Meet Mike Thomas of Franklin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Thomas

Hi Mike, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
MIKE THOMAS is a dedicated songwriter and entrepreneur based in Nashville, TN, Thomas has taken an unconventional path in the music business, but continues to build a passionate and loyal fanbase on his own terms. Thomas grew up in Knoxville, TN and moved to Nashville in 2004 intent on pursuing a career as a songwriter, but quickly grew disillusioned 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 naive and learned some tough lessons in those days.”

After walking away from music for ten plus years, to start a family and a small business, Thomas got back into the swing of things in 2018, when he met producer, Tres Sasser. The two developed a quick friendship and Sasser ultimately convinced Thomas to begin writing and recording again. They have since recorded a pair of albums together – the self-released “Three Reasons” (2020), and “Diamonds” (2023), released by Electric 3 Records. Both albums were recorded in Franklin, TN with members of Thomas’ regular backing band and a few special guests.

A thoughtful songwriter with a booming voice, Thomas’ work has received widespread critical acclaim from publications like Wide Open Country, Americana Highways, The Boot, The Bluegrass Situation, Glide Magazine and many more. His songs have also been featured in primetime television programs on CBS and NBC.

Thomas’ influences are as varied as they are well-chosen and his songwriting and sound have been compared to legends such as Rodney Crowell, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Joe Ely, Guy Clark and Townes van Zandt.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would not say it has been smooth, but I wouldn’t trade any of it for a different path. I all but gave up on pursuing my musical aspirations for an extended period of time, but during that time I started a family and launched a successful small business, which I still operate today.

I feel fortunate that I don’t have to make my living entirely as a songwriter and musician. That’s a tough road, and I respect those who commit to it and do it full time, but that lifestyle just did not align with my goals and priorities as my wife and I were starting our family. My kids are older now and my current situation allows me to work at my own pace and on my own terms. It gives me the flexibility to say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with my goals and priorities.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My path in music has been pretty unconventional. In fact, there was an extended period of time where I believed that I would never write another song, much less release albums. I love music. It gave me purpose and delivered me from some of my darkest days, but once I moved to Nashville, I quickly realized that it would not be the primary way I would make a living.

My first priority has always been, and will always be family. I was married when I got to Nashville and more than anything, I wanted to be a dad. I always knew that I wanted children and I wanted to be as present as possible for my wife and kids. Hopping in a van and touring the county singing my songs felt like a selfish pursuit. At the same time, I had opportunities to try my hand at being a full-time songwriter, but I just couldn’t get comfortable with that idea either. Ultimately, I decided to go an entirely different direction. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right one at the time.

I started a career in healthcare in 2005, which ultimately led me to launch my own company. I’d always wanted to work for myself and be my own boss so to speak. So I started a company called AssureSource in 2013. The company still exists today and serves the long-term healthcare and insurance planning needs of senior citizens across the country. I have a great team around me, which has allowed me to grow the company from a very small startup to a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree. We now operate in more than 25 states, work with 600 plus long-term care facilities and serve the needs of thousands of seniors and their families. It’s good work that matters and makes a difference in people’s lives, and now the company is at a point where I can carve out a little time to make some music again!

What were you like growing up?
Growing up I was much like I am today. Impatient, headstrong and committed to doing things my way. I was extremely active, and had a hard time staying inside and being still. For this reason, I was never a good student. I often found school boring and spent much of my time in class wishing I was somewhere else.

I was heavily into sports as a kid, especially football. In my early teen years, a severe injury put an end to my athletic aspirations. This was a really tough time for me because up to that point I felt like my identity was tied to athletics… But, since I couldn’t play sports or be active for an extended period of time during my recovery, I picked up a guitar. I’d spend every waking hour I could listening to the music of Bob Dylan, John Prine, Gordon Lightfoot, Otis Redding, Tom Petty and many others. I learned to play and sing as many songs as I possibly could and started writing my own songs by age 16 or 17. By age 18, I was getting gigs playing in local coffee shops and restaurants. I even got my first regular gig playing at a local bar before I was even old enough to be in the place. Music gave me purpose again.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikethomasband.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikethomasband/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeThomasBand
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikethomasmusicthemtband5894
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/mikethomasband
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ql00WgfkyhiZtXVPUlaWJ?si=6LY5aA-gRb2euMKIa8lfvw