Heartbreak Fuels Passion: Rising R&B Star Leon Thomas Talks Defiance, D’Angelo Influence, and His Doggie Persona

Achieving viral fame or selling out concerts is impressive, but getting a custom-made piece of fashion from the pioneer of funk is another level entirely. Last spring, while at Coachella in California, Leon Thomas was about to perform with Ty Dolla $ign and George Clinton when Clinton approached him. “He recognized me as the guy who did the dog song and handed me this stylish white hat adorned with a foxtail,” Thomas shared.

Thomas donned this unique hat during his performance of his hit single “Mutt” from 2024, and also played Clinton’s classic funk track “Atomic Dog” from 1982. But this came after a rather smoky preparation in the trailer with Clinton and Ty. “I’ve quit smoking weed, but being in that trailer with them got me buzzed by the time I hit the stage,” Thomas admitted, still exhilarated by the performance that electrified a crowd of over 12,000.

Experiences like these are common when you’re emerging as a major new force in R&B. Since his album also titled “Mutt” two years ago, Thomas has transitioned from being a behind-the-scenes powerhouse working with top artists like Ariana Grande, Drake, and Post Malone, to a celebrated solo artist and a sought-after collaborator. His work now bridges the old and the new, earning personal invitations from legends like Stevie Wonder to perform tributes, and writing sessions with icons like Mariah Carey, who Thomas describes as “a really nice lady.”

Now on a European tour, starting in Copenhagen, Thomas reflects on his journey. Not one for lavish spending, he points to a diamond-encrusted Cartier watch, a purchase following major Grammy wins including Best R&B Album and Best Traditional R&B Performance, adding to an earlier Grammy for co-writing SZA’s hit “Snooze.”

“The truth is, there’s no formula to cultural moments, they often happen unexpectedly,” explains Thomas, who has often been asked to replicate the success of “Snooze” but finds such feats impossible to engineer deliberately.

Thomas’s music, particularly his single “Mutt,” showcases catchy hooks that stay with listeners, becoming a viral sensation fit for social media trends. He credits his understanding of music publishing and composition to mentoring from Babyface and inspiration from Bernie Taupin, which has shaped his approach to writing.

More than just catchy phrases, Thomas aims to revive the live musicianship of his idols like Prince and Jimi Hendrix, blending rock and R&B with an energy reminiscent of the late D’Angelo, whom Thomas regards as a trailblazer.

In his latest EP, “Pholks,” Thomas chose to explore psychedelic rock instead of filling the tracks with big-name features. He hopes to introduce young listeners to guitar solos in R&B, a genre he feels could soon be overwhelmed by AI-generated content unless artists continue to push boundaries.

Raised among musicians in New York, with his mother and stepfather playing gigs at the legendary CBGB, and his late grandfather, a jazz musician and Broadway performer, Thomas grew up immersed in a mix of classic rock and soul. This eclectic upbringing, underpinned by his family’s involvement in the Black Rock Coalition, instilled in him a confidence to blend genres without boundaries.

Initially gaining fame as a child actor on Broadway and in films, Thomas’s early exposure to performing arts led to a significant role on the Nickelodeon show “Victorious,” where he began his music career in earnest. After the show ended, he struggled to shed his teenage image and find his musical identity, a journey that took him to collaborations with Babyface and the formation of the production duo The Rascals.

Returning to acting in his 20s to support himself, Thomas never gave up on his music aspirations. His persistence paid off with the release of his debut EP “Genesis” and later, his acclaimed album “Electric Dusk.” His ability to balance swagger with vulnerability in his music has defined his style.

Despite the challenges of the genre, which demands living up to the legacies of the greats, Thomas is committed to pushing the boundaries in his performances and recordings. His recent concert in Copenhagen, where he mixed high-energy funk with soulful ballads, demonstrates his ability to engage and excite a diverse audience.

Inspired by encouragement from Stevie Wonder and other legends, Thomas feels ready to carry the torch of innovative music, blending tradition with bold new sounds. “I’m here to take risks and have fun,” he concludes, ever ready to redefine what R&B can be.