One of our good friends recently shared the music of this multi-talented young chap from the states, named Thomas Gentry. Gentry goes by the stage name Thomas DaVinci which derived from the coincidence of having the same birthdate of renowned artist Leonardo da Vinci. After taking a listen to one of his songs it was made apparent that Mr. DaVinci was indeed talented with a unique sound. We wanted to get to know this artist more so asked him a few questions about his life, music and ambitions.
Q: Where are you from?
A: I was born & raised on the South side of Chicago, Illinois.
Q: Nice! When did you first get into music?
Ar: I got into music at the young age of four years old, when my parents bought me a keyboard for Christmas. I really got into music then. Later on, in my teenage years, I started writing music. Going into my adult years is when I started making and recording music, so I consider myself being born into it.
Q: That is fantastic. What inspires you to make music?
A: Life experience! Music has always been an outlet and form of expression for me to work through feelings that are hard to express.
Q: Can you describe your creative process?
A: My creative process can begin one of two ways…if the lyrics come first, I’ll piece it together with something I’m already working on and work around it that way. But, if the melody comes first, then I’ll work with it and try to create that bounce. In totality, I never finish a song in one sitting, I usually bounce around until the songs are complete.
Q: Great to learn that about you, that’s quite inspiring. Tell us, which famous musicians do you admire?
A: I like to listen to what the artist is trying to convey through their music. I admire Kanye West, Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne, J. Cole, & Lauryn Hill to name a few.
Q: If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
A: Well wanting to change the industry to make it easier for me to get in is selfish. It’s hard to get in which causes a lot of insecurities for me and others. I feel that you must be yourself in this industry, and show your originality, because there are a lot of artists out there who copy what others have done because it worked for that person, but it doesn’t always work for you.
Q: Understable. What’s next for you, Thomas?
A: What’s next for me in the immediate future is getting ready for these upcoming shows. Mid range goals are to complete the current album I’m working on. Long term goals are to expand and pass the test of time for longevity in the industry. I’d also like to, at some point in the future, help the up and coming artists get into this industry.
It was such a pleasure to meet Mr. Thomas DaVinci and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors! If you’d like to check out DaVinci’s music his songs are available on Soundcloud and iTunes. You may also follow him on Instagram @thomasdavinci.
