Inside the Sound: A Conversation with Thomson Andrews®️ — India’s Copyrighted Voice of World Music

An Exclusive Interview with Thomson Andrews®️ — India’s Copyrighted Voice of World Music

Thomson Andrews®️, India’s Copyrighted Voice of World Music, stands as a trailblazer blending global sounds with Indian soul. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his musical journey, creative evolution, and contribution to world music.

With India’s music scene more global than ever today, there are few musicians who capture that cross-cultural harmony as naturally as Thomson Andrews®️ — a singer, songwriter, vocal arranger, and artistic entrepreneur whose voice has bridged boundaries.

From lending his sonic stamp to Netflix’s “Bads of Bollywood”, Yash Raj Films’ “WAR 2”, and Anurag Basu’s “Metro… In Dino”, to coaching Bhutan’s best singers in a groundbreaking cultural program, Thomson’s path has become something much bigger than music — it’s a movement.

Recently, Thomson achieved something that very few Indian artists can say — his name, Thomson Andrews®, is now a registered trademark under the Indian Intellectual Property Department, signifying his evolution from artist to international brand.

What’s your earliest memory of music, and when did you realize it would become your career?

Thomson Andrews: Music was present throughout my life as a child. My household was very religious and musical, so singing came as a second nature — whether it was church choir or during family get-togethers.

I believe the first time I knew it was meant to be was when I got up on stage as a kid and witnessed people getting emotionally touched. It was embarrassing. I recall thinking, if my voice can touch hearts, then this is what I am supposed to be doing. From then on, no Plan B — only music.

How do you approach songwriting — do you start with melody, lyrics, or an emotion?

Thomson Andrews: Always feeling. Melody and lyrics are vehicles for me — but feeling is the engine. I might begin with a melody and its variations based on what inspiration I get or the mood at times I write to a beat or instrumental track that I’m vining with and after that I approach the finalized melody with a storyline vision and approach that I’m feeling suits the melody.

Occasionally a chord progression will trigger a mood, at other times it’s a memory or a rhythm heard internally.

My music is a mixture of R&B, funk, gospel, soul, and jazz — all of which are emotional vocabularies — blended with the feeling of Indian classical music. That’s where my songwriting is derived: the soul initially, followed by the structure.

What’s the most memorable concert or performance of your career so far?

Thomson Andrews: I’d say singing live before an international crowd at Madison Square Garden along with Sunidhi Chauhan in New York and in Vancouver as well. The feeling was simply surreal. Music has that ability; it goes beyond words.

Also recently my new performance act TAC (Thomson Andrews Collective) with my 28 pc band performing 3 hours non stop with live singing and full fledged choreography is a dream come true and its a feeling of euphoria to watch my audience enjoy to the show we put on and ask for encores!.

As a performing artist, live singing really develops  your confidence and stage presence and interacting and syncing with the audience simply adds to the joy of being a showman and it also reminds me of how I’m extremely blessed to be an artist and musician and am always grateful and humbled by the love and appreciation from people in the audience, that to for doing what I love the most- Music!.

As an entertainer, how do you maintain energy and connection with both live and virtual audiences?

Thomson Andrews: I approach every performance as a dialogue, not a recital. The crowd provides great energy, and I return it. Even in virtual performances — I sing directly into the lens as if singing to the heart of one individual. Connection is key.

And obviously, I maintain my physical and mental well-being — vocal warm-ups, breathing exercises, and being grounded in appreciation. That keeps my energy clean.

What inspired you to explore television hosting alongside your music career?

Thomson Andrews: I was intrigued by storytelling — and hosting provided me with another platform to engage with people outside of music.

I have hosted music television shows in the past like Hungama Music Bus where I would interview and unveil on camera the journeys of music icons like Javed Ali, Jeet Ganguly, Harrdy Sandhu, Jessie Gill, Indian Ocean to name a few artists.

This stint among others I’ve done for a promo for American Idol on Zee Cafe as well gave me the confidence that people really open up to me and I naturally enjoyed and built the conversation into a real candid chat.

For me,, becoming a podcast host on my own show ’The Thomson Andrews Show – Unveiling Journeys’ was the next chapter using the people skills and talent I possess and it wasn’t just about presenting; it was about establishing a personal bond – artist to artist and setting an insightful chat to inspire and uplift viewers .

It actually helped me be a better orator and boosted my confidence, gave me a fresh perspective about myself upon getting such positive and wonderful reviews from eminent personalities like Rajshri Film’s Producer Sooraj Barjatya sir, Ace Bollywood Film Directors Nikhil Advani, Ram Madhvani and talented actors like Anjali Anand, Nikita Dutta, Baron Sobti; and all this happened smoothly because I was learning to read energy and emotion outside of the stage and beyond my world of music.

What challenges do Indian contemporary artists face when entering global markets?

