"It is a higher power working through me" - The B. Thompson Interview
Today we catch up with 25-year-old Pop/R&B multi-instrumentalist, B. Thompson for the latest installment in our 2022 interview series. A child prodigy turned internet sensation B. Thompson’s covers of popular records have garnered social media views totaling over 100 million views, and counting.
B. Thompson has been recognized for his skills by notable celebrities and media platforms, such as Chris Brown, Cardi B, Chloe & Halle, Mariah Carey, BET and Power 106. He has also shared the stage with legendary musicians and singers such as Najee, Kirk Whalum, Kenny Lattimore, Toni Braxton, and very recently, H.E.R..
In 2019, he released his debut single “Irresistible”followed by his highly anticipated EP “Isolated Sessions” in 2020. We recently caught up with him, fresh off the release of his debut album, “P.O.V”. In the interview, we chopped it up about his God-given gifts, early influences, and just why his music hits different. Catch the full effect below and follow up @bthompsonmusic.
Thanks for your time! So, you’re fresh off the release of your debut album. How are you feeling about it’s release and finally having a full project out for your fans?
I’m glad it’s out! It’s been a long time coming with many changes, delays and obstacles so to finally have it out feels like I’ve really achieved a major goal I’ve been trying to achieve for a while now.
You initially became an internet sensation by doing covers of popular songs. Which one was your favorite to re-create, and why?
Beauty and The Beast was one of my favorite covers. I’m a ballad guy so I love songs that have that 90s ballad feel and that video ended up doing several million in views.
I know you’re a multi-instrumentalist. What instruments do you play?
I play all of the primary saxophones, Piano and a little bit of flute!
You have many accolades and co-signs, including 100 million views. Why do you think your music hits different?
I believe that it is a higher power working through me that which people are feeling something. Practically I’m just making instrumental renditions of already hit songs but how you do it and how you interpret it, matters and I’m glad my audience favors how I approach music.
Your musical style is very rich and encompassing. Who are some of your favorite artists, from your youth and now.
Always been a longtime MJ fan, but I also love Bruno Mars, Moonchild, Whitney Houston, Kenny G, Lara Fabian, Lalah Hathaway, Boney James and many more. I know that list is kinda scattered but I listen to and I am inspired by many genres.
Speaking of your younger years, take us back to the time when you first got into music.
I was singing at the age of 3 and didn’t touch my first instrument until I was 9. That instrument of course was the saxophone. I then started playing for my church, then that lead to birthday parties, weddings, and eventually you are off and gigging as a local regular. I still feel the same way about music now, like I did then.
When did you know it was your gift?
I knew it was my gift because of how it made me feel. There’s this indescribable sense of joy that comes over you when you tap into your gift and I feel that, and others feel it as well.
Some people say gifts are learned, while others say they’re given. But, I say it’s a mix of the two. What do you attribute your musical ability to?
This was definitely a gift because I had no formal training and it came as of I already knew what to do with the instrument. Now while playing the sax comes easy to me, that also opens the door for improvement meant because I can easily expand upon a God given foundation. I practice daily for this reason.
Did you always believe in your gifts or did it take some time to grow accustomed to them?
To be honest, while I personally have always and will always believe in my gift, I don’t always believe others do. Sometimes in this industry talent and skills can be overlooked and it can make you question if you really have a gift the world deserves to hear especially when they are a high level or influential individual.
Now that you’ve got your first project out, what’s next?
Promote promote promote! I’m working on getting a U.S tour organized for either the Fall of 2022 or spring 2023. Alongside that, I’ll also be working on collaborations with other artists and content creators.
