In every generation, music plays an important role in levying the sanity of teenage angst. Today, mainstream music is far different than it was ten years ago. But music has always played a vital role in molding society and pop culture. Whether it’s pop, punk, rap, R&B, alternative-rock or hip-hop, the majority of the time, the attitudes of the people you find listening to the rhythmic beats and lyrical verses of hip-hop, are far different from those you’ll find in audiences who cater mostly to the drums and guitars of indie-rock.

Music has become a fashion statement. It has become a way of life. Every genre has its own individual scene, its own personalized definition of how it defines itself for being what it is, and its own exclusive lifestyle in which many people work hard to maintain the image. But what if you love music just for the love of music?  What if you are not a part of any scene and your personal style is simply a reflection of your personality as whole than geared towards a specific musical sub-culture?

Thomas’ Apartment is an upcoming band made up of Vietnamese and Chinese American boys from Southern California. Breaking through the scene with their upbeat sounds, love and passion for music; these guys are breaking the stereotype that it doesn’t matter what you look like or how you dress. As long as you have a love for music that’s all that really matters.

I am at Thomas’ apartment with the members of Thomas’ Apartment: Thomas, Nam, Bao, Billy and Pete. This remarkable realization fills me with glee to know that I am among a few people (other than their family and friends) who will get to say that. The band of brothers is very hospitable. Before we started the interview, one of the guys hands me a cup of water. I’m working but it feels like home.

NHA: So, how did you guys come up with the name: Thomas’ Apartment?

Thomas: We just started jamming there. Nam invited me to play with him and then Bao invited me to play with him. And so one day they kind of just like came over. We just started playing there and it seemed like the kind of place everyone just came to practice. We went through some names, and said: ”let’s be humble about this, let’s be like college students and we’re just gonna call it: Thomas’ Apartment.”

NHA: How do all of you other members feel that it’s “Thomas’” Apartment? Does it make you feel like he’s the leader of the band? Are you [Thomas] the leader of the band? 

Thomas: Not exactly. You know I just happen to be the guy that has the apartment where everyone practices at. I don’t know; it makes me feel great! [Laughs] 

Nam: I think that Thomas’ Apartment has that little ring to it because of the “issis” sound you know in Thomas’ Apartment, like I don’t know like “Bao’s Apartment.” 

Bao: Sounds good to me. 
[Everyone laughs] 

Billy: I would’ve preferred “Billy’s Apartment” [laughs] but... Naw, I think it worked because at that time Thomas seemed like the most humble guy, and I was really full of myself back in college [laughs] so it would’ve made sense to call it “Billy’s Apartment”, but it just so happens to be his apartment and so we just figured, you know, he won’t take it to his head, which he hasn’t. So it’s alright. 

Bao: No, actually Thomas was like, “If you want to use my apartment, then you’re gonna have to name the band after me.” Secret negotiation. 
[Everyone laughs]

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