Meet the Rebel Behind the Sound: Thompson Newkirk Unleashes ‘Rebel Soul’
- STAFF
- Jun 14
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 16
By: Staff
Something Fierce Is Stirring…Thompson Newkirk released “Rebel Soul”
There’s a sound rolling in like heat off the pavement — gritty, soulful, and unmistakably untamed. It doesn’t ask for permission. It doesn’t beg for attention. It just hits you square in the chest and dares you to feel something real.
A bold new anthem has emerged for those who don’t follow maps, who question the rules, and who carry a fire in their chest that won’t be silenced. It’s a soundtrack for the wanderers, the misfits, and the ones who never quite fit in — and it’s got stories to tell.
At the heart of it all is an artist whose music feels like the hum of an engine on an open road, with roots deep in the blues and eyes fixed on the horizon. A six-string rebel with a weathered soul and a knack for capturing life’s grit with groove and heart.
We got the chance to sit down with the artist behind “Rebel Soul” — a song that’s already becoming a rallying cry for staying true to yourself, no matter the cost. The conversation that followed was as raw and resonant as the track itself.
Keep reading to step inside the world of Thompson Newkirk. You’re going to want to hear what he has to say.
Begin Interview:
We are excited to have connected with Thompson Newkirk.
Hello, Thompson Newkirk, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. We want to start by saying we loved this song! The punchy drums, dreamy guitars and your vocals, they hit so hard! Your music is deeply rooted in the blues, but with a Southern rock and Americana twist. How did you manage to keep those classic influences feel so fresh in this track?
A. For me, a song is less about the individual notes and style, and more about the overall groove and where it takes you as a listener. I believe in "keepin it simple" - One of the worst things you can do is try to make something complex just for the sake of making it complex; Less usually is more and I have always loved the organ and slide guitar. Both of them sound and feel like vocal choruses when they are played. With all of that in mind, this is how I landed on the vibe and overall groove of this track. Because technically, it isn't a hard song but it isn't about technicality, it's about simplicity.
Q. You describe your sound as “beach life for the urban person.” That’s a vivid image. Can you unpack how that idea translates into your guitar tone and lyrical approach?
A. Living in a place like New York City can feel like a never ending rat race. I grew up on the water, going to the beach, house parties, cook outs and taking it easy. What comes out of us, can sometimes be what is most desired. What I mean is, sometimes we write, speak, or emote about what we most want and what we most long for. Laid back lazy afternoons by the water aren't always easy to come by in a place like NYC or any big city for that matter. I am creating a culture and community around this lifestyle specifically in the city. My desire is that my music, brand, and overall sound and vibe bring the listener to that place. Maybe you're on a subway, or in traffic, or waiting in line just to get a coffee or a drink - perception is reality they say and I'd like to give you the rosey glasses to view your reality through.
Q. “Rebel Soul” feels like a personal anthem. What moment or experience lit the fuse for writing it?
A. It's important to know yourself. It's important to know what you're here to do and to find solace in that. Comparison is the thief of joy and sometimes you have to actively force yourself to stay on task and to remember what it is that you are doing. This song is that for me; the reminder of who I am and what I have turned down and sacrificed to be here at this moment. If you stop now, it was a waste. If you persevere, it's par for the course.
Q. You mention being kicked out of Canada… not so fast, we need more! - What’s the story there, and how did that experience shape the narrative of this track?
A. Yes! I was in fact kicked out of Canada years ago. I was working without the proper permits in Canada and I came through the border without correct documentation, and they told me that I was not allowed to return for at least 1 year. This was a turning point for me because I had to move back to Georgia and essentially rebuild my life. I had to get a new job and restructure my path forward. These are the trials and tribulations that make us who we are. I knew what I wanted and sometimes you have to back up a bit to get a running start to clear all of the hurdles. People only ever hear about the success stories, business, pregnancy, love, graduation etc. What people don't hear is the failures and heartbreak and hard work that it took to garner that success.
Q. Your signature vibe, weathered amps and sun-faded denim, feels almost cinematic. How important is visual identity in reinforcing your sound and storytelling?
