Hello, Thomas. What inspired “Watch Me”?
‘Watch Me’ was one of the first songs I wrote for this album, and it’s deeply rooted in my determination to push forward, no matter what obstacles come my way. The track has a strong 80s dance influence, which felt like the perfect energy for a song about proving people wrong.
Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of ‘you can’t’ or ‘you won’t,’ and my response has always been: ‘Watch me.’ Huge shoutout to my producer, Electropoint, for absolutely nailing the production — it’s one of the most high-energy songs on the album, so far, and I love that it embodies confidence and defiance in such a fun way.
How does the title track reflect your personal journey?
This song is me in every way. ‘Watch Me’ is about resilience, about refusing to let others define what’s possible for you. As a gay man, I was often told that the life I wanted — marriage, family, success — wasn’t in the cards for me. I refused to accept that. I worked for it, built it, and here I am, living it.
The song represents that mindset: breaking expectations and stepping into your own power. I want my listeners to feel that same sense of determination — whether it’s chasing their dreams, embracing who they are, or just shutting out the noise people who doubt them.
What emotions fueled “Miserable Fck” during its creation?
Writing ‘Miserable Fck’ was a lot like therapy. I was reflecting on an argument I’d had with someone close to me, but also on the broader feeling that so many people experience — looking like you have it all together on the outside while dealing with some serious darkness internally.
Social media makes it easy to present a curated version of life, but behind closed doors, it’s often a different story. I was frustrated, exhausted, and questioning why, even with so many great things in my life, I could still feel so low.
The song is raw, honest, and a reminder that perspective is everything. If you focus too much on what’s missing, you’ll never see what’s right in front of you.
Why is self-empowerment a key theme in “Shut Up & Listen”?
I’ve spent a lot of time feeling unseen and unheard — whether it was in the industry, on social media, or even among people close to me. Everyone has an opinion, but at the end of the day, only I have my story.
‘Shut Up & Listen’ is about reclaiming that voice. It’s about stepping into your truth and refusing to be drowned out by the noise, doubt, or expectations.
I want people to feel empowered to express themselves, to stand their ground, and to know that their voice matters. Instead of constantly justifying yourself to others, sometimes the best response is simple: just shut up and listen.
What’s the story behind the bold visuals in your “Watch Me” video?
This video is packed with layers, just like the song. It opens in a chaotic home setting — kids crying, toys everywhere — where I’m clearly in need of a break. I escape into a virtual reality world where I’m a full-fledged pop star, commanding attention with choreography, lights, and leather chaps. It’s playful, but also speaks to that feeling of wanting to be seen and recognized for who you are, and what you can do.
At its core, the video mirrors the song’s message: I’m here, I’m doing my thing, and I’m not asking for permission.
Big shoutout to my choreographer, Amanda Arenas, and my amazing dancers for bringing this vision to life — I’m so excited for this next era!