"Real success isn’t charting songs — it’s hearing someone say, ‘Your music pulled me out of a dark place.’ That’s the real win."
Q. Your musical style draws from many genres. How did growing up in a military family and living in places like Japan, Mississippi, and Florida influence the sound and soul of your music?
Growing up in a military family meant constant movement, and every place I lived left a mark on me. Japan taught me discipline and focus. Mississippi gave me the blues, gospel, and grit. Florida brought the beach vibes and Southern rock influence. I absorbed a wide range of sounds — from samurai calm to swamp soul — and they all live in the DNA of my music. That journey shaped not only the way I write songs, but how I feel them.
Q. You’ve mentioned your father’s reel-to-reel collection as a huge influence. How do legends like BB King, Elvis, and The Four Tops show up in your own songwriting and production today?
Outlaw in the USA is about grit, freedom, and standing tall when the world tries to knock you down. In today’s divided climate, I want people to hear that song and remember who we are at our best — proud, united, resilient. It’s not about politics. It’s about heart. It’s about honoring those who fight for our freedoms and reminding people that being an “outlaw” sometimes just means refusing to give up on what you believe in.
Charting songs and sold-out shows are great — but real success, for me, is hearing from someone who says, “Your music helped me through a dark time,” or “That show made me believe in myself again.” My mission is about connection, not just applause. If I can use my story, my struggles, and my songs to help someone else rise — that’s the win.
Q. You’re bringing Hypnaughty to Nashville with new elements. How does blending hypnosis, comedy, music, and empowerment deepen your connection with the audience?
Hypnaughty is more than a show — it’s an experience. People come for the laughs, but they leave transformed. By blending hypnosis with comedy, music, and subtle empowerment techniques, we break down walls. The audience gets to laugh at themselves, let go, and maybe even release some pain they didn’t know they were holding. It’s interactive therapy disguised as outrageous fun.
Q. If you could go back in time and perform one of your songs for a music legend from your childhood, who would it be and what song would you play — and why?
Growing up in a military family meant constant movement, and every place I lived left a mark on me. Japan taught me discipline and focus. Mississippi gave me the blues, gospel, and grit. Florida brought the beach vibes and Southern rock influence. I absorbed a wide range of sounds — from samurai calm to swamp soul — and they all live in the DNA of my music. That journey shaped not only the way I write songs, but how I feel them.
Q. You’ve mentioned your father’s reel-to-reel collection as a huge influence. How do legends like BB King, Elvis, and The Four Tops show up in your own songwriting and production today?
My father’s reel-to-reel was like a time machine. Listening to BB King taught me that pain can sing. Elvis showed me how to command a stage. And The Four Tops taught me about soul, groove, and harmony. You’ll hear all of that in my music today — from the emotional guitar bends to the storytelling, the swagger, and the layered vocals. I pay homage to those legends every time I step up to the mic.
Q. Outlaw in the USA has become a patriotic anthem for many. What message do you hope listeners take away from it — especially in today’s social climate?
Q. Outlaw in the USA has become a patriotic anthem for many. What message do you hope listeners take away from it — especially in today’s social climate?
Outlaw in the USA is about grit, freedom, and standing tall when the world tries to knock you down. In today’s divided climate, I want people to hear that song and remember who we are at our best — proud, united, resilient. It’s not about politics. It’s about heart. It’s about honoring those who fight for our freedoms and reminding people that being an “outlaw” sometimes just means refusing to give up on what you believe in.
Q. You’ve launched the WhiskeyTown Warriors initiative to help veterans. What specific types of support does the program provide, and how can fans get involved?
WhiskeyTown Warriors is about healing — mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We offer free hypnotherapy audio sessions, music designed for stress relief, and support networks for veterans dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Fans can get involved by donating, sharing the mission, buying our music and merch, or just showing up to our shows with an open heart. Every bracelet sold, every song streamed, helps fund the cause.
Q. What does success look like for you — is it charting songs, sold-out shows, or something more personal related to your mission?
Q. What does success look like for you — is it charting songs, sold-out shows, or something more personal related to your mission?
Charting songs and sold-out shows are great — but real success, for me, is hearing from someone who says, “Your music helped me through a dark time,” or “That show made me believe in myself again.” My mission is about connection, not just applause. If I can use my story, my struggles, and my songs to help someone else rise — that’s the win.
Q. You’re bringing Hypnaughty to Nashville with new elements. How does blending hypnosis, comedy, music, and empowerment deepen your connection with the audience?
Hypnaughty is more than a show — it’s an experience. People come for the laughs, but they leave transformed. By blending hypnosis with comedy, music, and subtle empowerment techniques, we break down walls. The audience gets to laugh at themselves, let go, and maybe even release some pain they didn’t know they were holding. It’s interactive therapy disguised as outrageous fun.
Q. If you could go back in time and perform one of your songs for a music legend from your childhood, who would it be and what song would you play — and why?
I’d go back and play Every Setback is a Step to My Comeback , which is new and will be on my next album, for BB King. I think he’d feel the soul in it. That song is about resilience, redemption, and not letting life’s lows define you. BB played the blues with a kind of hope underneath it all — and that’s the energy I try to carry in my music. I’d want to honor him with something that echoes that truth.
Bio
Thom Kaz is a singer-songwriter shaped by a life of movement and music, growing up in a military family across Japan, Mississippi, and Florida. Influenced by legends like BB King and Elvis, his sound is rooted in rich storytelling and soul.
His album WhiskeyTown draws from real-life experiences—especially his encounters with veterans—which inspired the creation of the WhiskeyTown Warriors, a program supporting veteran mental health and wellness. Thom tours the U.S., using his music and message to give back, donating proceeds from shows, merch, and his signature BBQ sauce to help those who’ve served.
Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose
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