A gloriously twangy slide guitar, beautiful vocals, and lyrics which pull strongly at a listener’s emotions all combine to make Mike Thomas’ new single, “Diamonds” (out June 17, 2022), sparkle and shine. A hyper-personal story of Thomas’ father underpins the song, but anyone who’s had a turn of bad luck will understand the message in this stunner of a tune. It’s the first single from Thomas’ album of the same name, which will be released in October, and if this song is any indication, the album will be a fantastic listen.
Amplify Music Magazine is pleased to present the premiere of “Diamonds” here, and we had the pleasure of sitting down with Thomas recently to talk about the song. Read our Q&A below and give “Diamonds” a listen.
What was the inspiration behind this song? What is it about? How did you come to write it?
I wrote this song several years ago after my father lost his job of nearly 35 years. My old man came from extremely humble beginnings. He is the guy who fought and scratched for everything he ever earned. He’s the kind of man who is always working and takes extreme pride in whatever his hands are working on. When he lost his job, he temporarily lost his identity, his sense of purpose. It was difficult watching him go through this, but it was inspiring how he refocused himself and recalibrated his life during that period.
Over the last couple of years, many people have had their lives turned upside down by forces beyond their control. Many have lost jobs, careers, homes, family members, and more. Like my old man, many have had to recalibrate and start over. This is a song about seeking closure, moving on, and finding passion and purpose in the simple things in life.
This one came very quickly for me. The inspiration hit, and about 20 minutes later, I had a song. My typical process is much more labor-intensive, with plenty of editing and revisions. Normally, I spend several days, weeks, or sometimes even months on a single song. This one was different. It was a gift that deserved to be left in its original form.
What was the recording process like for this song? How did it come together in the studio, and did it turn out like you imagined it might? If so, how so, and if not, what is different from what you originally imagined?
I knew going in that this one needed to have a very stripped-down arrangement. The track features me on acoustic guitar and mandolin, Mark Huhta on pedal steel, Michael Sharp on piano, Dave Colella on percussion, Tres Sasser on bass, and Weston Woodford on the harmony vocal. Tres produced the track and the recording process was very comfortable. Tres and I have worked together long enough now that we know what to expect from each other. He often knows the direction I will want to take a song before I even share my thoughts. I walked in with this one, and we both had the same finished product in mind. I think we nailed it.
At first, I didn’t think the pedal steel would be as prominent in the song, but I have never seen Mark Huhta work harder to get a part exactly right. He initially played a part that I thought was beautiful, but he wasn’t satisfied. He kept on working and ultimately recorded one of the finest pedal steel parts I have ever heard. In addition to the pedal steel, the tenor harmony of Weston Woodford really pushed this song over the top. Weston and I have been friends since we were little kids. We grew up making music together. He is like a brother to me, and since this one was inspired by my dad, it was meaningful to hear his voice on the finished product. I am very fortunate to have a group of guys who treat my songs like their own.
Speaking of the studio, any great studio stories about this particular song? C’mon, tell us something funny or moving or crazy!
I’ve got a couple of cool things that stick out about the recording process. The first is that a few years ago, my dad gifted me a 1950 Slingerland Radio King snare drum that was part of the drum kit that he played in high school. Eventually, the family had to pawn the kit to help pay bills and put food on the table during some tough times. The snare was the only piece that he had left from that kit. He had it completely refurbished to original specs and gave it to me as a Christmas gift a few years back. I took the snare into the studio to show Dave, and he wound up using that snare on this track!
The other interesting tidbit from the studio is the acoustic guitar I used. I came to the studio as I usually do with a couple of Gibson acoustics and a Martin acoustic. After we recorded a couple of passes with each of those guitars, Tres walks in and hands me this beat up old Alvarez guitar with completely dead strings on it. He keeps it at the studio just for banging out ideas and arrangements. He says, “Let’s cut a pass with this one. Just trust me.” After a couple of years working with Tres, I have learned to trust his instincts. That old beat up guitar with dead strings is the one you hear on this track. Tres made the right call — it fits the song perfectly. If my old man were a guitar, he wouldn’t be a high-end Gibson or Martin… he’d be the old Alvarez with the dents and scratches.
What made you want to release this song as the first single? Also, what made you name the album after this song? Do you consider it a key song on the album, is it your favorite, or does this song encapsulate the themes of the album?
This has always been a powerful song for me, and I think it means a lot to other folks as well. Despite the fact that it is a slower ballad, it is one of my most requested songs at live shows. It’s just a straightforward, honest song that touches a nerve for many people. I do consider this a key song on the album as it encapsulates many of the themes that other songs on this album speak to. I am often asked to name my favorite song that I have ever written. It’s “Diamonds,” every time, without hesitation.
What do you hope listeners take away from this song when they hear it? What do you hope its message is?
There is a tremendous amount of noise in our world today. There are people and powers constantly competing for our time, attention, and allegiance. If we aren’t diligent, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s truly important — faith, family, friends, community, and sense of purpose. In the midst of whatever challenges they might be facing, I hope this song refocuses the listener on what matters most.
What’s next for Mike Thomas?
There was a 10-plus-year period that ended just a few short years ago in which I didn’t write, record, or perform live. I don’t regret taking that break, but I am grateful to those who encouraged me to get back to making music. In a way, that extended break has made me more appreciative of where I am now. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by a group of people who are always ready and willing to play a live show or head into the studio. I’m just soaking up the opportunity to write, record, and release songs into the world and I have no plans of slowing down!
