Tiffany Thompson is a performing artist and songwriter based in New York City. Her music speaks to human emotion and the journey between the now and not yet.
Interview Conducted on April 22, 2020
By Dan Locke
Tiffany’s journey has been anything but straight. Her love for people, music, and the connection made when those things collide brings her more joy than the most glorious of sunrises.
What is your upbringing?
I’m originally from Iowa. My pastor’s father moved the family to Moscow, Russia when he started working with a church there. It planted wanderlust in my blood. When we moved back to the US, the family settled in Austin, Texas where I started taking guitar and piano lessons while developing as a songwriter through my passion for writing poetry. I did return to Moscow to study Russian and political science at Moscow State University. The years of traveling and experiencing other cultures helped shape my music.
How did you discover music?
My grandfather was an upright bass player in the military, and after the war became a piano salesman. So, playing music was in the DNA and something my brothers and I were always encouraged to do.
How did you start to write music and poetry?
As the youngest of three, poetry was a safe, quiet place for me to communicate my emotions. I remember writing poems as a 6-year-old in Russia and then I began writing songs in Austin around 13 years old.
Who is Rosetta G. Kelly?
Rosie is the close friend of a close friend of mine. He heard me sing at an event and particularly appreciated my phrasing. Perhaps on a whim, he asked if I had ever put poetry to music, and I said I was open to it. That began the project of digging into Rosetta’s poetry and creating an album for her.
You are based out of New York City. How do the emotion and the sounds of the city help you with your writing?
New York brings everything alive. At the time of this interview, I am in Maryland – staying safe during COVID. But, the last song in my little apartment was dripping with NYC vibes and love. “Wine glasses and cocktail cups, scattered on the bar at Buvett . . . ” I miss it.
Do you remember how you got your first guitar?
My grandfather, who I spoke of before, sold pianos, but that gave him a connection at Martin. So, I did all this research for what I wanted an in the end, he said he could only get the JC-Jumbo; and he said he would split the wholesale cost with me: $500 from me, $500 from him.
And do you still have it?
Yep, I have never bought another acoustic. I love and hate it – but it has been everywhere with me and feels like home.
What do you think of shows like American Idol and The Voice?
Back in 2010, I was part of an American Idol “cattle call” in Chicago. At the time I had a full-time job but had always done music on the side. American Idol and The Voice are kinds of the litmus test of talent and people often ask me if I’d ever auditioned for them, so that experience made me realize that I’d just spent all this time and effort for this one-shot, but what if I started really working on my own to get my music out to the people who love it, then I got caught up in that moment- a vision of where I wanted to go and this passion started building to make it happen. You know how earthquakes have an epicenter and it takes a while to get out to the far edges, and that is what happened to me.
Do you still do House Concerts?
I love house concerts – I think it is where my music is best experienced.
I am going to make you think back. I saw you play at the Elbo Room with Ethon Butler in Chicago back on Jan. 27, 2014. Since they are now closed. How was it to play there?
Wow – that is forever ago! That was a really special night. Big stage, plenty of room. We did it as a songwriter round, and of course, Butler was brilliant. Huge voice, heart, talent. My parents were there, and I remember feeling like the night was a wonderful success.
Also, did you get the chance to eat any of the food during your few times you played in Chicago? And did you get to see the Cubs play during your times you played at Wrigleyville and Uncommon Ground?
I actually went to college just outside of Chicago. So, I have eaten in the city more times than I can count. I still love Chicago Pizza and oven grinders.
How was SXSW in 2014?
I actually went that year to support my brother’s company – which at the time – was in the digital content space. It was a magical experience. I saw Kimbra in this small club and became a huge fan. Uchi – soooooo good! (That is a restaurant in Austin, not a band.)
How do you stay healthy while touring?
I love walking, and since all my touring has been low key – you get a workout from lifting the gear. And of course, hot tea and good sleep.
Your single is entitled “Human Life”. What is the story behind how it got its name? What is Willow International?
The song tells the story of Willow International. Willow rescues girls out of the sex trafficking industry in Uganda and provides a safe home for them. After a life of tragedy, these girls show a strength, joy, and love that inspires me to my core. When I learned about them from my friend, I dug into their video content and stories and the song came very quickly. I wanted it to be singable – and the music video is totally what I dreamed it would be.
Also, though “Human Life” is a celebration of these particular girls triumphing over the evil of sex trafficking, it is also about all of us. Because their hopes are our hopes. Their dreams, our dreams. And across the distance, we come to recognize our own stories inside of their story. Each of us — a feather — in freedom’s wing.
You just released the video Gold in the Dirt. Which is a little different in your usual style of video. Why do you go with that look in a video?
That was released previously under my “DANAE” pop project — so the video was based off a live show I did. All those shots and the band were from the live performance. Which I loved.
What is your favorite track on the album?
On the “DANAE” album, probably “Actualized”. There is something about what my friend Phil Danyew and I created. It was supposed to feel like timeless love – and I believe we achieved that.
What are you are feeling about streaming music?
I love it as a consumer — as an artist, it creates a pretty flat listening world. Somehow having access to all the music ever made for $10 a month feels a little less special. But I think it is an innovation that is a net positive.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Digital, because I think you reach more people.
What did you do for International Women Day?
Read Mary Oliver’s poems.
What are you are feeling about the Me2 Movement?
I’m grateful that I’ve never had a Me2 experience, and my heart breaks for all the people – men and women – who have.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you??
A friend recently asked me to play “Real Joy” for her at a house show; it was good to replay that old tune. It was written as a prayer and still feels like a prayer.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
The whole world is entering a new normal. Personally, I think live music will be seen as even more valuable. For a time, concerts will need to be smaller – and I think the more intimate experiences will help people connect deeper to the spirit of the music.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I am blessed to be with a dear friend at a place with grass and roads to run – and no people.
Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?
Where I am staying, we have dinner each night and usually watch Planet Earth or a movie together. So, the evening concerts are a little hard for me right now. But if you want to host a show, just let me know and I’ll get a pass on the family meal. 😉
There was an article in the New York Times this week talking about concerts that may not start again until the fall of 2021. Do you think it could happen?
It is a truly unknown time. So, I don’t know. But if that did happen, I think it will force us creatives to create new ways of sharing our music and connecting with fans.
Any plans to tour?
Nope, not at present.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
I plan to keep releasing music and innovating in the way I perform and share it. Ultimately, I believe music is like sowing seeds. You never know which ones will click with people and grow and spread. . . so you just have to keep sharing them.
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