Meet Landon Thomas: The Future King of Pittsburgh R&B

The R&B scene in Pittsburgh is growing, and at the heart of it is an artist whose sound blends deep-rooted influences with a modern, soulful touch. With a musical journey shaped by family, history, and an unwavering passion for storytelling, this rising talent has been making waves in the indie scene.

From early beginnings surrounded by live musicians to carving out a space in a city known for its jazz legacy, their story is one of resilience, evolution, and artistry.

In this exclusive interview, we dive into the musical origins, the challenges and triumphs of being an independent artist, and the vision they have for the future of R&B.

You’ve been making waves in the R&B scene, especially in Pittsburgh. Can you take us through your journey as an artist, and what influenced your sound in the early days?

I have been singing since I was four years old. My mother Yvette is a singer and still performs live and is frequently with bands. My grandmother used to sing and had a vast knowledge of music. My uncles also, they always were live musicians. Growing up in a musical family you grow with a lot of influences from The Temptations to Carlos Santana to Usher to Stevie Wonder to Tupac. In my upbringing everything was played, and each part of that music is a piece of me.

Pittsburgh is known for its strong musical jazz culture, but the indie R&B scene is still growing. How do you think your music fits into the city's landscape? 

Starting off, I felt I did not fit to be honest. I started performing at a time where my contemporaries were mostly rap. As the indie R&B scene grows universally, I feel like I have a village of greats. I am a history buff, so learning the rich history in Black music and art gives me pride. We come from a place of people who make something out of nothing and build legend. My goal has always been to contribute and continue that legend. I am right where I need to be and growing into what I can be and contributing to that personal legend.

As an indie artist, what have been some of the most rewarding and challenging parts of navigating your career so far?

I feel like it’s been getting my name out there with smaller resources. There is an abundance of resources that I always felt did not cater to my brand and image and while making do with what I have, I’ve learned that while honing your craft, you must be patient. Take a little longer to work and to make time for what you want because in the end you must believe in yourself enough to do the work. 

We understand that you have experience teaching music. How has teaching others influenced your own music-making process or creative outlook?

Its taught me patience. (haha) like each class or each opportunity that has come to me has been different. While we are all inspired by something, being someone who is given the opportunity to inspire someone else is a blessing. Its taught me to never take any of these moments for granted because that is the goal. The goal is to continue to move our culture forward. We aren’t running a race that ends, and you must be willing to move forward and pass the baton. To be able to trust someone to take it further than you. Be better than you. Is always the ultimate success.

What are some of the key lessons you try to instill in your students when it comes to music, performance, or even the business side of things? 

One lesson is patience. I was not patient enough as a kid with my uncles or with my mentors if I’m completely transparent. Although being able to start my own race allowed me to make my own mistakes and learn from them. Realizing that Rome isn’t build in a day and it takes time to hone your ability and craft is important. There is no easy route and there is a multitude of places this dream can take you. Also never track your success by the opinion of others. Find what you feel makes you successful and happy, then apply it every day.

Has your experience as a teacher helped you build a connection with your audience in ways you didn’t expect?

Its complicated yes. Because those who “know” respect the outlook of paying it forward. However, I never lead with being a teaching artist. A lot of my thought process is to compartmentalize it unless it comes up. It allows me to appreciate the connections I have built. I might even give information or help to people and never speak about it because the reward is in pushing us forward. I’m just a messenger at the end of the day.

Your music has been gaining a lot of streams recently. What do you think it is about your sound or your approach that’s resonating with listeners right now?

I feel as though my music has gotten more vulnerable whether it’s an uncomfortable truth or a truth I need to share. A friend of mine spoke to me recently about how much passion is in my words. As an artist, having people relate to the good and bad parts of yourself is rewarding and knowing that people find what I am feeling relatable. It makes me appreciate giving more of myself with each project.

With streaming platforms being such a big part of how artists connect with fans, how do you measure success in terms of streams and engagement?

I think being able to go on a platform and finding content to my music or someone finding my music and reaching out to me has been the best way to measure it. Like “wow” you liked my song enough to reach out to me and make a connection and that’s beautiful. You can’t replace the feeling of having people come support you and find you based on hearing a song.

Has the reception to your music so far influenced the direction of your upcoming projects?

It has made me feel its ok to share major pieces of myself. To be comfortable enough to talk about my wrongs and my rights. Sometimes we are the villain in our own stories, and we must own up to everything. A lot of the music that my people are championing, whether it’s a simple hook or a complicated verse, comes from a real place and that makes me excited to dig deeper.  

What are your biggest goals for the upcoming year, both musically and personally? 

Right now, I’m on a quest for 1 million streams this year. I had my biggest streaming day to date with my last single which is amazing. I’m measuring each step whether its small or big. To keep traveling and teaching, to finish school, to keep finding my audience and pouring into them is the goal. Personally, to secure my dream and inspire my daughter and her siblings who are both like my sons (because were all family), my brother, my nephew, my niece, that dreams come true.

How do you plan to evolve your sound in the coming year? Are there any collaborations or projects you’re particularly excited about? 

I really want to dive into Pop music, Rock Music, Country music, and other aspects that are mining the wealth of what R&B has contributed to music. A lot of these genres would not exist the way they do without black music and being someone who studies music myself, I would love to experiment with my sound and give more of the beautiful spectrum of sound that has influenced me. Prince, Jimi Hendrix, Muddy Waters, James Brown, The Beatles, The Isley’s… it all comes from Soul music. I’m excited to collaborate and write for as many people as possible. In the end each collaboration is a major experience and an extension of growth.

As an independent artist, do you have any plans for expanding your fanbase or gaining more exposure in the next 12 months?

I REALLY want to tour and do more festivals. Building a great show and touching the people has always been a dream. So being able to extend the culture to more live performances and reaching as many people as possible is super important. I’m manifesting the opportunity to do so and provide for my family with what I love to do. 

What kind of impact do you hope to have on the R&B genre and the Pittsburgh music scene in the near future?

I want to be a great! I mean anyone in music should want to be a great and to be someone people revere and to be able to honor that bond. I look at the Isley Brothers and how their footprint has reached everyone. How they are constantly sampled how Mr. Ronald Isley can tour the world and still give his fanbase what they want. It’s very inspiring and I want that for myself. I want to be able to be correlated with the “Pittsburgh Sound” and for everyone around me to show how much we have to offer and how talented of a city we come from.

Looking back on your growth as an artist, what advice would you give your younger self when you first started out in the music world?

That you must believe everything is going to work out. Everything is going to be ok. Patience is a virtue and to work hard and to give yourself grace. Success is not linear and it’s going to take you many of places before you find your goal. Also, success is relative. What is success to you may not be a goal for others. And your idea of success and growth will change, as you grow.

As you continue to rise in the music industry, how do you stay grounded and focused on your core values as an artist?

My mother, my sister, my brother, my daughter and my family. They make me realize that no matter what family, love, friendship, being a great man is ultimately the goal. Love keeps you grounded and understanding because it’s the best teacher aside from experience. It teaches you selflessness and no matter what it’s not just about you. It’s about what you contribute and share with those around you. 

As Landon continues to push boundaries and expand his sound, one thing remains clear—the journey is as much about legacy as it is about success. Whether through music, teaching, or live performances, Landon are dedicated to contributing to the culture and leaving a lasting impact.

With big goals on the horizon, including a million streams, touring, and experimenting with new genres, the future looks bright. Landon's story is a testament to the power of patience, perseverance, and passion, proving that true artistry is about more than just music—it's about moving the culture forward!