We’re looking forward to introducing you to Thomas Griggs. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Thomas, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Shedding guitar!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a professional guitarist in the Tampa Bay Area. I have a degree from the University of Tampa and I also studied at Berklee College of Music. I’ve worked for/with bands and artists including: Intervals, Tavares, Maranda Curtis, Mike Mitchell, Nathan Mitchell etc.
I love all things guitar but especially new, unique ideas that make guitar sound brand new.
I’m currently recording my modern jazz trio music to be released on all platforms in the next few months.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother, definitely. She has the most drive and determination of anyone I’ve ever known. She is definitely my backbone and her pep talks are what help me continue to push through when things get hard.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think as a musician most of us want to give up all the time, but never will haha. It’s a big part of our identity. We constantly think we suck and should just quit but can’t quit because it would be like ceasing to exist haha.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
No, I think everyone is different at home. In public I’m very quiet and shy. Definitely socially timid and a bit awkward. I’m an observer and I don’t open up until I understand my position in the situation. At home there’s none of that. I think I’m a very goofy person, and most people don’t get to see that side of me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
At home playing call of duty zombies!!
Haha just kidding! I’d say when I separate myself from technological distractions and let my mind kinda be “bored”. It’s hard to actually be bored nowadays with all the phones and video games that constantly occupy our minds. I think people forget what their minds can do when they let themselves get bored.
I also feel at peace when my mind is in use. So, like shedding guitar or music theory concepts is absolute bliss for me. Nerd alert!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @griggly_bear
Image Credits
Mike Demellia, Billy Camillo
