The New Music Feature is just what it sounds like. A showcase for new music and new artists as they begin climbing the charts or making a name for themselves in the music industry.
This week, we have Thomas Fiss, a singer/songwriter taking the world by storm with his newest release, Chasing Satellites.
Thomas Fiss released the first single “Let Go” from Chasing Satellites over the summer to great success. The song is currently making its way up the Top 40 charts. The song is also getting significant airplay on Sirius XM’s “20 On 20.”, where it is currently Top 5. The video for “Let Go” has over 215,000 views on VEVO & has recently been featured on MTV, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, Teen Vogue, and many more.
Fiss just recently released his new album, Chasing Satellites, which you can find here. The album is the follow up to his last EP, RT/EP, which was written by OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, whose recent credits include The Wanted, Adele, and many others.
BSCkids: Thomas Fiss
Is there anything stylistically different between your new album and your first EP, RT/EP?
Absolutely. I always try to grow as an artist in my production and writing. I think the biggest difference between the two EP’s are that one was written by Ryan Tedder and the other I wrote. I feel like this EP is some of my best work….but ultimately that’s for my fans to decide.
What inspired you to write “Chasing Satellites?”
“Chasing Satellites” was one of those songs that wrote itself. I had a chorus melody stuck in my head after I played the progression for the first time and in about 10 minutes the song writing was done. I actually think I started producing that song the same day! -But I wanted a song on the album to represent a “free spirit” tone…Which is actually the theme throughout the entire album.
What was the most fun part about shooting your music video for “Chasing Satellites?”
Filming the music video for “Chasing Satellites” was the coolest experience, and probably the most stressful. Filming a music video on an indie budget is pretty tough. But luckily I have the most supportive friends on my team. The video from start to finish is the product of my friends and families support….and Jeff Thomas (the BEST director)! The amazing part for me, is watching my video giving these signed artists a run for their money…Which proves my point that being signed isn’t a golden ticket…..All it takes is a winning team. I’m extremely proud of what I was able to accomplish for about 100 bucks!
Do you think your EP’s have an overall theme or do most of the songs stand on their own?
All of my albums represent different times in my life and different experiences. Chasing Satellites though, as a whole, has a stronger theme than the others. Staying young, living life to the fullest….these are things that everyone NEEDS to relate to. From parents to kids….I don’t care who you are. A good dose of fun will appeal to anyone!
What was the most important thing you learned from working with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder, on RT/EP?
Ryan as a writer and producer is a genius. We worked together a few years ago and when I decided to record last year, I had to go with songs that Ryan had written….I look up to this guy on so many levels. As an artist, writer, producer….he’s just a huge inspiration. I just hope that he respects my interpretation of his writing on RT/EP. #Respect.
Do you have a favorite song from either one of your EP’s?
Hahaha. You’re asking me to pick my favorite kid! But if I had to choose a few….I’d say “Jealous of Distance”, “Let Go”, “Breathe” and “Chasing Satellites”. Just don’t tell my other songs I was playing favorites….I hold every single one of them close.
If you could perform with anyone who would it be?
I would love to tour with so many artists….Coldplay, The Fray, Bruno Mars, One Direction, Justin Timberlake (If he ever comes back to music…).
Growing up did you know you wanted to be a musician and a singer?
Growing up I just knew I liked to write. I loved writing term papers….for myself and others. Haha. But I especially loved writing songs…lyrics, melodies…everything! I didn’t think I would end up in music….I actually went to SDSU and planned on majoring in Business. But life happened and I ended up in music.
If music hadn’t worked out, what would have been your back up career choice?
My back up career? I’ve never really thought about it honestly….When I was a kid I always wanted to be a boat builder. I know….haha
Which current singer do you think is the most talented?
I have a laundry list of talented artists/bands that are super talented! Walk the Moon, Imagine Dragons, Bruno Mars, Karmin, The Dream….There’s a lot of talented artists out there today. Keeps me on my toes. Makes me work harder.