Thomson Andrews: The greatest challenge is being heard and accepted for your uniqueness. Often, Indian artists are asked to be placed in a “Bollywood box.” But things are changing — audiences now yearn for originality. You can sing in Hindi or Tamil or English, and yet reach out worldwide.

The secret is being your most authentic self, having a strong narrative as an artist, and faith in your talents and ability.  I’m known in the music industry for my forte; which is Rnb, Funk, Gospel, Blues, Jazz, Soul and Pop singing that blends beautiful into my learning of Indian classical as well and across 17 years, my singles, playback singing, advertising jingles and animated character singing projects all resonates this distinct sound hence setting my sonic identity as an Indian Artist.

When I collaborate with international producers, I introduce my Indian sensibilities blended with global music influences unabashedly — that is my advantage.

Are there international or Indian artists you dream of collaborating with?

Thomson Andrews: So many! Global-wise, Bruno Mars for the funk and R&B feel, Jacob Collier due to his harmonic brilliance, and Jon Bellion for his writing approach.

In India, I’d want to co-create something experimental with A.R. Rahman Sir once again, and create something new with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy merging choir, Indian classical, and jazz.

Is there a project or partnership that felt transformative for your career?

Thomson Andrews: Bads of Bollywood was definitely one. Aryan Khan’s direction brought a cinematic freshness, and working with Shashwat Sachdev on the acapella arrangements was creatively liberating.

Then, mentoring in Bhutan was life-changing. It made me realize that my purpose goes beyond performing — it’s about passing on what I’ve learned. It’s been a wonderful journey throughout my career as I keep uplifting and mentoring upcoming artists who get referred to me to get work in the industry and I’m blessed to have mentored more than 200 artists in my entire career, some of whom have become stars in their own right.

And the official Thomson Andrews®️ trademark recognition off recent felt like a defining moment. It told me that my name, my art, my brand — they’ve earned their place and I’m grateful to the Indian music industry and to all my seniors, mentors and colleagues for constantly putting their trust in my talents and creative vision. I am a proud Indian artist.

You’re also a vocal arranger for major Bollywood productions. What’s the art behind vocal arranging that people rarely see?

Thomson Andrews: Vocal arranging is like painting — but your colors are voices. In Bollywood, much of the way that a song or film score sounds cinematic is from unseen layers of harmonies, ad-libs, and textures.

My task is to craft those layers, counters, co-ideating and composing additional vocal layers that will blend with the main composers tune, lyrics, the composers vision and the visual brief given to the team.

Vocal arranging is emotional and not mechanical for me. Whether it’s for WAR 2, Metro In Dino, or a Netflix score, I always try to find moments where the vocals can drive the story forward, even when the listener isn’t consciously aware of it, to uplift the main song or film score and enhance the musical experience.

How has being officially trademarked as Thomson Andrews®️ changed your perspective as an artist?

Thomson Andrews: It’s liberating. It’s not only about having a name — it’s about having your story. As Indian artists, we develop intellectual property day by day — our songs, our voice, our stories — but we never safeguard it.

Registering Thomson Andrews®️ was a declaration: that an Indian artist can be a brand, and not a surname in credits. It’s about creating legacy for a reason.

You’ve been releasing independent music too. How do your indie singles reflect your identity?

Thomson Andrews: My indie music is the most honest expression of myself — raw, emotional, influenced by my vast musical diet and at times spiritual. My singles combine Contemporary Pop, R&B, Funk, Jazz, Soul and Gospel heritage with Indian melodies and cinematic textures.

They’re narratives from my life and things I feel dearly about — love, belief, hope, and discovering light. I consider them my “soul diaries.”

They also serve as a reminder to people that I’m more than just a behind-the-scenes arranger & session singer; I am an artist, composer, singer-songwriter with a voice and an expansive vision.

How do you remain creatively inspired after decades in business?

Thomson Andrews: By being curious. I’m constantly learning — from others, from traveling, from silence, from so much happening around me. I surround myself with positive energy.

Each time I listen to a new artist or music from another culture, I remember why I fell in love with this art. The voice is endless, creativity is unlimited and borderless and connects people across the world — that’s what keeps me going.

What can fans look forward to from your next music and projects?

Thomson Andrews: A lot of new soundscapes! There are collaborations in the works for more OTT and film projects where I’m contributing as a vocal arranger and singer, new indie singles, and international music tie-ups and mega projects and IP’s self curated.

I’m also expanding Throan of Art into global mentorship programs, inspired by the Bhutan project. My brainchild – TAC live (Thomson Andrews Collective) is also releasing new original music with an array of multiple artists under TAC being featured on my compositions, and we are learning up for a very busy gig and live show touring season coming up.

Expect more music and creative ventures with meaning — something that moves your soul and grooves your heart.

If you could encapsulate your artistic philosophy in one sentence

Thomson Andrews: “Be grounded in who you are, but have your creative vision & talent reach where it needs to go.”

Thomson’s story resonates with passion and purpose, inspiring artists everywhere to embrace originality and diversity in their musical pursuits.

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