Andy Thomas - Fiery Southern Rock & Roll | High Octane Country Blues | Rugged Revival
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There's something profoundly honest about listening to a musician describe the moment they almost quit. Andy Thomas, the electrifying guitarist who's become the six-string backbone of the Americana act Yarn and frontman of The Trongone Band, doesn't shy away from admitting that he once threw his guitar into the closet and walked away. He was eight years old, discouraged, convinced he'd never be good enough. But five years later, something clicked. He pulled that black-and-white Yamaha Strat back out, and he hasn't put it down since.
That story—simple as it sounds—tells you everything you need to know about Andy Thomas. He's the kind of musician who doesn't take shortcuts, who understands that genuine musicianship requires obsession, patience, and the willingness to come back when doubt tries to win. Growing up in Goochland County, Virginia, just outside Richmond, Thomas lived the archetypal American musician's childhood: guitar, dirt bikes, and the kind of freedom that breeds creativity. But what separated him from countless other kids with instruments was the hunger that returned in fifth grade and never left. By his own account, once he rediscovered that Yamaha, he "didn't put it down."
I didn't put it down like I haven't put it down since—once I pulled that guitar back out, something just clicked.
— Andy Thomas
The setup his family created was pure Americana DIY gold. His father, originally a guitarist, switched to bass. His brother picked up drums. They started in the house, moved to garage parties, then backyard gatherings, then cul-de-sac performances. Thomas was that kid playing every school talent show, cycling through different acts, grinding out riffs from Clapton and Skynyrd until his fingers found their own voice. He landed his first real gig at seventeen, but by that point, he'd already internalized the essential lesson: that repetition, curiosity, and genuine love for the instrument matter more than natural talent or lucky breaks.
What makes Thomas's trajectory particularly compelling is how he's managed to maintain that raw hunger while ascending into the professional world. His upcoming debut album, "Highway Junkie," produced by Dave Schools—the legendary bassist for Widespread Panic and a fellow Virginia native—was captured at the renowned Spacebomb Studios in Richmond. The collaboration itself is telling. Schools isn't the kind of producer who works with just anyone; he gravitates toward artists who have something genuine to say and the chops to back it up. Thomas clearly qualified on both counts.
Every day after school, I was either playing guitar or riding my dirt bike, and I'd go to school thinking about what I'd learned all day long.
— Andy Thomas
The music Thomas makes exists in that exhilarating space where country, rock, and blues collapse into each other. Whether he's tearing through songs as part of Yarn's melodic muscle-car Americana sound or channeling pure chaos through The Trongone Band's wild-n-out project, Thomas plays with the kind of ferocity that suggests someone who remembers what it felt like to doubt himself and decided he'd never do it again. There's a fiery quality to his work—high octane country blues that doesn't apologize for embracing both country sensibility and rock and roll abandon.
What strikes you in conversation with Thomas is his unpretentiousness. He speaks about music with the vocabulary of someone who learned by doing, not by studying. He talks about figures like Clapton not as gods on pedestals but as puzzle boxes to unlock, teachers hidden in vinyl grooves. That's the mindset of a working musician, someone who's played his way through America and abroad, building a reputation gig by gig, album by album.
The full Rugged Revival episode with Andy Thomas is worth your time if you're curious about how real musicians are built—not manufactured, but constructed through determination, family support, and an obsessive relationship with the instrument. Listen for the moments where he describes that pull between styles, between chaos and melody, between the dirt-bike kid he was and the serious artist he's become. You'll recognize the story even if the details are different. And you'll understand why his debut album matters.
