Five-time Grammy-nominated artist Stephen Thomas recently released his debut country/Americana single and music video, “Come Home To Me,” a track that sees Thomas shifting from what he calls his ‘universal’ genre, which blends elements of hip-hop, rock, R&B, and pop. His resulting new focal point really hits the country sweet spot.
According to Thomas, “This is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written. It was inspired by my cousin Krystle Smallwood, who suffered a brain aneurysm – an experience that reminded me how fragile life is and how quickly it can change.”
Originally from Charleston, West Virginia, Thomas’ music video “Back Home” was featured on MTV and went viral on TikTok, amassing more than 500,000 views in 24 hours.
I caught up with Stephen Thomas to learn about the person behind the music, his influences, and his belief in God.
Americana Highways: What’s the question you wish people would ask you when they meet you for the first time?
Stephen Thomas: I wish people would ask me how my sound was created and where it came from. Because the truth is, I don’t have just one sound — I’ve got multiple. Just like there are different genres, instruments, and vocal styles, that’s how I create. I’ve become the kind of artist who can go anywhere — no matter the genre or style of music. And honestly, there aren’t many artists like that. I take pride in that versatility because it allows me to connect with people from all walks of life through different sounds and emotions.
AH: When was the last time you tried something new?
ST: Honestly, this entire year has been nothing but new. Let’s be real — I’ve done a total of five genres in less than a year: rock and alternative, pop, country, hip-hop, and R&B. Every song we’ve released has been me stepping into something new and pushing boundaries. And to tell you the truth, I’m not afraid to try it and see what happens. You never know where it might take you — that’s the beauty of creating.
AH: Which one of these is most like you: upholder, obliger, questioner, or rebel?
ST: I’d say I’m a mix between a questioner and a rebel. I’ve never been the type to just follow what everyone else is doing — I always want to know the why behind things, and if it doesn’t make sense to me or align with my purpose, I’ll do it my own way. That mindset has shaped my music and my journey. I’ve learned that breaking rules isn’t about being difficult — it’s about being authentic. That’s how I’ve been able to create freely across genres and stay true to who I am.
AH: What prompted the shift from the ‘universal’ genre to country/Americana?
ST: Actually, the shift was already in motion long before people started talking about it. ‘Come Home To Me’ was finished well before artists like Beyoncé, Shaboozey, and others began crossing over or experimenting with this style of genre. We were just waiting for the right moment to release it. I’ve always believed timing is everything, and this felt like the perfect time. The move into country/Americana wasn’t about following a trend — it was a natural part of my growth. I’ve always aimed to make music that’s real and emotional, and this genre allowed me to do that in a raw and honest way. It’s not about leaving behind my universal sound — it’s about expanding it and showing that my voice and message can live anywhere.
AH: What inspired your new single/music video, “Come Home To Me?”
ST: What inspired “Come Home To Me” was real emotion, that feeling of wanting someone to come back, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. It’s about connection, love, and vulnerability, something everyone can relate to in their own way. But it’s also deeper than that. It’s about someone finding their way back to themselves after losing someone who truly mattered to them. Sometimes coming home isn’t about another person; it’s about healing, rediscovering who you are, and learning how to move forward with love still in your heart. The music video brings that emotion to life. It captures that space between loss, hope, and reunion. It’s one of the most heartfelt and honest pieces I’ve ever created, and I wanted it to feel real, like a story people could see themselves in.
AH: Who directed the video and where was it shot? Are you pleased with the way it turned out?
ST: The video was directed by Will Thomas, and we shot it in Atlanta. I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out. Will had an amazing vision for this video and the detailed eye needed to make it what it is today. He’s the right person to visually bring a song to life and paint the story it tells.
Years ago, I was told that success is in the details, and that has never been more true than with this project. The right team and attention to every detail is what brought our vision to life. Will and I have worked together on many videos, creating what I like to call ‘music movie’ videos. If you really pay attention to how everything is filmed, you’ll see it in projects like ‘Back Home’ and ‘Stay Strong,’ especially if you’re a veteran, active military, or have experienced autoimmune or mental health struggles.
It’s always exciting to see a vision come to life, and “Come Home To Me” captured the emotion and story exactly as we envisioned it. Every shot, every moment feels real and authentic, and it brings the song to life in a way I hope connects deeply with viewers. Seeing a concept go from idea to final product and exceed your expectations is an incredible feeling.
AH: What do you want viewers/listeners to take away from “Come Home To Me?”
ST: I want people to feel the emotion behind the song and relate it to their own experiences. ‘Come Home To Me’ is about connection, love, and healing, whether that is reconnecting with someone you have lost or finding your way back to yourself after a difficult time. I want listeners to take away hope, understanding, and the reminder that it is okay to feel vulnerable. Music is powerful because it can reflect real life, and if someone watches the video or listens to the song and feels seen, understood, or even inspired to reconnect with themselves or someone they love, then we have done our job.
AH: Which musicians/singers influenced your sound the most?
ST: My sound has been influenced by a wide range of artists across genres. I’ve drawn inspiration from alternative and rock artists like Yungblud and Machine Gun Kelly, pop icons like Justin Bieber and Chris Brown, legends like Usher and Michael Jackson, and country stars like Sam Hunt, Kane Brown, Jimmie Allen, and Nate Smith. I’ve also been inspired by artists in hip hop and R&B such as Jelly Roll, Canton Jones, and T-Pain. There are so many others, and each of them has taught me something about authenticity, energy, and storytelling. Their influence helps me create a sound that is uniquely my own, one that can move between genres while still staying true to who I am as an artist.
AH: Name some of your biggest pet peeves.
ST: Some of my biggest pet peeves are people not being genuine, excuses, and a lack of follow-through. I value honesty and effort, whether it’s in music, work, or just life in general. I also get frustrated with negativity that doesn’t lead to growth or solutions. At the same time, I try to turn these things into motivation — they remind me to stay focused, keep creating, and surround myself with people who are real and committed.
AH: If you weren’t a musician or totally in love with your job, you’d be…
ST: Man, that’s a tough one because I’ve wanted and still want to do so many things in life. I’ve always been curious and driven, so I can see myself exploring different creative paths, Law enforcement, business ventures, or even something completely unexpected. The one thing that stays the same is I’d want to do something that challenges me and allows me to grow while making an impact.
AH: You kick everyone out of the band because you can replace them with any musician you want. Dead or alive, who do you recruit?
ST: That’s a fun one. I’d want a lineup full of artists who push boundaries and bring something unique to the table. I’d recruit Michael Jackson for his unmatched energy and vision, Chris Brown for his versatility and stage presence, Yungblud for his raw emotion and alternative edge, Machine Gun Kelly for his fearless genre-crossing, and Jelly Roll for that realness and storytelling.
Along with them, I’d bring in an amazing music director like Buddy Fan, Adam Blackstone, Marcus Kincy, and oh man, so many more to recruit. I tell you what, it would be one of the biggest and best concerts you’d ever been to in your life. It would be legendary — a team that could play anything and make it unforgettable.
AH: Does God exist? Why, yes/no/who the fuck cares?
ST: Yes, for me God does exist, and he’s number one in my life. I know that I am not perfect, just like anyone else isn’t perfect, but I understand that it’s him and only him that I have the gift I have and why I do what I do. It’s also why the music touches you in ways you’ve never imagined.
I don’t try to force it on anyone, but I know that having faith — whatever that looks like for someone — can give strength, perspective, and hope, especially during tough times. At the same time, I understand that everyone’s journey is different. Some people may not care, and that’s okay, too. What matters most is finding something bigger than yourself that inspires you to live fully and stay true to who you are.
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