Today we’d like to introduce you to Chans Thomas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chans. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
From a very young age, I loved singing. I grew up singing in church, daycare, on the playground at recess, you name it. It was at the age of 14 that I began to take it a lot more seriously. I auditioned for the Stellar Gospel Awards youth choir and got the chance to go on an all expense paid trip to Nashville, Tennessee to sing for artist award nominees. That experience ultimately shifted my perspective on what singing could potentially be for me; a full-time business/career.
Since then, I’ve been in productions such as Chicago the Musical and Houston’s, “Motown Revue” at Miller Outdoor Theatre, and participated in choirs, girl groups, worship teams, and now I am a solo artist releasing my first EP entitled, “The Cultured Christ” in Fall 2018. I am excited to share my gift and music with Houston and beyond!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has been a long and challenging journey, yet rewarding. I spent a lot of time second-guessing whether music was something I should pursue. We grow up thinking about what our life will look like in the future, and the majority of the time, that includes stability/security and what makes sense to others. My fear of what others thought about my pursuit of a music career was partly what kept me from going to my dream school: Berklee College of Music.
After the disappointment settled, I continued to do music. I did background vocal work, studio work, even live performances throughout the city of Houston. But I found myself stuck. I wasn’t being authentically who I knew God designed me to be as an artist. It was when I embraced being me that I began to write my first project 4 years ago to be released this year, which was another struggle within itself, but the time is now and I’m grateful for what the process yielded.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
The cool part about being an artist is that I am my business. Essentially, I work for myself for the benefit of others.
Whether that be encouragement or entertainment or enjoyment, my goal is to provide that, mainly through the art of song. I create original music either to record or perform live, and I also find new ways to cover musical favorites.
Although I’m most known for singing, I also rap, do poetry, write songs for myself and others, and I’ve even done some work in event planning. I just enjoy expressing myself creatively. All of these creative outlets are rooted in my faith and carry a deeper meaning than just creating for fun. It’s a huge part of my purpose for being put on earth.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success is defined by faithfully putting my hands on what honors God. As a result, lives being impacted by the work I create. Also consistency in putting out quality art and as a result, growing as an artist.
Yes of course, financially you’d want to benefit from the hard work put into it, but if I’m inconsistent and seeking personal gain and not impacting anyone, it’s all null and void.
I would like to be able to look back 5-10 years at the work I’ve created and the shows I’ve done, excited about how far I have come, but also embracing where I was at each stage.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tonecrafters.com/chans-thomas
- Email: booking.chans@gmail.com
- Instagram: @chans.thomas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chans-Thomas-963471430477154/
Image Credit:
Brooke Lundquist, Hudson Hopper, Deletha Campbell, James Eloi
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