I'll help you. I'll help you start a revolution for this Monday morning love situation. >> Hey, what's up everybody? This is Cam aka the Honky Tonk Hair Machine for the Rugged Revival. Who am I with today? >> Andy Thomas. What's up y'all? >> Thanks for joining me, brother. I appreciate your time. >> Thanks for having me. >> So, I always like to open our conversation with this question because I think it gives us a little peak behind the curtain. You can answer as indepth or as little as you want, but if you don't mind, tell us where are you from originally and what was life like for you as a kid. >> So, I grew up in Gushon County, Virginia. um just outside of Richmond about 45 minutes west and um shoot life as a kid was guitar, dirt bikes, woods, and uh maybe a little skateboarding here and there, but for the most part, um for me at least, every day after school, I was either playing guitar or riding my dirt bike, either just at my house or meeting up with buddies to do the same thing at their house. >> Yeah. Yeah. I remember days like that, dude. That was a magical time, man. I was telling my oldest recently, you know, seventh and eighth grade, I got my first Fender red red Fender Stratacastaster. >> Nice. >> And I I would like play so much. I would wake up and have it on my lap and be like kind of like freak out like what happened? >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, I mean, just for I I started playing guitar at 10. So, I mean, just from then on, anything I could get my hands on to learn was, >> you know, I was digging in and diving deep. And >> anytime I find something new, I'd like go to school and think about it all day. >> I'm like, what are they doing? I'm like, I can't wait to get home and go figure that out. >> Yeah, man. I so I grew up on uh Fort Belvore out here in Northern Virginia and uh I remember we would take all of our practice amps start at my house. >> Yeah. >> My parents my parents would get tired of hearing it then we go down down to the bass players. They'd get tired going on over to the drummer's house >> and luckily the drummer's parents had a high tolerance so we could hang out there for hours. But yeah, kind of what you're saying just doing the circuit, you know, skateboards and guitars. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. That was that was a magical time, man. That that was cool. So, you you mentioned you started Did you say you were about 10 when you started playing guitar? >> I was about 10. Yeah. >> Okay. Well, what was your first guitar? >> My first guitar was a Yamaha style Strat. Was black white pick guard. um got it used from the from the music store with some some money I scraped up as you know from like birthdays and Christmas and whatnot. >> It's the way to do it. You earned it. >> Yeah. But um actually I got into it when I was in third grade about eight. My dad played and I showed interest there and that's when I really wanted one and um that's actually when I bought that uh Yamaha. And then um I realized really really quickly I was not good. I was like I can't do anything. And I got I it didn't take long for me to get really discouraged and I just threw that thing in my closet until about 10. It was like re getting to the end of like fifth grade. Um, and I for whatever reason just decided, guess it was maybe just stuff I was listening to then or my dad was playing more and I just got back into it and I pulled it out and I just like I didn't put it down like I haven't put it, you know, >> down. >> That's a that's a that's a very familiar story. Like I remember doing the same and a lot of folks say the same thing. You know, they're like listening to like Joe Satriani and then they get upset. They're like why can't I play like Steve Vi? And then they put the guitar away for however long and then they hear something and they're like, "Oh, >> it clicks again." Like I I need to get the rafting and I can I can do this. >> Yeah. It was like rifts to like Clapton tunes and Skinner tunes that I was like >> I was like I can do that. >> Yeah. >> And I started like figuring that stuff out. >> Yeah. And I got so into it I was just obviously put it down. Here I am. Hey. Yeah. If uh if 10-year-old you could see you now, you'd be like, "Whoa, this a whole different story, >> dude. Dennis or something." >> So, you started playing pretty early. When When did you start uh hitting the stages? >> Um I think I think I got like my first gig when I was maybe like 17. Mhm. >> So, um, but I like shortly after picking up the guitar, my brother picked up drums, my dad switched from guitar to bass, and we just started like playing. we like playing and you know all the time at the house but then you know we started playing like friends part you know garage parties and backyard parties and culde-sac parties and then um and then you know of course I played like every [ __ ] talent show every like three time like with three different acts you know every year >> that's really cool man I like that story quite a So your dad switched over to bass, brother on drums, you were on guitar. Were you also doing vocals uh then as well? >> Um you know it I didn't start on vocals um in like middle school and stuff. I I had a band with like buddies at school and um we always had like a a singer. Um, and then it wasn't it wasn't until I started hanging out with my metal buddies that were smoking weed that got me into Metallica and Panta and all that stuff. I was like six maybe maybe 16, 10th grade. Um, >> I was playing with those buddies and nobody could sing and I was like, you know, so into like Metallica and like James Hetfield and I was like, well, I mean, none of these guys can sing. I So, I started like giving it a try and like really started singing like more that style like um like a heavier way and I was like I thought it sounded pretty good. I mean, I definitely sounded better than those guys. So, I was like I was like, "Well, let me take this back to the family band and see if I can apply this to like, you know, the Almond Brothers and stuff." So that's when that really started taking off and started um you know singing with