A. We eat first with our eyes, we remember with smell, and we listen and absorb through our ears. It's not that the visuals alone are important, it's that the story and the entirety of all aspects are correctly represented. The visuals are not something that I think about, I just see them in my mind's eye.
Q. If “Rebel Soul” were a scene in a film, what would be happening, and who would be behind the wheel?
A. This isn't even hypothetical. It's part of the plan and certainly part of the visual process that I talked about previously - It would most likely be me behind the wheel of a Chevy truck packed lightly with clothes and loaded to bear with aspirations and dreams.
Q. There’s a strong sense of place in your music, from Southern grit to coastal soul. Do you write differently depending on where you are physically or mentally?
A. I don't think so. This, what you described is my place, my lane, my home. For example, my guitar solos and instrumental breaks are not difficult, they are the melodies that run through me.
Q. You’ve been described as a “six-string storyteller.” How do you strike that balance between guitar-driven energy and emotionally resonant lyrics?
A. "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" - I'm not one for shallow conversation, and I don't enjoy overly heavy atmospheres. I want to say important things in a way that makes you want to listen and that inspires me to keep writing them down and telling them.
Q. As a lifelong Fender player and Elixir Strings artist, how do your gear choices help shape your sound, especially on a track like “Rebel Soul”?
A. That is such a poignant question. Especially for the guitar solo in Rebel Soul, I wanted the sound of the guitar to catch you and transcend you in the same way that The Doors guitarist, Robby Krieger's guitar solo on "Light My Fire" does. I can remember my father saying when we listened to that song so many times - "This takes me right back to the 70's"
Q. In a world full of conformity, “Rebel Soul” feels like a musical middle finger. What advice would you give to artists struggling to stay authentic in today’s industry?
A. As Michelangelo the famous sculptor said, "The sculpture, the painting, the song is already there, you just have to chip away the excess" Write what you came here to write; Put it to the music that flows from you. No one wants to hear music or read literature or watch something that reminds them of their favorite. Show them something new. Show them something that they didn't know that they liked and that they didn't know that they were missing; That they didn't know that they needed.
Q. You’ve crafted music that feels perfect for road trips and bonfires. When you write, do you imagine specific scenes or settings where people will listen to your songs?
A. We live in an age where rarely do people listen to a song from start to finish. Most of my songs don't end the way that they began and my hope is that people can play these songs in the background and get something new each time they listen. Road trips are great because they give you the opportunity to think without too much obstructing your thoughts.
Q. Love gone sideways and soul searching are universal themes. How do you make them feel specific and personal in your writing?
A. It's probably because I'm writing about experiences that are specific to me. The themes may be universal and at face value may sound generic, but the stories are individual and singular
Q. What’s your songwriting process like? Do you start with a groove, a lyric, or a mood you’re chasing?
A. Well, I always have a few grooves swirling around in my head but honestly, I'd say that most of my songs end up flowing out all at once. Of course there are tweaks and other drafts but overall, when I have something to say or to write about, it usually all comes out at once.
Q. You’ve been hustling in the New York scene with a Southern rock backbone. What’s the biggest challenge of blending such contrasting musical worlds?
A. Your differences are your strengths. People forget that New York is home to everyone of all colors, creeds, religions and cultures. Finding your people can be tough, but they're there - go find them.
Q. Describe your favorite type of venue for performing. What is it about that setting that brings out the best in your music and energy on stage?
A. Any venue where the sound is good on stage and dynamic for the audience; This allows the lyrics and heart of the songs to be heard by the band and truly felt by the audience. The ability to project a loud anthem style sing-a-long and then to have a reflective moment allows for the full range of emotion.
Q. So, what’s next? Can you share some details about your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? Are there any new releases or surprises on the horizon?
A. At the moment I am gearing up to release two more songs before the end of the summer. The next song is fun but with a message. The one after that is something that no one is expecting. I look forward to unveiling it.
Thompson Newkirk, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Thompson Newkirk’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
