s the first single from Thomas’ album of the same name, which will be released in October, and if this song is any indication, the album will be a fantastic listen.

Amplify Music Magazine is pleased to present the premiere of “Diamonds” here, and we had the pleasure of sitting down with Thomas recently to talk about the song. Read our Q&A below and give “Diamonds” a listen.




What was the inspiration behind this song? What is it about? How did you come to write it?

I wrote this song several years ago after my father lost his job of nearly 35 years. My old man came from extremely humble beginnings. He is the guy who fought and scratched for everything he ever earned. He’s the kind of man who is always working and takes extreme pride in whatever his hands are working on. When he lost his job, he temporarily lost his identity, his sense of purpose. It was difficult watching him go through this, but it was inspiring how he refocused himself and recalibrated his life during that period.

Over the last couple of years, many people have had their lives turned upside down by forces beyond their control. Many have lost jobs, careers, homes, family members, and more. Like my old man, many have had to recalibrate and start over. This is a song about seeking closure, moving on, and finding passion and purpose in the simple things in life.

This one came very quickly for me. The inspiration hit, and about 20 minutes later, I had a song. My typical process is much more labor-intensive, with plenty of editing and revisions. Normally, I spend several days, weeks, or sometimes even months on a single song. This one was different. It was a gift that deserved to be left in its original form.

What was the recording process like for this song? How did it come together in the studio, and did it turn out like you imagined it might? If so, how so, and if not, what is different from what you originally imagined?

I knew going in that this one needed to have a very stripped-down arrangement. The track features me on acoustic guitar and mandolin, Mark Huhta on pedal steel, Michael Sharp on piano, Dave Colella on percussion, Tres Sasser on bass, and Weston Woodford on the harmony vocal. Tres produced the track and the recording process was very comfortable. Tres and I have worked together long enough now that we know what to expect from each other. He often knows the direction I will want to take a song before I even share my thoughts. I walked in with this one, and we both had the same finished product in mind. I think we nailed it.

At first, I didn’t think the pedal steel would be as prominent in the song, but I have never seen Mark Huhta work harder to get a part exactly right. He initially played a part that I thought was beautiful, but he wasn’t satisfied. He kept on working and ultimately recorded one of the finest pedal steel parts I have ever heard. In addition to the pedal steel, the tenor harmony of Weston Woodford really pushed this song over the top. Weston and I have been friends since we were little kids. We grew up making music together. He is like a brother to me, and since this one was inspired by my dad, it was meaningful to hear his voice on the finished product. I am very fortunate to have a group of guys who treat my songs like their own.

Speaking of the studio, any great studio stories about this particular song? C’mon, tell us something funny or moving or crazy!

I’ve got a couple of cool things that stick out about the recording process. The first is that a few years ago, my dad gifted me a 1950 Slingerland Radio King snare drum that was part of the drum kit that he played in high school. Eventually, the family had to pawn the kit to help pay bills and put food on the table during some tough times. The snare was the only piece that he had left from that kit. He had it completely refurbished to original specs and gave it to me as a Christmas gift a few years back. I took the snare into the studio to show Dave, and he wound up using that snare on this track!

The other interesting tidbit from the studio is the acoustic guitar I used. I came to the studio as I usually do with a couple of Gibson acoustics and a Martin acoustic. After we recorded a couple of passes with each of those guitars, Tres walks in and hands me this beat up old Alvarez guitar with completely dead strings on it. He keeps it at the studio just for banging out ideas and arrangements. He says, “Let’s cut a pass with this one. Just trust me.” After a couple of years working with Tres, I have learned to trust his instincts. That old beat up guitar with dead strings is the one you hear on this track. Tres made the right call — it fits the song perfectly. If my old man were a guitar, he wouldn’t be a high-end Gibson or Martin… he’d be the old Alvarez with the dents and scratches.

What made you want to release this song as the first single? Also, what made you name the album after this song? Do you consider it a key song on the album, is it your favorite, or does this song encapsulate the themes of the album?

This has always been a powerful song for me, and I think it means a lot to other folks as well. Despite the fact that it is a slower ballad, it is one of my most requested songs at live shows. It’s just a straightforward, honest song that touches a nerve for many people. I do consider this a key song on the album as it encapsulates many of the themes that other songs on this album speak to. I am often asked to name my favorite song that I have ever written. It’s “Diamonds,” every time, without hesitation.

What do you hope listeners take away from this song when they hear it? What do you hope its message is?

There is a tremendous amount of noise in our world today. There are people and powers constantly competing for our time, attention, and allegiance. If we aren’t diligent, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important — faith, family, friends, community, and sense of purpose. In the midst of whatever challenges they might be facing, I hope this song refocuses the listener on what matters most.

What’s next for Mike Thomas?

There was a 10-plus-year period that ended just a few short years ago in which I didn’t write, record, or perform live. I don’t regret taking that break, but I am grateful to those who encouraged me to get back to making music. In a way, that extended break has made me more appreciative of where I am now. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of people who are always ready and willing to play a live show or head into the studio. I’m just soaking up the opportunity to write, record, and release songs into the world and I have no plans of slowing down! - Amplify Music