the family band and then my dad started taking us out to like you know bars while we were like basically in high school still um just playing like open mics then to like actually like bar sets and we were like just playing any any [ __ ] hole in town that we could. Um, >> well, it's also interesting like when you start off as a vocalist, that's it's quite intimidating, right? It's like I think when you're a singer, you you start to almost replicate what you know or what you like, you know? So, when you start singing like like, oh, this is how James Hetfield sounds. It's got that gruff sound, you know? Yeah. >> And then when you find your own voice and bring that into life, >> it was I was about like 17 when I was like, >> "All right, I'm a singer, too." I'm like, "I'm gonna do this like >> Yeah. >> I'm g go down >> That's super cool. >> this road as well." So, yeah, I got myself like a singing lesson. I was like just I was like, just send me off on on the right path. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's a great idea. Do you work with a vocal coach now? >> I don't. I should though. Yeah, I've even thought about that for myself. I have a hardcore band I play in and even that just learning the um the vocal strength and knowing >> Yeah. the strength and just like you know taking care of everything. >> Yeah. >> Because I I like I lose I lose my voice pretty easily or at least like my range pretty easily if I don't like take care of it or like over sing or >> not warm up or stay hydrated. Um, so yeah, that's it's definitely important and um, yeah, there's no reason why I shouldn't. Um, I mean, the best out there have multiple vocal cords coaches, you know. >> Well, even uh, James Heffield, you know, bring it all full circle. Even James has his coach. Oh, we have a special guest back there. Come bring them on in. >> No more Cheetos. I'll come I'll go get you some Cheetos. >> One sec. >> How you doing, man? >> I'm on Cheeto duty. Yeah, you go get your Cheetos. >> Come on, buddy. >> That brings me to my next question, actually. >> Yeah. >> Um, with the vocals and the guitar playing. So, you've got three things going on when you're playing live, right? >> You're singing, you're playing guitar, and you're trying to be entertaining. >> Yeah. >> So, what what are some of the biggest challenges you face trying to make sure all three of those are are doing what they need to do? >> Sure. Let's start with uh let's start with like being married to the mic when you're a singer. >> Yes. >> And a guitar player because you're married to the mic stand. >> Uhhuh. >> So >> when when you're singing, you know, movement becomes, you know, there's not as much movement. >> Um so I would I would say that's a challenge in the entertainment >> um part of it. Mhm. >> Um and then um playing guitar and singing at the same time. Um I would say, you know, I'm a league guitar player, so like um being a rhythm guitar, you know, I'm having to sing too. Um it's like, all right, I'm a rhythm player. And then I'll take and then I'll take a solo, you know, rhythm, solo, rhythm. Whereas like, you know, I love playing slide. I play a lot of slide. >> Um, but like that's tough to do while singing. >> Yeah. >> Absolutely. So, so you know, like when you're fronting a band and and you know, playing guitar and singing, it's like I'm like kind of in the this, you know, chunking chunking world, playing lead between rhythm stuff and then like taking a solo when I'm not singing. >> Um, >> so yeah, that doing all that kind of like dictates how you how you play and like what you can do, I feel like. Yeah, it's interesting, right? Like because you have the guitar player part of you that wants to, you know, walk up to the monitors, maybe solo in, you know, the front rows faces a little bit, you know, >> but then if there's a if there's a vocal part like that's interesting what you say like, yeah, you're kind of married anchored to the mic stand. Unless you've got, you know, like the old Gar Brooks headset. Gar Brooks. >> You got to bring that back. Andy Thomas needs a signature Gar Brooks microphone headset there. Yeah, that's yeah, that's really challenging. And you know, for me growing up, um I remember you know, I had a house that played punk and country and metal. And you know, what you're saying with like James Hetfield, he did a good job of having that center stage presence. He's such a big presence. He didn't have to do like a ton of running around. >> Yeah, totally. >> Yeah. But then you also have like um >> he's big on like I mean obviously what he was s singing but like uh all his ad lips were always perfect and like >> facial expressions and like intensity. >> So like >> yeah I don't know if you're familiar with Rancid but like you know Tim Armstrong from Rancid he's throwing himself all over the stage you know that's a high energy punk rock sky show. So, but he's singing, but I guess that vocal delivery >> is more of like a shout sing versus, you know, you're actually hitting harmonies and such and you know, and then he's throwing himself all over the stage. So, that he's not so married to the mic stand in that case. So, touching on you touched on some earlier influences. We've covered the bases, you got Metallica, Skard. Who would you say your biggest influences today, both country and non, who inspire you the most today? Um, I guess, uh, in in the country world. Um, I mean, when I really started getting into country and stuff, um, I mean, some of my favorites have always been like Haggard, Whan, Willie, David Allen, Co., >> um, Charlie Daniels. But, you know, I love I love like Sterle Simpson. I've been listening to this new Sturgil dance record since yesterday, since Elite Death. Um, so, so like you know, uh, relevant artists today love like Tyler Chiller's, Sturgil. Um, like that whole world I'd say there that Meta Modern record that Serg did like 10 years ago. That was that was a big like kind of like lifech changing influencer record. >> Yeah. Yeah. Sturgil's on top of his game quite a bit. Let me ask you this. Do you think that this was the real album or do you think this was like a secret