Thomas Gabriel is about to give fans of Outlaw Country the album they have been waiting to hear for years. Produced by the multi-GRAMMY-winning-icon, Rodney Crowell, the lyrics are raw, raucous and real, the delivery is awash in passion and purpose, and Thomas Gabriel has lived every word of it. It’s an album that took a lifetime to create and it is, right on time. This timeless piece of music could easily stand tall next to the Giants of the 1970’s Outlaw scene and will be equally at home on today’s playlists spinning between Superstars Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson and Cody Johnson.
While it is yet to be released, the album has already caught the attention of Hollywood insiders landing Thomas his first synch placement with the albums opening song, “Born Behind The Wheel.” The track will be showcased in a new Netflix film due this holiday season. Thomas has also been tapped to join a star-studded cast in his silver screen acting debut.
The album which has now been mastered, is scheduled for release later this year. Produced by legendary songwriter Rodney Crowell, it’s filled with songs of rebellion and redemption. It takes the listener on a rollicking journey through life’s hard knocks, the struggle of addiction and the hope of a better tomorrow. Driven by Gabriel’s powerful and earth- shaking vocals, the lyrics envelop the listener in vivid scenes that evoke universal emotions, audiences the world over can relate to.
Gabriel was born into a family of legends in Ventura, California to Kathy Cash (daughter to Johnny Cash and his first wife Vivian Liberto Cash). Thomas spent much of his youth touring with grandparents Johnny and June. Growing up part time onthe road had a deep and lasting impact on Thomas, as did his grandfather’s nurturing and steady encouragement for Thomas to explore his talents and musical roots.
After years battling substance abuse, Gabriel hit rock bottom while serving time in prison. The solitude of prison provoked a sense of urgency for Thomas to reflect and lean into his faith as well as his songwriting. A journey that had begun in his youth was suddenly providing him with a much-needed outlet to funnel his hopes, fears and dreams into the written word and songs.
After his release from prison, Gabriel had a strong sense of purpose in his new found sobriety. He found his footing as a father, a son, a man of faith and as a prolific songwriter. Not only has he poured his mistakes and dreams into songs, he has dedicated himself to sharing his story weekly with fans during his ever growing Monday Motivational sessions, in which Thomas serves his fans and a community of people by encouraging others not to slide down the slippery slopes of addiction. Be it during a Monday Motivational online, or from center stage on tour, Thomas is channeling the pain of his past into his purpose.
“ When things are tough, I can pump out songs like no tomorrow. Maybe I am not as self-aware when I am happy, but I am always working on my songwriting. I love performing live. When I sing one of my own songs, I put everything that went into creating it into the performance…for me the best compliment I can get is when someone tells me that my music has helped them through a hard time or touched their heart in some way. When I look in the audience and someone is singingmy lyrics back to me, that’ s it – it’ s the biggest thing by far.”
Thomas Gabriel
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