album that he put out just to kind of keep us saturated before the real album drops? >> Oh man, I didn't think about that. I think I think it's the real record. >> Okay. Yeah, he was just excited to get it out there. >> Think differently. >> You know what, man? I think that would be a marketing a genius marketing move if he happened to record basically like a double LP and he's like, I'm going to put this out as like a like a little teaser and then I think the uh the real the full album comes out at what the end of the month or something >> and then drop something completely different. >> [ __ ] that would be wild. >> Yeah, man. I think that'd be pretty cool. >> Very well could be. He's got he's known to have some [ __ ] up his sleeve. >> But um but yeah, I would say that those are some big country influences. Of course, I grew up also, you know, like in the high school days like on all like the 90s, 2000s country. >> Yeah. Um, so you know that as far as you know, like songs and um and stuff, you know, like that whole catalog was definitely a big part of my life as well. >> Yeah. See, that that's what I remember too. And then it wasn't until recently when I started becoming aware of, you know, what was going on in the new the new wave of country artists, you know, uh the guys that that you and I know like American Aquarium, uh Rob Lionus, you know, things like that. >> Oh, yeah. Love them. Silverado dudes. >> Yes, absolutely. >> Yep. >> That whole camp. And like, >> you know, so when I'm when I'm picturing country, you know, from as as a kid point of view, you know, I'm picturing Gar Brooks, all the early 2000 stuff. >> So, I know you've done a lot of touring, but where would you like to tour that you haven't been to so far? >> Probably somewhere cool like Australia or Brazil. >> Yeah. >> Would probably pretty bad. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I can see you doing well with like, you know, like that's like a guitarheavy audience. I can see you doing really well in those parts of the world. >> Yeah, I've done I've done a lot of Europe and of course done a lot of US, so I think I think both of those fights would be would be sick. >> Yeah, >> it's coming. It's coming. >> Yeah, I was going to say you've got you've got some stuff coming down the line. Um, so of course, you know, with me being by trade barber, hair stylist in the fashion industry, I'm drawn when I first see an artist, I'm drawn to their look first. And you have a great look. What's some of your favorite onstage attire? Boots, jeans, hats. What's What's your go-to look? >> Love some boots. Um, always some boots. Uh, got my town uh cow town boots or my Takoba boots. those nice. >> Love me some jeans. Love me some Levis's. Um, love me a hat. I got a couple hats. I think my favorite hat is my wild hats hat. >> Okay. Yeah, >> Lexington. Uh, Lexington or Louisville. Kentucky boys. >> Um, love that hat. And then um if the if the weather tends for it, usually something with no sleeves. I'm not a big sleeves fan. Usually cut all the sleeves off my t-shirts. Um so like yeah, that or vest, but you know, I like a good jean jacket or you know, some kind of some kind of cool jacket to go with it, but most of the time no sleeves. >> Nice. Perfect. And also, you know, I think everybody would agree, you have awesome hair. What do you use to keep that mane in order? >> So, so my lady is uh also in the hair world and she works for this incredible brand. Shout out to Euphora. They're out of San Diego. Um all natural amazing amazing hairline. But um they actually have a curl line that I use. I use the whole the whole damn thing. Everything from the shampoo, conditioner to the leavein >> to the to the spray to the the hold. It's incredible. It change it changed my life. My my head was a rat's nest before Dana and I met. >> It'd be like dreads and frizzy and >> Yeah, she she really turned me around in a lot of ways, but definitely the hair. >> Yeah. Yeah. My uh my wife has big curly hair and um you know we've been together for uh about 10 years now and um when we she was a client of mine a few years before that and you know it's a whole other story for you but um when we became a couple I really took my curly hair game serious. So when I see folks with great curly hair I'm immediately like hey tell me tell me what's your arsenal? What are you using to keep that thing in order? So I have to check that line out. I think I followed her on Instagram. So, I think people got >> Euphora, they're incredible. They got they got all different lines, but they Yeah, the curl one is like I I'll live by it. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay, that's great, man. I'll definitely check that out. So, all right. Like I said, you know, we keep this stuff pretty short and sweet. I don't want to eat up too much your evening. I know you got the kids waiting on you. Um, real quick, where can we find you on the socials? And do you have anything you want to shout out before we go? >> Certainly. Um, Instagram is the Andy Thomas. Facebook is Andy Thomas. Um, Spotify Andy Thomas. Uh, Tik Tok too, The Andy Thomas. Um, website is andy thomasmusic.com. Um, you can find everything there. And I got a brand new album coming out March 27th. Um, produced by Dave Schools, Honky Talk and Roll, 12 songs. Um, the vinyl pre-order is going now and it is uh out on Friday the 27th. >> Fantastic. >> And I got and I got a I got a um big album release show in Richmond, Virginia on April 3rd. Friday, April 3rd, um my buddy Samo is going to open and um my buddy Corbin Cowboy is gonna host the whole evening. So, it'll be a good time. >> Nice. All right, that sounds fantastic, man. >> Um, yeah, just just look out for uh for more Highway Junkies, the name of the record, more Highway Junkie uh tour dates this year. >> All right. Yeah, I'm just writing all that down. Very cool. Um, well, all right, man. Uh, look, we'll end the call, but just hang on the line for me one hot second. And like I said, thank you so much for your time, >> dude. Thank you so much. Appreciate it. Bye brother.
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